Sewing! So fun! I forget how much I enjoy sewing because I don’t do it very often, but the combination of fixing my machine’s tension issue (read: figuring out where I was threading it wrong) and recently coming into a large collection of fun cotton prints from someone’s de-stash means that right now I just want to Sew All the Things. Ultimately, I’d like to get to a place where I can confidently sew garments — but I definitely need more general practice first.

Enter the DIY Knot Wristlet, a free pattern from 5 out of 4 (pattern | tutorial). I’d been wanting a small bag of some sort that I could hang over the stroller handles when Tertia and I escort the big kids to/from school. In the winter I just shove everything I need into my jacket pockets, but in warmer weather that’s not really practical; my pants pockets only hold so much, and my summer skirts mostly don’t have pockets at all. So I could use a little something for my phone and keys.

This was my first time working from a printed pattern, my first time working with a lining, and to the best of my recollection it was also my first time sewing curved seams. But I did it! I made one alteration to the pattern, which was to omit using any fusible interfacing because (a) I don’t mind if this bag is floppy and (b) Fabricland is on the other side of town and I didn’t feel like going out. You know how it is.

There was one point where I nearly gave up and hand sewed instead: top-stitching the smallest opening, which barely had room to manipulate the presser foot. But I persevered, and if it’s a little janky — well, what are you going to do?

I used two different quilting cottons for the bag: a cream with a subtle print, and this paisley delight. I have enough of the paisley left to probably make a dress, although admittedly, that much pattern might be a little intense. Maybe a skirt, though, one day. Here is the bag all finished and freshly pressed:

And did I mention it’s reversible?!

All in all this was a very satisfying afternoon project. Big crochet projects can take dozens of hours to complete, so being able to make something start-to-finish in an hour or two felt great. Next up on the sewing list, Perpetua wants a similar bag of her own. I’m looking forward to seeing how the experience is different a second time through.