This is Bond Street by Poppy Patterns. Poppy Patterns is a collaborative pattern company made up of Patti Pinkston and Laura Gunn. Their patterns are relatively new on the scene and are right up the new "modern" sewing trend alley. Laura Gunn is a fabric designer among other things and I've loved ooing and awing over her fabrics at Market. This pattern was introduced to me by my very dear friend Nora of Hands on Tradition.
It's the perfect pattern to really showcase your large scale prints.
This particular sample is the larger tote size.
All Poppy Patterns have a 4 tiered skill level system that is actually pretty cute. The easiest pattern is represented by a baby carriage. Next up is a tricycle, next a bicycle and the highest skill level is what looks like a 1972 Dodge hatchback or something. This particular pattern is a "Tricycle". I imagine the only reason for that is the peek-a-boo pleat but honestly, the directions are so clear and easy to understand that even the most beginning sewist isn't going to have trouble with it.
Now, I promised you a tweak to this pattern. In the first sample I made, the tote in Anna Maria Horner Innocent Crush fabrics, I decided to use a fusible fleece called Thermolam by Pellon. Thermolam is a little "loftier" than your average fusible fleece. The pattern calls for "heavyweight interfacing". In my head, "heavyweight interfacing" is a Decor-Bond type fusible. I used the Decor Bond in the smaller handbags you see here. While it gave a beautiful product that photographed well, they were so stiff and inflexible that I couldn't see myself toting them around. My bag needs to be soft yet still keep its shape and Thermolam does that. Now, you'll deal with a little extra bulk at the straps when you sew the lining into the bag and topstitch around the outer top but go slow and easy and you'll have no issues at all. I've included Thermolam in all of the kits I am offering in the shop, NOT Decor Bond. I'm certain you'll be happier with the Thermolam!
A sample made from Erin McMorris' line, Weekends by Free Spirit.
Another cool aspect to this pattern is the little "ripped" flower. Not only because it's cute and adds an artistic flair to your bag, but because you get to tear the heck out of some fabric. I don't know what it is about tearing fabric...the noise it makes, the frustration you can diffuse...I don't know and I may not want to delve into why I like to rip fabric so much either. But look at the cute little flower you can make! The pattern calls for a 1.5" covered button which is adorable as well but I collect little antique pins and thought the flower would make a beautiful frame for my ever growing collection! Get creative! Just about anything can get attached to the center of this! How about running that ink jet printer fabric through your printer and putting a picture of your favorite child on there, at about a 2" size and centering that on a fabric button!? Ooo! I see Christmas presents coming! I'm going to have to try that next!
Another project actually finished this weekend was our new Brick Path kit made from MoMo, Just Wing It fabrics. Those of you who attend our shows know that the Amy Butler free pattern, Brick Path, has been a mainstay in our shop. It's the perfect pattern for absolutely ANY skill level. I am extremely dedicated to making sure our young people learn how to sew. Now that "home ec" type classes are no longer in our school systems, it's up to US to make sure this skill doesn't disappear with the mass production of items once sewn by hand. I'm not saying we need to learn how to sew a dress with a needle and thread, we'll leave that up to Cinderella's mice, but every person should know the beauty of creating something. This kit is the perfect project to teach a young or new sewist the skill of quilting. Easy rotary instructions, easy piecing and a perfect palette for showcasing the fabrics that inspire you! It can't get better than that!
Bright Turquoise, Tomato Reds and Grassy Greens give a beautiful backdrop to the floral and butterfly prints. (With a little bumblebee thrown in here and there! Think I Spy!)
Bright Turquoise, Tomato Reds and Grassy Greens give a beautiful backdrop to the floral and butterfly prints. (With a little bumblebee thrown in here and there! Think I Spy!) 
At 72 inches square, it is the perfect large lap size or yard quilt for anyone who wants to lounge in the sun!
Look at the little bonus doll quilt I made from the scraps! I hate leftovers and whenever possible, I will immediately sew them up! If you don't have a little doll to sew for, quilt this up into a quilted pillow sham, baby quilt (we all need baby gifts waiting in the wings!) or a decorative pillow. Bottom line, USE YOUR SCRAPS! 
Thought I would throw this in so you can see what challenges I have during my photography sessions! He almost took off with the My Twinn doll. Even though she's twice his size.
If you are interested in checking out these new kits in the shop, here are some links for you:
Just Wing It Brick Path
Thanks for spending some time with me today! Now I'm off to find a quilter who can get this thing finished for me before our next show! We'll be in Kerrville, Texas next over Memorial Day weekend at Schreiner University in Edington Gym. If you're near the Hill Country, come check us out! This is a new show for us so I know nothing about it but I have really enjoyed working with the organizing quilt guild. Texas is chock full of really great peeps!
Thanks for spending some time with me today! Now I'm off to find a quilter who can get this thing finished for me before our next show! We'll be in Kerrville, Texas next over Memorial Day weekend at Schreiner University in Edington Gym. If you're near the Hill Country, come check us out! This is a new show for us so I know nothing about it but I have really enjoyed working with the organizing quilt guild. Texas is chock full of really great peeps!
