Make a Bag Using a Border Print
by admin — 234 Comments » Lazies, Fussy cutting, or cutting to feature a particular part of the fabric, is handy for creating balance and symmetry when working with repeats. The green fabric on the Claire Handbag below is a fussy cut of a border print, or an elaborate stripe, from the Hushabye line by Tula Pink for Moda.
A centered stripe fabric, or border print,
makes up the symmetrical green fabrics.
Where To Start
Below is the striped fabric I used for this Claire. The stripe wasn’t wide enough to use just one for the cover, but the stripes are close enough that I can use most of two stripes and the space between them.
I lined up the center of the green with a line on my cutting mat. Then I simply measure for half of the cover in each direction and cut.
A wide stripe or border print can be fun.
I’ve overlaid the photo with a graphic showing the center and the overall cut size. The angled lines represent the center panel that will be swapped from the front to the back of the bag.
Find the center then cut the cover piece.
The Final Result
With the front and back views side by side, you can see where the center of the striped fabric offers a little variety on the back and the fabric is symmetrical because we centered the piece.
Front and back views of the same bag.
Here’s a view of the inside of this Claire Handbag.
Critters and Cuties
Are you a fan of Tula Pink’s designs? I am. I love Jen’s critters and cuties which are composed of, and nearly hidden amongst her elaborate scrolling designs. The border print hides a dandy owl shown below. The pink ‘V’ is the beak. The lining features a bunny and you probably saw the butterfly on the pink fabric.
Where To Buy Claire Handbag Pattern
Get our Claire Handbag pattern here:
Enjoy!
Joan
Sew With Joan Online Classes | Joan’s Sewing Group | Pinterest
Like and share this post with your stitchy friends.
I have almost all the lazy girl patterns, and they are my all-time favorites to sew. The directions are simple and the results are spectacular. I always get a lot of compiments on my lazy girl bags I carry. Joan is very talented and kind to share so much with her lazy gal-pals…
Please enter me for the chance to win the Moda fabric. It would be sooo great to win!
The Claire Handbag is the next project on my list. Thanks so much for showing how you cut the patterned fabric.
These are some of your cutest bags ever! Just got my pattern and can’t wait to make one up!
Terri G
Love the bag – never thought of using a stripe for an accent on the bag
What a fun bag, but I am intrigued by the fabric with the “hidden” owl. My sister collects owls, this would be a fun fabric with which to make something for her.
The more variations I see, the more I want to make this bag. Would I be able to make multiple versions and donate to my church for sale at their annual Fall Festival?
I just love your fabric combinations! So cute! Please count me in for the give away!
I love the colors and the pattern in the Lazy Girl. I Love most all of the Moda fabrics Bag andalmost all the Lazy Girl designs
I LOVE the idea !!! I have always been partial to borders.
Can not wait to try this !!!!Thank you so much !!!
Nancy
I am always amazed by what you do!! I will have to pay more attention to my fabrics when I cut, I never would have thought to do this!! Thanks for all the handy tips and I really liked the post on pressing bags, great tips!
Hi Joan, I loved this pattern from the moment it arrived…i can’t decide which fabric to use …so many choices! thanks for getting my creative sewing juices flowing again, your blog is just what i need to get going! stephanie
I like the diversity of the prints…yet they all compliment one another. Thanks for giving me an idea of what to do with a border print I’ve had in my stash for about 2 years – I picked it up in Germany and was waiting to find the *right* project to do it justice. This way I could enjoy it every day! :o)
That is really cool, I have some big print pansy fabric that by doing this I could get a great look. Thanks for the great bag designs can’t wait to get “Clare” down here in Oz.
That border print!
Those colours!
Claire!!
I am in love!!
Dear Joan,
I look forward each week to your blog in my mailbox for interesting ideas. Thank you so much. I finally got my Claire pattern and now just have to decide which fabrics to use.
Susan
I have gotten the Claire pattern and have several issues going on in life but will be making this bag soon. Your ideas and blog are nothing short of inspirational. This showing us use of border prints is one of your best.
Thank you so much and I hope your ideas keep flowing you sure make us Lazies look good.
Debbie
Hi Joan,
I really enjoy the email about the Claire bag. I love that fabric and didn’t notice the owl before. I got my pattern the other day and can’t wait to make one. Thanks for all your interesting and very helpful emails.
Sincerely,
Anita
I just LOVE this bag! My pattern came in the mail over the weekend. Now I just have to decide what fabrics I’m going to use and get to making it. I can’t wait!
Hi Joan, I love your use of border prints in the bag pattern, & that owl is soooo cute. I love the looks of them, but never know just how to use the larger prints in anything other than borders. I’ll have to give this one a try. Claire is one of my all time favorite patterns. Thanks, Yvonne.
