6 Back to School Gift Ideas

6 Gift Ideas to Sew, or Buy, for Back to School

by Karla Fidoe (3rd grade teacher/owner and maker of Pop of Color Bags)

1. Reusable grocery bags

This gift works for both male and female recipients. It's one of life's necessities to shop, so who wouldn't appreciate a custom foldable, reusable market bag? I carry one for grocery shopping, but also for those times where I have extra materials to bring into my classroom in the morning. Once it's empty, it easily rolls up to fit in my wristlet clutch. No more left bags in my classroom for me!

2. Small Bifold Wallet

Boys, girls, and women will love the slim profile and thought that goes into choosing the fabrics of this wallet.

3. Lip balm key ring pouch

Looking for a secret pal gift? This lip balm pouch is good for school age and adults alike because lip balm is something everyone carries. With this pouch, conveniently attach it to your keys, a backpack, or a purse.

4. Coin pouch

With back to school approaching, this coin pouch is a perfect accessory for carrying coins for lunch or vending machines. It's also a great gift for any woman that hates the added weight of coins in her wallet. I keep mine in this cute coin pouch on my (whatever you call the drive stick shaft thing!)

5. Make-up/travel bag/pencil pouch

This grown up looking zipper pouch makes a wonderful makeup/jewelry bag, pencil pouch (I have several in my own classroom!), or travel bag. The beauty of the design is the wide mouth opening so it is easy to find what you are looking for without having to dump out the whole bag.

6. Tote bag

A tote bag is one of the most versatile types of purses - it can be a gym bag, carry all, road trip bag, purse, beach bag, pool tote, school bag, weekend overnight bag, etc. Think about the person you are gifting it to, and find a tote bag to match his/her needs!

Going back to school for teachers, school staff, and students is a great time to gift a handmade bag. Like what you see? Check out more of my handmade gifts at Pop of Color Bags.

Tips for Buying Fabric for Sewing Bags and Purses

Tips for Buying Fabric for Sewing Bags and Purses

by Karla Fidoe (owner and maker of Pop of Color Bags)

Choosing the right fabrics helps your bag look luxurious instead
of looking like a school craft project.

Take me to a fabric store and I'm like Augustus Gloop in Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory. I want everything! Sewing bags and purses that don't look homemade requires special considerations when choosing your fabrics. (It turns out I had so many tips, I decided to concentrate on the exterior purse fabric only in this blog).

1. Price per yard

I know, this is kind of cheating for a list about choosing a specialty fabric, but I do consider the price per yard when I am purchasing fabric. If I'm making a tote bag, it takes 1/2 yard for the outside of the bag. That means I can only make 2 totes out of one yard. I'm unwilling to pay more than $11 for a yard that can only make 2 bags. However, that specialty fabric that is $20 a yard for making wristlets? I can make 6 wristlets with that yard, so $20 isn't too bad of a deal. My general rule of thumb is to never pay more than $5.50 for the exterior fabric.

2. Weight of fabric

Upholstery fabric - notice how wristlet
stands on it's own with minimum sag.

The best thing about going to a fabric store is being able to touch all of the things! To me, weight is the feel of the fabric in your hand, not that the fabric is actually heavy. Depending on the type of bag you are sewing, you want your exterior fabric choice to give your bag structure and balance. A cotton print for quilting would never stand on it's own. It would wrinkle, sag, and show wear on the handles very quickly.
Upholstery fabric, utility fabrics (like cork fabric), vinyls (faux leather), oilcloths, outdoor fabric, and some home decor canvas fabrics are great choices for the outside of your bag.
While you want your exterior fabric to have weight, you don't want it to actually weigh a ton. Pick up the bolt you're considering, unroll it a few times, open it up, and take time to imagine what it would feel like when making a tote or wristlet. (This may seem silly, but I've made a tote bag that clocked in at 4 pounds before I added my wallet and items I carry in it).

This is one of my early coin purses.
I used a cotton calico print. Notice how
the key ring sags because the fabric does
not have the weight to hold it's shape?

Unrolling the bolt and opening up the fabric also lets you consider if the fabric is stiff enough to add structure. Some home decor canvases are almost like quilting cotton and are not good for exteriors of bags. *I do want to note that you can stiffen any fabric by using interfacing, but at $3.99 a yard for Pellon Craft Fuse, this gets expensive really fast. It's easier to just pick a fabric that won't need stiffening.
*A crossbody or hobo bag may not need much structure, so you can use a wider range of fabrics for these purses.

3. Feel of Fabric

A purse is meant to be carried - either by your hands or slung over a shoulder. You don't want

This upholstery fabric has velvet in the navy blue outlines
of the leaves. The cream fabric feels like really plush
carpet without the thick pile. Joann's Fabric $9 a yard.

something scratchy, you want something that feels luxurious. When you carry it, you want to feel like a million bucks, so choose a fabric you can pet. I love a buttery soft faux leather or micro suede bag. Natural Cork fabric is very smooth, as well. You can always layer a printed fabric on top of the exterior if you want more visual appeal.

