astroturf.... I mean astrobag

Bag-making fever is upon us (Delamare, if you are reading this, don't let A Certain Person see this).

I had a request to make a bag for my niece for xmas. I searched the wonders of the web and found tiny happy's shoulder bag tutorial. It looked lovely, I searched the stash - and lo and behold, the astrobag:

I made it up a little differently - I sewed the inside pockets before sewing up the bottom seam, and left an opening for turning in the top rather than the bottom, and put the top of the strap together from the inside (same method as one uses for sleeveless lined tops).

I like it, in fact I want to keep it - but I shall just have to make myself another (and it reminds me I must find just the right frock to make out of the astrodot fabric!)

More Christmas sewing

This is a Christmas present for Mr M. He knows about it, but he doesn't want to see it too much before Christmas Day, so it is will be fresh and new in his mind. Hence the washing line shots on a windy day.

I used this pattern again but modified the things he wasn't especially keen on in the first version: changed the shape of the side curves so his t-shirts aren't visible poking out, and made the collar smaller, and a little crisper with firmer interfacing. I also changed the shape of the sleeve cap, because the sleeves in this pattern are impossible to ease without almost becoming almost full puff sleeves.

I've cut out another reversible purse for another present. I have Christmas cards to write, but sewing is so much more rewarding.

Edited to add: photos of the finished purse.
Made in eyelet and black/silver chinese brocade. I don't recommend using such different fabrics together because they were horrible to sew individually and a nightmare together, and it will only be a practical bag with the eyelet outside. I think the recipient will like it though. I do like how the silver wrong side of the brocade looks behind the eyelet.