I love the Tula Pink fabric. It reminds me of finding the hidden pictures with my grandson. The designs and colors are so whimscal and charming. I can’t wait to make one. Gita
Thanks for including a photo of the border fabric you used to make this version of the Claire bag. It’s a really neat piece of fabric! I would not have thought to use it the way you did, so it is fun to look at it through different eyes.
I can’t wait to start this bag! I always make my mom a bag for her birthday, so this fits the bill!
Great idea! I have several fat quarter “left overs” from whole sets I have purchased and this will use them up. Now I can start in on my Christmas list that keeps on growing.
Thanks for showing how wonderful a border print can make this bag. I also loved finding out about the hidden animals. I was not familiar with this designer, so now I will start looking for her fabrics and secret designs.
Clever use of a striped fabric. I’m never sure what to do with them in a large quilt as it is so hard to get it symetrical. Using it in a purse would be do-able! Thanks for the idea.
I love these colors and would be thrilled to win! Thanks for the chance!
Wow, I didn’t even notice the owl until you pointed it out. I love owls and I love how it was cleverly designed as part of the fabric print! Gorgeous bag.
This bag is awesome to begin with, and then to use these wonderful fabrics! Whats not to love? This collection is perfect for the Claire bag, and I can think of many more perfect uses. Like on a jacket or a vest, or a cute swishy apron. Way to go!
I love the Claire and Miranda bags! I checked my local shop for the patterns, but they’re not in yet. I bought paisleys for the bags…just waiting for the pattern to come in. Can’t wait. Thanks for all the posts and great pictures.
Claire is a wonderful pattern and I can’t wait to make her for myself. I just made my first Summer Day Bag and what a terrific bag it is! I get compliments on it wherever I go!
Joan, thanks so much for sharing your hints for using a border motif. I LOVE border fabrics, but I’ve never been able to figure out the best way to incorporate them into a bag.
This has opened all sorts of possibilities for me. ;->
Thanks,
Dee in FL
I love this idea. I just tried this with another pattern I am working on and then you feature the idea on your blog. Great minds and all that. LOL
Rosemarie in MI
Hi! I just love this bag and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Owl pattern in this fabric. It is so hard to get, it’s always sold out when I get to the store. I love the way you used coordinating fabrics in this pattern also. Thanks for posting this with tips. It’s awesome! I would love to make this exact bag? Is that possible? I’m not the best sewer in the world, but I think I can hold my own and make some pretty fun and exciting projects! I hope I can get this fabric in time!
Thanks again!!
Grace Egeler
Lovely fabrics! Thanks for pointing out the animals in the print! I wil lcontinue to look for this designer in the future. Thanks again for the tutorail about using border for the bag can’t wait to make my own!
Your newsletters are just wonderful I now have my husband home quite ill so sewing is a great comfort and outlet for me now so keep the ideas comming I always say so many projects so little time.
I truly enjoy The bag ideas are wonderful
Sandy
Those are wonderful fabrics. I would love to win them because I have a friend’s birthday coming up.
I thoroughly enjoy reading your blog — the tips are helpful and the bags are all “I want to make this one” and “this one” and “this one” — at least one is on my “to do” list. Thanks for the inspiration!
Love it! Thanks for pointing out the owl on this fabric, too, I never would have noticed it!
You are always so generous and I love reading your posts about whatever you are working on.
Thanks!
I love Tula Pink’s designs and the way you used them! What a great idea for a border print! Thanks!
Very pretty bag. I love the pink, I guess I am a pink girl! Thanks for sharing the idea of the border print, it will give new thought to fabric selection.
Penny D in Chesapeake
Wonderful tutorial. Thank you very much. This will certainly come in handy for so many things while making purses. I just LOVE all your purses and look forward to being able to purchase many of them.
Lazy Girl Patterns are my favorite because they are not only the right size and stylish, the directions are just incredible. Not everyone can design and also instruct. You are a genius at both. I’ve made about 5 of the patterns and they just get better and better! Thank you
Your ideas are wonderful!! Thanks for all the beautiful patterns you create and all the “Lazy” tips you share!
Lisa
You know we look at the bag for several postings and don’t think anything about it other than how totally lovely and clever and useful it is… and then you post what then becomes so obvious. How the pattern pieces were cut for balance. lightbulb moment here!
Thank you for stating the subtle-ly obvious for those of us who have forgotten those type of things.
enjoy your day!
denise/deBRAT
I never noticed the animals in the fabric–how awesome!
Love the idea to fussy cut the fabric. It’s such a great look! Didn’t see the owl before you pointed it out. A leftover fussy cut square would be great for an I-spy quilt!
I recently made my first bag, Mini Miranda, after seeing a sample in my LQS. I am hooked! Your patterns are so well written. Thank you for sharing your talents with us!
Your blog is very inspirational and easy to follow any directions. Still working on my projects but love to read other ideas. Thanks so much. Happy Independence Day and Canada Day for us Canucks.