4. Ability to Iron

This tip is not a deal breaker for me. It just means I'm more careful with how I use the fabric. If I'm using a faux leather vinyl for a tote bag exterior, I tend to not use the same material for the handles knowing that you can't pin leather, you can't iron it, and it's super hard to sew right sides together in a tube and try to turn the tube right side out. Think about the type of bag you are making, and the different steps. If you need to iron the fabric to help you sew straight, top stitch a zipper, or add embellishments, choose something else.
*And yes, I know I could use Wonder clips to pin my vinyl, but I need the iron to show me a straight line. If I fold and clip a strap, I end up with one end of the strap WAY wider than the other. I swear my eyesight is crooked!

5. Ease of Sewing

I love haunting the clearance section at Joann Fabrics for their upholstery and faux leather fabrics. Most are marked either $9 or $12 a yard, and you can use coupons on these cuts as well. Through trial and error, I've learned that some faux leather fabrics glide right under your machine foot, and others require me to use tissue paper between the foot and leather. Pulling tissue paper out of every stitch is NOT my idea of a good time!

Use tissue paper to top stitch faux leather that won't glide
under your machine foot. 

I like to tear off the tissue paper underneath my seam first. I
then cross my fingers and hope that pulling off the tissue
paper on top of the seam comes completely out without leaving
little bits behind. Any little bits stuck between stitches, I simply
use tweezers to pull out.

So, feel the fabric. If it is smooth and has that buttery texture, you are good to go. If you glide your hand across and it feels a little gummy, you'll need the tissue paper trick to sew any top stitching.

Thoughts? Leave them in the comment section! Interested in my finished pieces? Check them out at my #etsyshop Pop of Color Bags.

https://www.quikly.com/joannstores/s/mGXnzxgK

7 Reasons to Start Sewing Bags and Purses

7 Reasons to Start Sewing Bags and Purses

by Karla Fidoe (owner and maker of Pop of Color Bags)

7. Time

30 minutes of sewing and I have a
Bow Hand Strap Clutch!

I don't know about you, but sewing a dress is a whole day project for me. (Usually, it's more than that because I procrastinate a few days about hemming the dress because it's my least favorite thing to do!) Sewing a bag takes me an hour - complete with cutting the fabric, ironing between steps, and any finishing touches.

6. Cost

I have this idea in my head that people sew because it is cheaper than buying store made items. I'm not sure where I got this idea, because as a sewist, I know how expensive fabric can be! Even with coupons and sales, jersey knit fabrics cost $15 or more. It also takes more than one yard to make many clothing items.

This price doesn't include using a coupon along with the sale price. This is from Joann's Fabric.

Many of the fabrics used for making bags is less than $10, and two yards can yield up to 8 bags! 

5. Mastery of Skills

Sewing jersey knits, or any fabric with stretch, takes a special talent (and a lot of patience!). Reading and following patterns, darts, hemming, necklines, armholes, etc. are all techniques commonly used when sewing apparel.

Straight seam along zipper and top of hand strap.
Using a color matching thread really camouflages
any small imperfections 😄

What skills do you need for sewing a bag? You need to be able to change your sewing machine needle, cut out a rectangle, and sew a straight line. That's it. Of course, as you progress, you add skills like sewing a zipper, using interfacing, sewing curves, and adding trim, but in reality, sewing a straight line is the biggest skill you need.

4. Elegance 

Me during Derby week at
Churchill Downs

I came across this article on Pinterest, "How to Look Effortlessly Elegant All the Time." The section on Accessories resonated with me because I truly see my purse as my final accessory. If my handbag makes a statement, I look put together. It's the act of a final thought before I walk out the door that helps to make me feel elegant. If I feel elegant, then I project that confidence. (If you've read the article, I'm sure you are trying to imagine what accessory I could have possibly taken off for the Chanel theory that less is more! 😂)

3. Gifts to Give

I gave everyone tote bags 4 years ago for Christmas.
They were a big hit and are still in use today!

The first picture to pop into my mind when I think of a handmade gift is the sweaters Grandma used to knit and give as Christmas gifts. Sewing a purse is definitely not that! Instead, it encompasses a functional gift that is personalized for the receiver. If you have mastered sewing a straight line, then your handmade gift will look professionally done, and be appreciated for your craftsmanship. 

2. Versatility

Most bags have the same rectangular shape - a crossbody, wristlet, clutch, and tote bag to name a few.  Once you have mastered sewing a straight line and cutting out a rectangle, you can play with your purse designs.
Add a pocket in an unusual way - like my favorite wristlet clutches with a diagonal phone pockets. You can mix patterns and prints to create a one of a kind bag. You can add trim and change the style of a bag. The skies the limit when you start designing!
A great example is the Hand Strap Clutch.  It's a variation on a zipper pouch - just look at all the ways one change can make the bag feel like a different style.

