Pip n Milly Creations » new product

WIP pouches

admin — Tue, 10 May 2011 02:52:16 +0000

I have been sewing, despite appearances, and I have recently completed a couple of aprons for gifts, lunch mats, coffee cozies and several WIP pouches. I am particularly proud of the latter, as it took me awhile to figure out how to construct a zippered pouch with a gusset and a clear vinyl front. The technical problem being that I hate visible seam allowances and had to find a way to complete the design brief in a way that was achievable in terms of production. The end result is a very practical, attractive and thoroughly useful addition to the range of products on offer. The WIP pouch measures approximately 9″ x 3″ x 6″ (23cm x 7cm x 15cm). The original purpose of the pouch was to hold a WIP knitting project and it will happily hold a 100g ball of yarn, so is ideal for socks, scarves, gloves, hats and other ‘small’ projects. The WIP pouch makes it very easy to grab a project on the way out the door and have everything self-contained.

Knitting bag plans

admin — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 02:32:45 +0000

One of my personal goals for this year is to learn how to knit. Properly. Not just basic knit and purl, but proper casting on, a variety of stitches, following a pattern and making something other than a scarf (of which I have made several over the years). Despite by accomplishments with fabric and the sewing machine, I honestly thought that real knitting was beyond me. Every time I have looked at a pattern, the lines have looked just as unintelligible as a foreign language. One I haven’t studied at that! To cut a long story short, I am thrilled to bits to say that I have overcome my fear and am totally hooked! That said, most patterns are, no doubt, still incomprehensible, but I at least have the confidence that it isn’t totally outside my capabilities. To be honest, up to now I have still only made 2 scarves, but the first was a good ‘swatch’ and I used a variety of stitch patterns. My Mum then showed me how to do cables, so I felt confident enough to attempt a pattern from the Debbie Bliss book, “The Knitter’s Year“. The Chunky Cable Scarf has a 16 row repeat and involves cables, bobbles, seed stitch etc, so posed a fair challenge! I enjoyed it immensely and am keen to expand my knitting experience.
The point of this post is that, not surprisingly, I’m also using this as an opportunity to design a new bag! I’m planning a knitting project bag and am keen for any input from more experienced knitters about that features they would love to see in a bag. As you know, I am driven by function and practicality, so there will be plenty of pockets! These are some of the features I am planning to incorporate into the bag:
- firm base
- comfortable handles
- structured sides so that the bag stays upright
- pockets for needles and/or separate roll for needles
- zippered pocket
- clear-fronted pocket for ease of finding stitch markers etc

One thing I am not sure about is whether people would want a separate project bag or a handbag that carries a knitting project too. I would appreciate any feedback on this! Obviously, each knitter will probably have different requirements and my bags are custom made for each individual, so they can certainly be tailored to suit. However, I need a starting point and asking more experienced knitters seems the most sensible way to go. If you have any thoughts, please email me.

Curved bottom sling bag

admin — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 04:56:55 +0000

This is the new bag style I have been working on. I have made gussetted sling bags in the past, but was keen to work out a more streamlined version. This style is great for showcasing a favourite fabric and is very roomy and comfortable to carry. This particular bag uses fabrics from a Patty Young fabric line and from “Party in Pink” for Henry Glass & Co and features a cross-body strap, magnetic clip closure, key clip, row of pockets and a zippered pocket.

Jen S's new sling bag

Sling bag

Exterior of Jen's sling bag

Yoga mat bag

admin — Thu, 20 May 2010 02:39:55 +0000

I have just started a restorative yoga class to help me restore some core stability after my back injury last year. Of course, this was a perfect excuse for a new project! I have been wanting to try making a yoga mat bag for ages, but as I didn’t do yoga there wasn’t much incentive to get it off the to do list. In the midst of sewing a big order, I set aside some time to work on a project for myself and here is the result:

Yoga mat bag

Side view, showing adjustable strap

View of interior with contrasting lining and drawstring

I’m going to test it out a few times to see if I need to make any modifications, before making another. I’ve been asked to make one as a donation for a fundraiser for the local Child Development Centre, so I have another perfect excuse! Mind you, at this stage of the game, do I really need any excuses to justify doing what I love to do!

First masculine bag

admin — Thu, 13 May 2010 22:43:42 +0000

Obviously, most of my bag orders are from women, but I have just completed by first order for a young man. He is very artistic and likes to carry his supplies with him, so I designed a unique messenger bag that allows him to carry 24 pencils, his large sketch book and sundry gizmos and gadgets. He chose a somewhat eclectic selection of fabrics and I did the rest. The bag features an adjustable strap, large pencil pocket with a flap with magnetic clip closures, a zippered pocket, interior divided pockets, large rear pocket, waist strap and a panel for concealing the strap.
I used a variety of fabrics in this bag, including a snakeskin vinyl, outdoor fabric, cotton, fleece, polypropylene strap as well as various metal hardware and a parachute clip closure.

Art satchel

Flex frame sunglasses pouch

Rear of bag with waist strap out

New products

admin — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 23:50:41 +0000

I am adding two new products to the range. The first is a messenger-style bag which is the perfect size for your daily needs and will keep you organized in style. Well, at least your handbag contents will be organized, even if your life isn’t! The finished size is approximately 9″ across, 10″ high and 3″ wide. The bag features a full flap with a parachute clip closure, multiple pockets under the flap, as well as inside the bag, a rear pocket, a key clip and a sturdy adjustable strap. I use a combination of fleece and interfacing for structure and durability. Prices start at $75 Cdn, and will vary depending on the materials used.

Under flap of messenger style bag

The second bag is similar, but is 11.5″ across, 9.5″ high and 3.5″ deep. The rear pocket is designed to hold a magazine, plus there are pockets galore for cell phone, pens, notepads etc. There is also a key clip to save you scrabbling around and an adjustable strap so it can be worn on one shoulder or across the body. These will start at $85 Cdn and pockets can be customized to suit your needs.

Under flap of bag, multiple pockets

This particular bag is made in designer fabric by Amy Butler, along with three coordinating cotton prints.