I’m going shoping this morning to find fabric to make a Claire bag, love the pattern I know I will find some great fabrics to make the bag.
Hi Joan,
I LOVE your patterns – I have a whole bunch of them, I just need more time!
If you’re looking for lazy comments – here’s mine – I’d love to win that fabric bundle, ’cause then I wouldn’t have to go shopping for it! LOL
My oldest daughter LOVES owls, so this fabric bundle would be perfect for her!
Thanks for all your Lazy projects!
Great, great, great blog! Thanks so much for sharing all of your talents.
What a great idea! I would have never thought to use a border fabric like that!
I like the way the creatures are hidden in the prints. Especially the owl. Very clever.
I love the owl! So cute. and in pink and green. Love the 2 together.
Enjoy your site, very Inspirational!!
Patty H.
I just love your blog page! It’s like having a friend that shows you what they’ve just finished making and sharing new tips with you on how they did it. Please keep sharing with the rest of us!
Thanks
I already have the pattern but haven’t chosen frabic to make her. It would be great to receive your frabic. I’ve made lots of your other patterns and love them, just can’t seem to find time to make this one.
The prints you used are absolutely perfect for the bag!
I love the creative way you used a border. I never thought of cropping a big print, or using a border going up and down. How clever!
I love your latest creation. Please keep the inspiration coming!!
I love Lazy girls, I have several bags already, I really like Clare. I can’t wait to get the pattern and get started.
Would love to win the fabric
Bags are my thing and this is the best site to be inspired.
I love this pattern and the fabrics you have selected. Please enter my name for the drawing.
i just got my claire pattern friday…..can’t wait to make it, hopefully this week.
i’m thinking of using some amy butler i’ve got just dying to be used.
love my lazy girl patterns!
What a great use for a border print. The ultimate LAZY!!
Great idea!
I just love your patterns, they are so easy to read, the pictures, the directions… If there is an easy, excuse me, lazy way to do it, you have it figured out. Thanks so much for being so creative to come up with so many ideas. Purses are my favorite thing to make. When I look at fabric, I’m always looking at it as a purse. Again, thanks!!!!
I really enjoy the email updates on blog. I just received the Claire pattern and would love to win the fabrics to use with it. Thank you for so much instructional information.
You do the very best jov of writing clear easy-to-follow directions!! Thank you for the many additional tips you offer! I have used many of them….even on other projects, I must confess.
Joan, I just love the fabric combinations that you come up with. I know that I stand in the fabric aisle at my local store and agonize over just the right fabrics to choose…I don’t know how quickly you come up with your fabric choices, but they always come out matching wonderfully with enough contrast to keep things interesting. Thanks for this post and for doing the give-away, too!
That fabric is gorgeous! I love Moda.
Hi, Joan,
I have been following your blog for quite a while now and always enjoy the tidbits you share with us. It has been exciting to read about Claire and see the variations. Now she is finally available to all of us.
I would never have seen the “owl” if it wasn’t pointed out by you and I tend to look at prints like this for the hidden images!
Anne R
Love your bags!! Great ideas! Please enter me in the give=away. Thanks
I’ll be picking up my pattern sometime this week. This looks to be the perfect bag and I look forward to making one – or, a lot! Thanks!
Finally got my Claire Pattern in the mail. Been picking out fat quarters for it for awhile. Can’t wait to make it. Thanks for the inspiration.
I love the Claire handbag! I can’t wait to get started making mine.
Not only is the fussy cutting a great idea, and one to share with my quilting group, but I love the inside compartments. This is what makes any bag practical.
There are so many possibilities!
Now to go surfing to find just the right fabric to coordinate with my wardrobe. Hmmm, this is going to be fun!
Thanks for the great ideas.
Alma Lou
Amman, Jordan
What a great idea! I have just been fussing with a border print for a Miranda bag this weekend, so I’m looking forward to trying it with Claire as well.
I love this fabric!! I think it’s my favorite Claire so far. I’m so lazy I haven’t ordered the pattern yet, but she’s on my list. I love the way you’re able to manipulate the fabric to make each one look so unique.
What a wonderful project you’ve given us!!
Great blog. Thanks for all the wonderful ideas.
Pink,green and cream, those are the colors of ice cream, and remind me of summer.
I am waiting for my Claire pattern to come to La Paz with a friend.
I have made 20 LGD bags for gifts, and 4 for myself.
I am anxiously awaiting Claire.
Susan In La Paz and Tehran
Joan,
Love all of your patterns. With your clear directions, a beginner can follow your patterns. Can’t wait to get the pattern for Claire.
This is the best purse you have offered. There are so many beautiful possibilities.
You have so many creative and fun ideas!
Marcia
I look forward to your posts on Monday monring! I enjoy your patterns and have a very nice collection! Keep up the good work!