1. Individuality

A bag or purse always fits is one of my life mottoes. A store bought tote or wristlet is almost always made in leather of one color. The lining is a satin version of the outside color. Boring! When you sew your own bag, you can choose to mix and match prints, find an outside faux leather and an inside lining in a cotton print, whatever your heart desires! I for one, love a
Pop of Color 😉

Have ideas to add to my list? Leave a comment!

Tips for Creating High Fashion Homemade Bags and Purses

DIY High Fashion Homemade Bags and Purses

by Karla Fidoe (owner and maker of Pop of Color Bags)

This blog idea stems from the fact that I have a shopping compulsion when it comes to bags and purses. I love the feel, design, and functionality of a good purse, but hate the price tag. I have never been one to buy a bag because of the brand - and paying $200 for a purse I am going to carry once or twice a month depending on the occasion and outfit I'm wearing - seems a little frivolous. (Not to mention the husband wouldn't enjoy working an extra year before retiring to help finance my compulsion!) I mean, who has ever seen a specific brand someone is carrying and said, "I really like your purse because it is Coach!" No one!
So, I started designing and sewing my own creations. Here's a list of the rules I use to create a high fashion homemade bag.

Tip #1. Mix prints with textured fabric to create a luxurious feel.

A textured fabric gives an expensive feel. Think about your bed sheets. Those ones you had in college were super scratchy. As you have gotten older, you most likely buy your sheets by feeling for silkiness and thread count. The same concept goes for the outside fabric of your purse. If it feels high end, it will look expensive.

The top picture is a Modern Chevron print paired with a woven blue outdoor fabric. Neither fabrics were expensive, but the look of the thick woven strands is highlighted by the chevron print, making the weave more pronounced.

In the second picture, I used a faux leather as the base for this wristlet clutch. I chose this fabric because it is buttery smooth and pliant. It feels like a very expensive leather jacket, but is a fraction of the price (I paid $9 a yard plus 20% off my total purchase at Joann Fabric's for this faux leather.) Pairing the leather with the coral colors helps to bring out the rich brown, making the bag radiate luxury.

Tip #2. Choose a fabric with weight.

"Wait. I don't want my purse to be heavy - I have to lug it around!" I know that is what you are thinking, but there is a difference in weight and heavy when it comes to fabrics. In fact, this wristlet clutch weighs in at 3.7 ounces. However, the woven upholstery fabric is thicker and makes the bag feel like it has some heft without actually adding weight. When you hold a bag, like a clutch, in your hand, you don't want it to feel like paper. You want it to have a little weight so you know it is constructed with durability and fibers carefully woven into the fabric. (This upholstery fabric was $9 a yard with 30% off since it was in the clearance section at Joann's Fabric.)

Tip #3. Add an unexpected element.

 

 A bow hand strap clutch isn't something you see everyday. The uniqueness adds the designer feel, and exclusivity is a mark of high fashion. In addition to the bow hand strap, I used cork fabric. Cork fabric is one of the latest trends because it is eco-friendly, durable, and water proof. 

Paying attention to the small details is your chance to show off your creativity. A tote bag generally has a rectangular shape, boxed corners, and two straps. You can't change much about that, but you can add a leather loop and coconut button closure. This detail shows the time you took to execute even the smallest detail, making sure it is pretty and functional.

Tip #4. Pay attention to details from every angle.

The beauty of making your own purse is the fact you get to pick the fabric to match your mood/outfits/personal style. A purse needs to have interest from every angle to show the thought you put into creating it. One side of this Hand Strap Clutch is a tropical South American theme with the flower and parrot. The other side has palms, a tropical flower, and a riveted natural cork hand strap. No matter which way you are holding the purse, using the hand strap or wrist strap, there is a powerful image to view.

High fashion is about the power of an image. Taking time to examine your bag from every angle reflects the thought and craftsmanship of building a purse that is truly an accessory instead of just a necessity.

Tip #5. Show off your craftsmanship!

Those designer purses everyone craves come with a hefty price tag because of the quality of the materials and craftsmanship of the manufacturing. You can do the same on a budget! It's not the fact that I used a coupon and sale at Joann's fabric to pick up the natural cork fabric for $6.99 a yard. It's the fact that I sewed straight seams, have flat corners at the top, and double stitched every interior seam. This wristlet clutch is meant to last!

Taking time to line a toile with matching tassels highlights the print and shows off my sewing skills. When I get compliments on my handmade bag and I tell people I made it, I love to hear the exclamations as they take a closer look - people are always amazed it is possible to sew a bag that looks like you could buy it in a store.





