New Release and New Blog

Today is the release day of my newest pattern, the Kitty Rose Purse! It's also the launch of my new website! And part of my new website is a new blog. So this sadly neglected little blog is going to be even more neglected.  But I'm very proud of my new website, so go check it out!

Pattern Release: New Tote on the Block

Announcing the release of my newest pattern: The New Tote on the Block! This color block tote comes in two sizes and has multiple color blocking options. It has either a magnetic snap closure or a zipper closure. You can purchase it here on Etsy, or over on Craftsy.

 

You can use one of these color blocking options, or even make just a plain tote with no piecing (beginners might like that option).  I include multiple pocket options and instructions so you can get just the right pocket configuration to fit your needs. 

 





My testers came up with some awesome versions of this purse. 

This fantastic pleather version is by Anne Verberckmoes.

Bethany Mitchell:

"This pattern is great for beginners and more advances sewists. The options range from very simple to elaborate, making it really fun! I can tell this is a pattern I will sew time and again!"

Carol Thomas sewed both sizes!

This lovely version by Celia Oliver shows how great this purse also works without color blocking.  This option is great for a purse maker without a lot of experience!

I love this simple version by Cindy Parrett.  The wide stripes are a classic look.

Glenys Binstead: "Toriska's New Tote on the Block is a funky new Tote in 2 sizes with as many different looks as a Chameleon. It is a pattern with designs that can be made by novices and experts alike. The choices offered in both looks and practicality (several pocket designs, two closure options, many different exterior options) ensures that this pattern will appeal to many different tastes, which makes it real value for money! I bet you can't make just one......"

I love Helen Wilson's beautiful fabric choices.

Here is Ira Diyanti's large tote, and a nice shot of the interior.  This version has the long top zipper closure.

Jennifer Moya: "I was lucky enough to test the New tote on the block. The many panel options (front and back) and add-on pockets meant I could really personalized this tote to my exact needs. It was a fun and easy sew. I have had many compliments on my tote asking where I bought it from. I have already started cutting out my next two!! The possibilities are endless. "

Julie Milson: "I have enjoyed taking part in the tester pattern for this bag being my very first tester The pattern is great to use with the photos and Tori is always there to help if you get stuck.

Liz Gilmartin: "Love this pattern! The shape and color-blocking options makes this a fun and unique sew. I think beginners will especially love this pattern since it offers lots of pocket and color-blocking how-to's to help learn and hone their skills!"

Lori Peoples: "The New Tote on the Block is so versatile, the hardest part is deciding how you want your tote to look. The pattern has many options - you can start with quick and easy then move up to a more involved bag. There is something for everyone!"

I love these fabric choices in Lynne Wambeek's version!

Maxine MacNeill: "When one finds a pattern that is so unique as this one is it is one that you will make over and over - time and time again."

Namrata Shroff: "This bag is just amazing , big enough to carry my everyday stuff. The instructions are well written. It's a very easy and quick sew. Love this bag."

Nicole Johnstone picked some awesome colors and fabric combinations in her large tote.

Piera Lotito: "Very fun pattern with lots of options to be creative.
Clear and concise and easy to follow. Very easy for a beginner :)"

Rajyalaxmi Pradeep: "Congratulations on yet another wonderful pattern. The possibilities with this pattern are many. I thoroughly enjoyed making it."

Saar Mertens: "So many options! Such a beautiful pattern to use over and over again! Very clear instructions, diagrams and pictures for every step, I love it 😀"

Sandie Larsen created this version of the small tote with one of my favorite color combinations.

Shayna Kalish (and her excellent photography!) made the small tote and zipper top, with another set of great fabric choices.

And last, (only by virtue of this being in alphabetical order by first name!), Tammy Jo Halbig: "I absolutely loved sewing this pattern. It lets you be creative in so many ways. Because of all the views this pattern offers, combined with all the different fabric prints available,  no two bags from this pattern will ever be alike.
If you like instant gratification this pattern is for you. If you love a classy/beautiful design this pattern is for you. If you like to actually smile while you sew this pattern is for you. It was so much fun to make."

Thanks to all of my awesome testers, who provided such helpful feedback and made such beautiful bags! The pattern will be on sale for $6 for the weekend only, then up to its normal price of $8 on Tuesday. Purchase on Etsy or Craftsy.