I love the bag and the border print, going to start making the bag as soon as I get the pattern. I have made other LazyGirl bags, and they are the best!
Great idea – I can see that border print oriented so it goes across the top of the bag – a whole other look. so many choices!
I love, love, love this bag! What a fun way to show off my 2 sides ;o). Thanks for sharing this wonderful design!
I love the Lazy Girl patterns. I have my Claire pattern and am ready to sew. If only work will let up and I can sew. Guess what I will be doing fourth of July weekend?
Please enter me in the Tula Pink for Moda fabric give away.
Janet
One thing I can say about you is, you’re not afraid of color, just as I am not. I love thinking outside of the box and creating the unthinkable and coming up with a masterpiece. Creativity should have been your middle name. Thank you for all you create, artisticly( if this is a word) and sharing it with us.
Sincerely,
Patricia Robertson
Thank you again Joan for sharing your creative ideas. The fussy cut fabrics really make this bag special. Lovely color combinations and style combine to make the personality of this bag a personal statement. Barbara Klink in Saint Louis
I am loving this bag…I’ve put it on my list of things to make, and the Tula Pink is as always fantastic 🙂
This Lazy is my all time favorite. I love how you cut the fabric on the design border, and the colors are just great!
Mardeen Libby in Colorado
This is such a darling bag! I love your fabric combos and the hidden animals are adorable!
Thank You for the tips on cutting patterned fabrics and the chance to win these awesome fabrics! Im so loving the colors and those hidden animals 🙂
Love reading your blog every week. Sew many ideas that are sew much fun!!!
Kathy in Puyallup.
Love the Clare handbag! I have enjoyed all the Lazy Girl Patterns, and look forward to more in the future.
I’m making Claire right now and just love her. I’ve tweeked my fabrics around a little also. You make such nice patterns Joan. Thanks.
I really like the strange combination of colors in the border print. The Claire bag is done very nicely with the different fabrics.
I love, love, love fussy cutting fabrics and now I have a new idea for the purse! Your bags are all so easy and look so great. I make them for all my family and friends.
Count me in for the Moda fat quarter fabric drawing. Moda is one of my favorite fabrics.
Gale in California Desert
I just received my Claire pattern last week! I can’t wait to make one up–then another, then another. . .
Love the bag, love Moda fabrics and love Tula Pink designs!
when i read border print, i thought matching stripes. i like what you did.
Your newsletter is like talking to a favourite sewing friend, thank you for sharing all your sewing tips and ideas, I really look forward to hearing from you every week!!
I have made several of your patterns and I love them 🙂 I can’t wait to get my Claire pattern.
I would never have seen that owl in a million years!! Now I am going to look at the Moda site and see what else she has designed.
I love it when your readers add their location when they post-Lazy Girls are everywhere!!
Sheila in Mississauga, Ontario
I love the versatility of The Claire handbag. Just changing the fabric makes such a difference in her look. I am making one in juvenile prints and think it will make an adorable, dash-out-the-door, fun bag!
I love your purses! I am also addicted to making them–
hope I win the drawing!!!
Linda
Love the Claire handbag, can’t wait to get mine made. Thanks for all your great patterns and creative ideas.
I love the effect of the fussy cutting. Please count me in.
I love the lazy designs and tutorials. Every one is so easy to follow. The moda prints are just beautiful
I enjoy reading your blog. I’m so looking forward to some down time when I can try my hand at making a Claire handbag. Thank you!!
What a cute bag! Love how you did the stripe.
Barb
Claire looks great in any fabric combination, doesn’t she?
I can’t wait to start making Claire! My only problem is deciding on the fabric! This bag lends itself to so many combinations, I just can’t make up my mind!
Again, another winner! Super job…but then when isn’t it?
I love to embellish fabrics and the “dots” on the sides of the owl’s eyes, in this wonderful Moda fabric, is just asking for flat back crystals. And just to draw more attention to the bling, a few embroidery stitches on the owl’s “eyelashes” will be fun. Claire and the other girls rock!
I love the Moda Fabric and your creative use of them makes them even more special. Thanks for a dose of creativity. And thanks to Moda for the fabric giveaway. Someone is going to be “PRETTY” happy.
What a wonderful idea using border prints. I’ve always wondered just what to do with the left-overs.
What a great idea. I love border prints & I love LAZY patterns & tools
I too would love to win the fabric. Who doesn’t love Moda fabric? I am just starting to work on the Claire bag and have a fabric chosen that has various sizes of stripes in my friends colors of greens and oranges and white. I am trying for symetry as well. She does not sew and this is meant as a Thank you for things she has done for me. Thanks to you for the tip of using a border print. Love it.
I received my pattern last week & have not had a chance to work on a purse just yet. I did look over the pattern & it sounds like it shouldn’t be too hard to make. I would love to be entered in the drawing for the Moda fabric. Thanks for all your wonderful patterns.
