Trends for 2020

Trends for 2020

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

I'm loving the new trends that have developed in fashion. The idea of identity is huge - meaning a one of a kind bag showing your style is a must. I love to people watch, and I've noticed a wide variety of fashion in crowds over the last few years. The trend? To wear your clothes with confidence, no matter your style. Rock a bolero? Want to dress in animal print? Love neon clothes? Anything goes, as long as it makes you feel great. 

Boho Eclectic Wristlet Clutch

Boho Upcycled Tote Bag

Tropical Hand Strap Clutch

Another trend that has developed over the last few years is the idea of sustainability. No one wants a product to add to the planet's problems. Handmade is great for this movement, because sewing fabrics involves earth friendly products like cotton, bamboo, and cork.

Plaid and Cork Wristlet

Phone Pocket Wristlet Cork Purse

The last trend that makes my heart sing is #shopsmall. It goes hand in hand with identity. Supporting local artisans, local economy, and get an item that isn't mass marketed? Score!

A Perfect Custom Gift

A Perfect Custom Gift

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

Searching for Secret Santa gifts? White elephant? Christmas gifts for co-workers or friends? #shopsmall #shophandmade with a zipper pouch. Sounds simple, but a zipper pouch has many uses and many styles. 

Use as a coin purse 

Use as a pencil pouch

Use a zipper pouch as a makeup bag

Use a jewelry pouch

A zipper pouch can be a first aid kit, a coin purse, a gift card holder, a beauty kit, anything you can think of and much more useful. I know I carry a zipper pouch in my purse to help corral small items and make switching bags easier. I have them in my bathroom, on my vanity, in my car, pretty much everywhere! 

Choose one that shows your gift receivers style and fill it with thoughtfully for a perfect gift.

Happy Giving!

Karla Fidoe

Leave a comment to share how you gifted your zipper pouch🎁

How to Sew Shoulder Bag

Step by Step Tutorial for Sewing a Shoulder Bag 

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

I love to carry and sew a wristlet clutch or tote bag. I've made hundreds of each style of purse, and my customers frequently ask for a happy middle ground - a shoulder bag. For some reason, my shoulder bags end up looking more like a tote bag in size than a shoulder purse, so I've been experimenting with dimensions and a new pattern to create the perfect shoulder bag.

Materials:
4 -  13" x 15" rectangles (I like to use coordinating fabric, 2 rectangles for the exterior and 2 rectangles for the interior fabric.
2 - 1" d-rings
2 - 4" by 3" fabric rectangles for the d-rings
2 - 1" lobster claw rings for purse handle
1 - 20" by 3" wide rectangle for fabric handle



Steps:

1. Cut out fabric rectangles. I like to use a plate to add an armhole curve. Simply fold your 4 fabric rectangles in half, and use your rotary cutter to trace around the plate at the desired curve depth.

When you open the fabric, you'll see a bump where the curves meet. Simply use fabric scissors to even it out.

After you even out your curve, it should look like this.

2. To have boxed corners, simply cut a 1" by 1" square
out of the bottom corners of your fabric rectangles.

3. With right sides together, sew seams along the exterior fabric on the wrong side.

4. Box the corners by aligning your side and bottom
seams in the 1" by 1" cutouts in the corners.

5. Fold and iron your d-ring attachment pieces.
(I chose to use cork fabric since I don't need to finish the edges.)

6. Fold and iron your handle. Sew a straight seam along
one edge. (I chose to cut a 16" long rectangle so I could
use cork to accent the ends of the handle.)

7. Add a slip pocket by sewing a rectangle and
placing it on the right side of the interior fabric.

8. Sew side and bottom seams of your interior fabric.
Make sure to leave 4" along the bottom edge to turn your bag.
Box the corners before you turn the fabric right side out.

12. Turn interior of the bag right side out. Place it inside
of the exterior bag so that right sides are together. Pin the
d-ring handle attachment to the sides with the d-ring
hanging down inside the sandwiched bags.13. Sew the bottom hole in the interior bag closed by simply folding unfinished edges
in and sewing a straight seam to close.