Releasing Today: The Curvaceous Clutch

 

 

Introducing, the Curvaceous Clutch, by Toriska Bags!  This is one of two framed PDF sewing purse patterns I am releasing today.  Check out the Flourish Clutch as well.

 

The Curvaceous Clutch is a classy, simple clutch with beautiful lines and a round frame.  Don't be intimidated by the frame!  The pattern gives instructions on both sew-in and glue-in frame. The pattern also gives instructions on altering the pattern to fit your frame if you have a frame that's not quite the recommended sizes. My testers had no problems with the sewing, I'd say a confident beginner would have no problems.  There are three sizes and instructions on a gathered variation and lace overlay. (Below, the red purse is a lace overlay, the white is the gathered version, and the black is the normal version.)

 

Not only is the pattern on sale today through Sunday for $6, ($8 normally), but I am also selling kits in my Etsy shop! You can purchase the necessary interfacing for each size of purse, as well as frames in a limited selection. At the end of this post I give a list of places to buy these frames.

I also sell this pattern on Craftsy.

 

With no further ado, my testers' clutches and their feedback!

 

 

Gathered version, Medium size by Liz Gilmartin. "This is just BEAUTIFUL! It's so unique and will floor anyone when you tell them you made it! It looks pretty tricky at first, but it's actually a quick sew. I made the medium which is so elegant and yet still big enough to hold my phone, small wallet, makeup, and still have space!"

 

Medium size, by Cherita. "Truly a brilliant pattern.  The finished product is beautiful & the sewing was a real pleasure!"

 

Mini version, by Gwen Lockwood. Gwen used a very small frame but resized the pattern to 70% to fit. It worked great!

Small size, by Casey White.

 

Small size, by Sandie Larsen. "Wonderful instructions~ very clear steps and illustrations.  The added actual photos in the pattern make it very easy for a beginner to be successful."

 

Small size, by Nicole Wall. "Wonderful, easy to follow pattern that creates a beautiful end result. The photos are super helpful and the directions are easy to understand."

 

Small size, by Tiffany Ranta. "The Curvaceous Clutch is quick sew that produces a fantastic looking framed bag. This pattern, with its multiple size options and your own fabric choices, the possibilities are endless. "

 

Small size, by Saar Mertens. "A super cute, easy to sew clutch with a lot of possibilities and a professional look!"

 

Small size, by Lori Peoples. "The Curvaceous Clutch is a great pattern for someone who wants to make their first purse with a frame.  The step by step instructions take the uncertainty out of trying a new technique and the picture tutorial help insure success."

 

Medium size, by Maxine MacNeill. "Wonderfully easy pattern."

 

Large size, by Rajyalaxmi Pradeep. "A must try for sewist of every level. I found the instructions to be very clear and the diagrams and photographs very helpful. Very easy to put together. For a first time, fitting in the frame was not bad. I was intimidated by the frames but not anymore! I recommend this pattern to everyone!

With every new pattern, Toriska is proving to be a pattern label that makes complex patterns simple for sewists of all levels!"

 

Small size, by Helen Wilson.

 

Small, by Ana Cristina Machado

 

Small, By Anupama Rao.

 

More feedback:

Jacqueline Buie: Very awesome designer pattern are very enjoyable to work with . I will be buying some of Ms. Tori's  patterns to sew again .. looking forward to her being a mentor in the bag and pattern world."

Karen Thomas: "Love this pattern, this bag will make a wonderful addition to any wardrobe.  Highly recommended."

 

Thank you to all my testers, they make my pattern look great, huh!

 

To end, here is a list of places to buy these clutch frames.  When searching online, search for round or half-round frames. For Small frames, search for 15cm or 6", for medium search for 20cm or 8", for large search for 23cm or 9".

 

U.S.-based: Tantalizing Stitches, Pacific Trimming

 

Asia based:  Bagpurseframe, 3DANsupplies, Yeahshop, Vivianzakka, lacecrafted, Factory Guy Online, Ahwokbuckles. There are doubtless others I've missed, but I've ordered from all of the Etsy shops listed.

 

European-based shops: Frameyourbag, Stoklasa,  Bag Clasps LTD, Guthrie and Ghani, Creativ Company

 

For Indian buyers, my tester recommended Riddhi Kapoor as a source for frames and interfacing.

 

For Australian buyers, Stitches in the Bush. (Search "frame" in the search bar.), Shamrock Craft, MIY Art Crafts.