JOAN..THANKS FOR THE TIP..I JUST DIDN’T THINK ABOUT IT…SO MANY MATERIALS..I JUST USED THE MIDDLE…THOSE BORDERS WOULD WORK TOO!!!..GOTTA’ GET TO WORK…LOTS OF “BIG” SCRAPS..YOU ARE THE LITTLE LIGHT ABOVE MY HEAD…THANKS AGAIN JUDY
Three bridesmaid dresses down and two to go…then the flower girls and then my rehearsal dress. This is such torture seeing how cute Claire is and not being able to work on one for me!!!
I’ve been following the blog ever since you announced the Claire handbag pattern was forthcoming. The many variations you have shared are inspiring, to say the least. I have been following all the tips and hints on putting it all together and I thank you for the clear photos and instructions. I LOVE the version you are showing on today’s blog, the Tula Pink fabrics are so beautiful! I ordered my pattern, have it now, and need some fabric to put it together. I would love to win the fat quarters you are offering in your giveaway – the fabric is perfect for this bag design. It is sultry hot here in South Carolina and I just want to hole up in my sewing room making this beautiful purse. Here’s hoping . . .
Love those fabrics! I didn’t even see the owl until you pointed it out. Genious!
Love the Claire pattern.
Thanks for showing us your fabric design ideas–it’s one of the things I’ve always admired about the bags you make.
I always enjoy reading your Blog as it opens up all sorts of possibilites for making really beautiful bags. Thanks so much.
I love this fabric and can never seem to find anything close to it in my local stores. I look and look but can’t find it on line either. I made my first Claire this past weekend and have made the Mini-Miranda, The Whimsey, the Day Bag and the Town Bag. Gee might have those names wrong! lol Anyway, I love them all but I must admit Claire is the prettiest and almost the easiest to make. Joan’s patterns are sooooooo clear and easy to follow. I do admit though I never make just the purse but always make matching wonder wallets and matching perfect pouches to go with each purse. Doesn’t seem right not to have matching accessories!
I love the Lazy Girl patterns and I have made several different purses.
I love it! So cute! I can’t wait to start making mine. Please enter my name to the fabric giveaway
Looking forward to making the Clair bag……..have the pattern, just looking for the time. All your fabric choices are wonderful. Can’t wait to get a couple of them done.
I just finished Chelsea and love her! I want to add Claire to my bag collection.
Love your patterns. Moda fabric would be a nice gift, thanks for this site.
Thank you for teaching me so many different ways of “seeing.”
Love the idea of winning Moda fabrics. Also plan on making a purse in the new future – your Lazy Girls bag looks so cute and lots of pockets for holding stuff. Thanks.
I love the Claire purse as you have made it. I have made it before also. I have not used this method. I’m definitely going to have to try it though. It makes a very “nice” purse. Thanks for the idea.
Great, great bag. I love all of the patterns and just go crazy wanting to do them all.
beautiful.
You Go Girl! Looks Great! Thanks for the tip on using border prints.
Love your blog!! Your patterns are awesome and so affordable to make.
Thanks for sharing your ideas and talents with us “Lazy Girls”!!!
Donna from Westfield, NY
I love Tula Pink! I had never notices the animals before!
I love the bag, and, love the Moda fabric that you used. I didn’t know there were animals “hidden” in it. It’s awesome!! Is this fabric available or is it coming soon???
Hi Joan,
I am an owl collector too. I have them from several different countries, thanks to a neighbor. I didn’t notice the owl either, until it was pointed out. How cool! Love the fabric & the handbag, & the colors are some of my favorites, pink being #1. Please enter me in the drawing. Looks like there’s going to be a bunch of entries!
I can’t wait to get started on my Claire bag! The blogs are so helpful and I love the instructions on the pattern! Very nice!
I love the bag and it looks so good with the fabrics .Keep up the great work
I love your patterns. I rely on my “Runaround Bag” on a daily basis!
Have Claire waiting to be done. Problem is sewing room is all apart right now–installing central AC. Can’t wait for it to be back together again–lost without my sewing. That border print is so nice. Love the owl. Thank you for your patterns Joan. They are so easy to sew.
Wow, offer something free and everyone responds. All of your bags are great, Joan, but I am most thankful for the “Adorable” pattern you helped me obtain, about a year ago. Many thanks …I have made several of them as gifts.
I just love making bags. They make the greatest gifts to give to family and friends who get to enjoy my passion for creating with fabric.
Thank you for offering this promotion it is appreciated especially in these times.
Melissa Lamb
I love the Claire!. It is just the right size for all my “essentials”. I plan to make many.
Beautiful fabric results in a beautiful bag. What a great pattern to use to get spectacular results.
Lois M.
Joan–I love the way you think! Using the stripe like that is a great idea. And, I love bunnies–I’ll have to track down that fabric!