14.  Top stitch along the edge of the purse.
Attach your purse handle and you're finished!

Happy Sewing!
Karla

Tried this yourself? Leave a photo of your purse!
Like the look and want to buy it? Go to Pop of Color Bags.

Animal Print Collection

Animal Print Purses and Bags Collection

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

Animal prints are such a fun neutral trend! I scoffed at the new trend the first time I saw a cheetah print top at J Crew's. The second time I was shopping and saw a dress with the print, I tried it on for fun. And realized it is super fun! It's hard not to feel spunky dressed in animal print - I dare you to try.

When I ran across fabric at Joann's in animal print, I knew I had to try to make a bag. Some of the prints are more geometric, some are neutral in color, but there is something for everyone.

Eclectic Envelope Clutch Wristlet

Mixed Patterns and Prints Wristlet Clutch

Envelope Clutch with Hand Strap in Zebra Print

Animal Print Hand Strap Clutch

Happy Shopping!

Tips for Layering Clothes

Tips for Layering Clothes

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

I have to admit that I'm no longer so young, and part of aging is a rising body temperature (at least in my experience!) I love the look of layering, but I find myself quickly shedding the layers, and at the end of the day, I'm wearing just the basics.

So, how do you layer without adding warmth? You go for the idea of layers, without actually adding a ton of clothes! Think about it. The eye perceives layers because of the different fabrics, prints, and textures - not the bulkiness.

Use websites like www.shoplook.io to find ideas. 

Start with a basic (lightweight for me!) dress. Then add a ruana for texture and contrast. A ruana/kimono/cardigan/blazer/scarf are perfect additions for camouflaging body parts you may be self conscious about and most are open so that you are not adding warmth. Your shoes become your next layer - they can provide an interesting contrast in pattern, texture, or a pop of color.

Your last layer is the lightest: layering jewelry and a hand bag to complete the look. I'm not saying to layer so much jewelry that you are mistaken for Mr. T., but wearing a few mismatch bracelets, 2 necklaces, or even 2 kinds of dangling earrings gives the layering effect a boost. My favorite layer is the hand bag layer because it is a functional part of your outfit, but doesn't add any bulk or warmth to your clothes.

Have tips to add to this blog? Great! Leave a comment!

Ridiculously Easy Way to Sew a Straight Seam EVERY time!

Ridiculously Easy Way to Sew a Straight Seam EVERY time!

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

You're going to think, well, duh, after reading these 3 ridiculously easy tips to sew a straight seam every time. But, I've seen enough sewing hacks on Pinterest Pins to know that not everyone understands the KISS principle. (Don't believe me? Look it up - you'll find a magnetic guide sewing foot, washi tape, and rubber-band suggestions.)

1. Cut straight lines

I'll be honest. It took me awhile to invest in a cutting mat and rotary cutter. "I had sharp scissors and am good at reading a ruler. I don't need all the fancy extras!" was my thinking. Boy, was I wrong!
Everything I made was a slightly different size, and was slightly angled. Cutting with scissors, even if you measure and mark a few spots along your cutting line, will never be as precise as using a rotary cutter. Do yourself a favor and spend a few dollars to get a rotary cutter, mat, and long ruler!

2. Iron straight folds

Once again, this seems like a no brainer, but we've all made that mistake. Ironing a crease for a zipper, hem, what have you, and it slopes a little. You figure you'll go ahead and sew, and if you sew a straight line, no one will ever know you ironed a little crooked. And what happens? Your seam is straight, but slopes! A hot hemmer is a great tool to help you iron straight folds. You can find it at fabric stores or on Amazon.

3. Use your foot as the guide

Always use the same spot on the foot, and change needle position for increased seam allowances.

Being consistent with where I place my foot
as my guide,I can get the same seam allowance
as well as get a straight seam, every time!

I always use the edge of the clear plastic/
inside edge of metal foot as my guide. 

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

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 😁