even mini-er lickety split bags

Post image for even mini-er lickety split bags

by Janice on 03/27/2016

My tween girls are given a weekly allowance for helping out around the house, which I have been transferring into their accounts on a monthly basis. They were given proper wallets for Christmas to house their newly minted new bank cards (very exciting), so had requested ‘real purses’ to take all of this new responsibility on our spring break trip.

I loved the top stitching in this Mini Lickety split bag pattern by Made by Rae, but felt it might still be too large of scale for them. To adjust this, I printed the Lickety Split Bag pattern at 80% (when printed or copying, you can double-check this by noting whether the 1×1 inch reference square on the pattern is just slightly larger than 3/4 inches).

The other mods I made followed the same steps Rae had completed for her Mini version, with adjusted measurements:

  • chopped off 2″ from the bottom of the pattern piece and 1.5″ from the middle section of the 80% scaled Lickety Split pattern.
  • cut the pockets as wide as each purse section, but only 12.5″ tall.
  • positioned the pockets 2.5″ from the bottom of the bag and put the middle section pockets inside the bag.
  • interfaced the outer fabric and used fusible fleece on the mid weight black denim fabric lining.

In order to use fabric from my stash, I cheated and cut the main bag from 2 fat quarters and the pockets from one fat quarter for each bag. I was able to fit the main fabric by piecing the handles – thankfully it worked out and the seam for this was hidden in the knot. I also had only scraps left for one set of the inner (middle) pockets. I took advantage of the fact that I had to piece them, and included zippered pockets on the inside of the bags.

a pockets purseFor the geometric fabric, I fussy cut the front outside pockets so that the pattern would line up, this used more fabric than on the floral pockets. You can see how much shorter (and slightly skewed) this inner pocket end up.

g pockets purse

easter purse g inside

easter purse g front

easter purse a front

easter purses a g frontFor reference, this is a size 8/10 dress form and the purses sit at just the right length – yay!

purse sizes with mannequin

 

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As noted in my last post, this is the second option for cover ups for my girls. I wanted a knit version and had purchased 6 yards of this fabric from the ends bin at our local Fabricland – for $12!

I chose the Girl’s Piko Top pattern from EYMM Modern Designs. I made the size 8, with the high low hem option and 3/4 sleeves. As with the caftan, I extended the length by 6 inches to give them better coverage and sun protection. I was so happy with the results, that I have also cut out an adult version for myself – the girl’s size 18 should translate to a women’s small. I serged the side seams, shoulder seams and sleeve seams, and used my Bernina Activa, with a twin needle, for the neckline and hem.

For my version, I have selected a very delicate knit, so I am going to bind the neck edge, instead of hemming it, for the neatest possible finish.

knit cover up side

knit cover up back

 

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Thumbnail image for spring break tween cover up – option 1

spring break tween cover up – option 1

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Thumbnail image for free pattern from purl soho, baby mocs

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Thumbnail image for unisex baby gift in primary colours (free patterns too!)

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