I was so excited when the owl finally became visable to me! The Claire handbag is the best I seen that it perfect for ALL the women is my family. I will be working a long time on this for a few months, I love it! Your blog is terrific for good info snf great photos. Thank you!!
Joan the fabric is just wounderful. The pink remindes me of fluttery fly by Moda but it was in blue. Now I will be looking for striped fabric. Thanks for sharing.
Sharon P in thumb of MI
I always love reading your emails! This is a great, creative use of fabric!
Thanks & let me know when my fat quarters will be on the way! LOL!
I love the Lazy Girl patterns as they are so easy and lazy!
In addition to the purse patterns, I have two thread libraries for my Mettler sewing thread, the sewing machine cover, the three pouches for storage and travel.
Family, friends and strangers are always asking what purse pattern I used and where they can get it!
Keep up the great work, Joan!
Can’t wait to try this pattern! I didn’t even notice the owl until it was pointed out, VERY COOL!!!
I love the suggestions about using borderprints or fancy stripes. Many of them are beautiful but intimidating. Trust joan to make the process “Lazy”. Thanks, Joan, for using the illustration with the cutting lines overlaid. It makes the method really easy to understand.
I would have never thought of using a border for this purse. I have some fabric that would be great for this bag. Now I can’t wait to get it and try. Love what you have done. Thanks for the great patterns.
I absolutely love the BAGS I was so happy to see joan carrying the patterns keep up thee great work and it’ss all in the bag from here on out lol
Love the bag! Thanks for the giveaway!
I am such a huge fan of your purse patterns and have one in the making at all times! I have a border print begging to become a Lazy…thanks for the tips for it’s dream to come true very soon!
A lazy girl pattern and Moda fabric make a perfect combination. I would love to win the fat quarters. Hugs
Love the fabric. Thanks for the giveaway.
Susette
Claire is a beauty and she seems to make up so well in so many different fabrics. There will be a warm welcome waiting for her in Oz when she arrives!
What a smart idea! Sometimes I buy my border fabrics too long (I am SURE “overbuying” never happens to anybody else … not) And to create a quite small object, like the newest girl in your collection will be just sufficient! Perfect!
You continue to WOW me with each new Claire bag! Love the Tula Pink and never would have thought of using a border fabric! Thanks for the great tips! I have the pattern and some (now boring to me fat quarters!) – just waiting for enough time to get my bag made! Hope I get to make one just like yours!
Hmnmm Joan…have you ever thought of making a career out of purse pattern making? With a little practice, you just might make it in this big round world. Just kidding. As per usual, your well thought out instructions are excellent….your fabric choices delicious and you’re just a neat all-around kind of gal! Thanks so much for all you share with us.
Ruth
I love the fabrics you used. Sadly we will probably never see them here in Australia unless we buy them from OS.
They are just the cutest. Love Claire bag. she is on my ‘must have’ list.
Thanks Joan.
I just joined the Yahoo group and plan to make some of your patterns over the summer time.
love seeing the different fabrics have a hard time finding them around my small town
What gorgeous fabric, I’ve been loving you’re posts of this bag!
I’d love to give it a try..
I’ve tried to resist, I already have a pile of projects I can’t get to, but you are making it sooooo hard. Claire will have to be bumped up to the top of the list. Billie
Cool fabric and, of course, it is a really cool bag. I never would have seen the hidden critters–not even the butterfly.
Joan
What a fabulous effect the border print makes! Thinking outside the box and utilizing the symmetry of the design really makes the bag POP!
Thanks for sharing this and offering these great fabrics!
Kim in Sydney
I love the ideal of using a border print for the handbag.
What a great way to use those fabulous border prints! Who would think?
Joan
Love all your tips. Your patterns are great and so easy to follow. Too bad work gets in the way of my sewing time. I have the Mini Miranda on my work table, just need to get the time to stitch. Keep up the good work.
Oh..ohoh….looks like the perfect fabric for me and my Claire. Love all the tutorial help…and love Lazies! Thanks for the chance to win this awesome fabric.
Karen
What a novel idea, placing the fabric that way on a border print. I have just received my pattern and have several border prints in my stash — too little to make anything substantial and too pretty to give away. Hmmmm… now I can see that I’ll have several Claires.
I just love your choices of fabric for your Claire bags! You just helped me pick my fabric for Claire when I get my pattern. I have a striped print fabric that I think will work. Your a master at what you do!
i find the prints you have used in all of your clairs to be very hip, contrastingly cool. i love the more wild fabrics and colors and you seem to hit it everytime
you keep tempting me with this pattern. tempt tempt tempt. i do have a birthday coming up…..hmmmmmmm 🙂
I am new to Lazy Girl Designs but I LOVE everything I see!! I did make the Noriko (I hope that is the right name) bag that is a freebie on the group and really enjoyed working with the pattern. I hope to get more of your patterns soon, I have my eye on several.
blessings, Patricia a.k.a patchworkhen
p.s. pick me (please)
I might not have chosen those fabrics, but seeing how you used them really changes the look, very clever. I really liked the look of the bag, great pattern, great prints.