Like any of the bags and purses you see? Check out these and my other designs at Pop of Color Bags!

Have more ideas to add to this blog? Please leave a comment 😁

Sewing Bags and Purses: A Neglected Niche

Why You Should be Sewing Bags and Purses

by Karla Fidoe (owner and maker of Pop of Color Bags)

The Background

Yes, I can sew clothes. In fact, that is how I learned to sew - participating in 4-H fashion shows in outfits made from patterns. I don't sew many clothes for myself for two simple reasons: 1. I gain and lose weight like it's a competition and I'm going for gold. 2. It's more expensive than hitting up Old Navy during a sale.

During my first year of teaching in Durham, NC, I met a fiery teacher with the most outrageous (and enviable) shoe collection I've ever seen. It was definitely her signature. I asked her what led to such an unusual collection. Her response has stuck with me 17 years later - "I lived in Japan for a while. As a plus sized girl, the only thing that ever fit were the shoes." That comment led to my shopping philosophy. Never invest too much in one piece of clothing because size and fashion changes. A purse or shoes always fit!

I have a very eclectic fashion sense. I like to stand in front of the mirror in the morning, gauging if my outfit is ready for the world. I ask myself, "Is this too much, or just enough?" If I gauge my outfit as too much, I change something about it. If I gauge it as just enough crazy, in my opinion, that means it's an 11 out of 10 on the crazy scale, I know it's going to be a good day. I can pick up print tops and bottoms for way less than it takes to make them. I also believe it takes an artist to be able to mix and match prints and patterns so they look like they belong together and I want to show my skills in separates rather than sewing a dress with the same mash up.

Why you should be sewing bags and purses

Think about the outfit you wear which brings the most compliments. It's most likely not all one color and mass produced. Everyone around you isn't wearing the same exact outfit with the same exact jewelry. What makes the outfit compliment worthy? It reflects your individuality! So why do we settle for mass produced, look alike purses? We shouldn't!

My next reason is purely financial. I do most of my fabric shopping at Joann's - taking advantage of their sales and coupons. Plus, I can touch everything (the feel of the fabric helps me determine what I'll be able to do with it. A description on a website is not quite the same as seeing it in person!) If I want to make an above the knee, short sleeve swing dress, I would need close to 2 yards of fabric. Even on sale, I'm going to pay more than $10/yd. So, the dress would cost me $20 and a few hours.

Let's say I use the same fabric as pictured and decide to make wristlets measuring 10" x 6.5" x 0.5" instead. A yard would yield 4 bags, including pockets and a detachable wrist strap. I would also have a few scraps leftover to use for small coin pouches or these adorable wallets. Financially, it is more cost effective to sew a bag versus an article of clothing.

Convinced?

My sewing blog is dedicated to the styles and fashions of diy bags and purses. Join me on my adventures into creativity and help this niche shine! 

Want to see more of my work? Head on over to Pop of Color Bags or check out another sewing tutorial.

Hand Strap Clutch Wristlet

Why You Should Be Carrying a Hand Strap Clutch Wristlet

by Karla Fidoe (owner and maker of Pop of Color Bags)

Every woman has a few purses in her closet. One is for those days where you feel like you have a thousand things to carry. One is for everyday use - that comfortable bag you fall back on to run errands, shop, and go to work. And then we all have that special purse, the one for going out, weddings, or travel.

The Hand Strap Clutch can't help with those days where you need a tote bag for carrying snacks, changes of clothes, first aid supplies, what have you. But, the Hand Strap Clutch can replace your everyday bag and special purse. Let me tell you why.

Depending on your needs, a hand strap clutch wristlet can be made in many different sizes - from the width of your hand to an oversized clutch that measures 13" x 9". This takes care of most women's purse size needs. 

Depending on your casual wear, there are different options for the hand strap clutch. A straight forward strap pairs best with women who wear athleisure clothes on most days. A bow hand strap clutch works for those whose casual wear is more office appropriate or jeans. However, depending on your personality, you can make either style work for your everyday purse.

Now, for special occasions, the same hand strap clutch works. The hand strap becomes an extra piece of jewelry, rather than just a purse. It dresses up well - you can imagine yourself going out, attending a wedding, seeing a play, to a concert, anything! 

Okay, so I've convinced you that the look of the hand strap clutch fits into every event you may need it for. Now, what else makes it the "go to bag"? The bag is designed to be light and well balanced, but still have structure. It is meant to cradle between your fingers and palm, and the weight is distributed between your hand and the strap around your wrist.  Need an extra hand for carrying drinks? Simply slide the wrist strap further up your arm to free your hand. You can also use the optional wrist strap for those moments where you need both hands for something larger to hold.

Any outfit, any occasion, and any clothing style works for a hand strap clutch. It's eye catching, unusual, and sure to receive compliments. Find your Hand Strap Clutch at Pop of Color Bags.