I’m known as the “BagLady” at the shop where I work and teach classes. I will definitley have to include Claire in my “Build-a-Bag” monthly class. Moda fabrics are delicious and work well in many bags.
Love it, love it, LOVE IT!
I do enjoy the Lazy Girl patterns. I really like this bag because it uses more of the fabric without being obvious about it. Nicely done.
Joan, just love the new Claire! I’ve got my pattern & fabric, now I just need a 2nd me!
Just Love all your bag patterns. What a “cool” fabric with the “hidden” owl. My mom collects owls and always uses the bags I make for her (3 so far). I would love to make Claire for her from this fabrics.
Wow … what a fab look …. now off to find border prints too.
I am so glad you posted about using a border print. I was thinking about using one and really wasn’t sure how to go about cutting it. I wasn’t brave enough to dive in and start cutting because I was afraid I would mess it up. Your diagram has given me the confidence to start whacking!
Thanks for all your inspirational ideas. You are a blessing.
I love this tip and especially the great pictures, I’m very visual in my learning style. I admit that I am addicted to making Miranda bags but as a result, I’m the most popular member of my extended family! Great website! Melanie
I love the way you did this Joan. Makes it very unique.
Hi Joan
Great patterns. I first saw someone using a wonder wallets at a show in Toronto Ontario.
Didn’t ask the person where she got the pattern. Had been looking for it for a while.
On vacation in Michigan saw the pattern and one made up in a quilting store in Marshall Michigan. Of course I purchased the pattern and have been making them ever since.
Love all your patterns looking forward to making the new Claire bag.
Would also love to win new fabric. Can never have enough to add to the stash.
Thanks for a great pattern company and a great web site.
Marie
Love your bag. Your are so helpful.
I just love your patterns. The directions are so clear and concise that they are easy to follow. Thank you for all your help in fabric and color choices.
I love all the variety with this bag! All the combinations so far look amazing on her. I’m definitely looking forward to getting this pattern.
Found my stash of bag-E-bottoms! Made a Claire and broke all the rules. Will post a pic soon, when I find my camera. Moda fabrics rock, according to my daughter.
AWESOME way to make use of those tricky border prints. Keep the amazing patterns coming 🙂
Joan,
Love the fabrics used in the latest Claire! Sew many fabric choices, sew little time.
Happy Stitchin!
Mary
Love the border print! The “Lazy” that gets the fabric will be so lucky!
Take care,
Nancy
I love this fabric line ! I’ve collected owls forever, but would have never seen the owl until you pointed it out. I was thinking stripes, not owls. Sometimes it’s hard to see the forest for the trees. That’s why your tutorials are priceless. I need to see those tips on auditioning fabrics, etc. That’s when this old dog learns new tricks. Hope to win the drawing.
Louise in Bend, OR
I love the Claire and hope to get it soon. Send me the fat quarters!
I love the colors and design of this Lazy Girl bag. Would love to win the fat quarters.
I love the border print Claire. I have some really cute cat fabric that I am going to try and see how it works out. Fat quarters would look great with it!
Thank you so much for this lesson. I am going to pull out a few border prints that I have and use them for this bag. It’s time to jump out of my box and into Claire !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love reading your blog — it’s so full of inspiration. Your tips are helpful and the bags are all so tempting. Several are on my list of “I want to make this” .
Thanks sew much for the inspiration and information about this beautiful fabric. I’ll be on the lookout for more fabric with hidden motifs… and have a new appreciation for border prints thanks to you.
I see I’m not the only one with a sister who likes/collects owls. I haven’t seen the Claire pattern here yet but I hope to find it soon so I can make one for myself and my sis. Please choose me to receive the FQ bundle from Moda!
I too love all of your patterns Joan and I have learned so much!
I am waiting for Claire so I can make her. Thanks for the tutorial on using a border fabric.
I have so many Lazy Girl purses and bags that I could open a store. However Claire is the best yet. I am adding several to may personnel collection. What is next in store for us to enjoy. ? Helene
I love the color combinations that you come up with. Some of us aren’t creative like you so this gives us good ideas. I’m thinking if I use borders as a part, other sections should work with it as well…even if I wouldn’t have thought to use it in the first place. Thanks for all you share with us!
Thanks for the info. It will be very helpful to me in the future. There are a lot of great wide stripes & borders out there.
Thanks for pointing out the owl. I don’t think I would have seen it, lol.
Thanks for the great tips! I plan to make several.
I just love the Tula Pink line. I live in a small community and therefore disadvantaged when it comes to getting the new fabrics that are out there. Love the Lazy Girl Designs and the simplicity of the bags. I like the colour variations to the bags especially when I can’t make up my mind which fabric to use.
Marcy
Love this bag! My girls will love it, too.
Love your ideas…. always so inspiring!!
Hi, I just love your purse. I have never heard of Lazy Girl patterns but will be googling them asap I am finished here. I have to make a retirement gift for a friend of mine whose last day of teaching is today. The purse would be so cute to make and fill with quilting notions for her, especially with all those pockets on the inside – perfect for a retirement gift.
We lost our quilting store here in Brandon,Mb and it has left us with no choice but to travel about an hour to the closest quilt store called Kick-Ass Country Store – actually a great store with super service in Plumas, MB. – worth checking out!
Enjoy!
Joan,
I think this Claire bag is going to be the biggest hit ever!! I LOVE the colors of her on this page! The greens, pinks and browns just compliment each other very well. Keep up the GREAT work on purses! EVERYONE should have at LEAST 1 Lazy Girl bag, I think I have almost ALL the lazy girl bag patterns and have made most of them!! LOVE your BAGS!!
Sandy
Hi,
I taught myself how to sew with books and DVD’s. I have been looking for free patterns
on the internet until I am good enough to buy the tissue paper patterns. I have been making handbags and totes and loving every minute of it. I want to thank you for the very good tips you have and I fell in love with the bag. The colors are fabulous and I can’t wait to make it.
Thank You so much, STAY HEALTHY, Lori
Well I learn something new and fun every day. Tula Pink’s designs are wonderful! It doesn’t hurt that a darling owl is one of her hidden surprises (I collect owls).
Claire looks great sporting these delightful fabrics. Even though I have all the Lazy Girl bag patterns, including Claire, I have not had the confidence to cut the fabric to make one. I’m hoping that I can muster up the courage to make one this summer.
Thank you for all your “lazy” patterns, they are the only ones I feel confident enough to try. I’ve made a bunch of Love Totes, a sewing machine cover and wonder wallets so far.
I love this bag! And I love those fabrics. So nice!
I adore your Claire so very much. I’d love to make her one day soon. Thanks so much for all your tips.
Joan, I just finished my first purse which was the Miranda bag. It turned out beautifully, gave it to my daughter for her birthday and she just flipped. I couldn’t believe how simple it was to follow your directions. Thank you so much.
Such an adorable Claire, I really love all the fabrics you’ve use to showcase her.
Wonderful combination of design and fabric. It’s like they were made for each other.
I love border prints but always wonder how best to use them. Thank you for leading the way, once again, for this lazygirl. I’m now even more excited about the Claire handbag than before. I just picked up the pattern my local shop ordered for me. Look forward to grabbing a great border print from my stash and putting it to work. Thanks for pointing out the various critters in the fabric you used. Somehow I missed them altogether as I was too mesmerized by the finished product. You and the other lazies continue to provide great ideas and beautiful photos. Thank you all!
I love the border print idea!
I love that fabric, and love Claire. I can hardly wait to make one.
This is simply gorgeous and I hope to be able to make some of the beautiful projects I’ve seen on here. I am having the time of my crafting life viewing the archives. This is an awesome site and I would like to thank you for all your hard work to have something for people like myself to get inspiration for projects to make. I will be making my first Claire in the very near future. The color combinations are awe inspiring and I’m glad you are sharing with us. Best Wishes, Alice
love the designs! and would love to win!
Fran
Beautiful bag! I love the Lazy Girl patterns, and can’t wait to make my Claire! Sue
Dear Joan,
I received my package in the mail today, of the things I won. WOW!!!!!!! I thought all I was getting was the fabric to make the purse. Was I ever surprised to find 32 fat quarters, plus the pattern, plus the Bag-E-Bottom (which I didn’t even know about). Can’t wait to get started on it! If I get it made before the Illinois State Fair, I’m going to enter it. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!
Sandie Hedrick
Joan,
I never thought that making bags would be so much fun! I have made about 25 of them & just gave them away to friends. They are so so easy 10 yr old can do it. Keep up with fun, fast easy patterns in the future. I have even made med & lrg sizes from the same pattern & they come out great.
Grama Chris
I have been making leather handbags [ upholstery weight leather] for 30 yrs., mostly 1-of-a-kind custom work. NOW I discover it weighs a lot less and is a new pleasure to sew with pretty fabrics, and it is easier on the hands. Your designs are delightful and my friends and family are enjoying their gifts that are NOT leather [ which doesn’t do well in the washer].
Thanks for my newfound fun.
I would never have thought to look for critters in the fabric. Now I feel like I will need to be searching all these prints to see if any critters are hiding out. What a great bag. I have a stack of Lazy Girl patterns waiting to be made and know of just what stripe fabric to use. Thanks for the ideas and help.
I like your bag..they are so cute. I make bags also. I’ll have to post one when I find the pictures. Have a great Day
Just found this blog. Lovely!