All black – Oilskin Explorer Tote

March 1, 2017 by nadel&gabel

When I saw Annas new pattern, the Explorer Tote, she – again – got me. I immediately could imagine the large version as a great weekender bag. I was thinking about sewing myself a new travel bag for a while. I was kind of fed up by the one I sewed about two years ago (similar to this one) which I use for smaller trips. It now felt just too much: too many colours and patterns, too floral. The new […]

Categories: At the sewing machine, bags & totes, supplies • Tags: bag, black, explorer tote, handle, merchant and mills, noodlehead, oil cloth, oilskin, pattern, recessed, sewing, stable, strap, sturdy, tarpaulin, tote, travel, waxed canvas, weekender, zipper

Feels like 1996 – Retro backpack from pillow case

August 2, 2013 by nadel&gabel

Do you have recognized the return of the backpack, too?! – I had my last backpack when I was probably 15, which was back in the 90s. After using it less and less frequently, I finally sorted it out – and the 90s had passed. I guess, a lot of people did so, cause for years you couldn’t see a lot of people using backpacks apart from when they went trekking or on a day trip. But lately backpacks are […]

Categories: At the sewing machine, bags & totes • Tags: adjustable, backpack, hipster, pillow case, retro, rucksack, sewing, small, strap, tutorial

Travel gear – Improved

May 11, 2013 by nadel&gabel

All my bags are packed, I’m ready to go … to Nice for a few days. Actually it’s me together with a colleague and a bunch of students … hopefully no trouble but relaxed days for all of us. Of course there will be some pictures on the blog in a while. My preparation – except of listening to the old and the new album of Zaz trying to refresh the sad remains of the French I learned at school: […]

Categories: At the sewing machine, bags & totes, wallets & pouches • Tags: bag, black, camera, graphic, handbag, mustard, pouch, sewing, strap, toilet, tote, travel, tutorial, white

From scraps – Key ring band

July 3, 2012 by nadel&gabel

Hey, here’s a simple little project for your spare time … or if you’re just procrastinating again 😦 Those easy-to-sew key ring bands are an ideal way to reduce your fabric scraps and in exchange fill up your box of little useful giveaways (next to the little wallets, the tissue cases,…).

Categories: accessories, At the sewing machine • Tags: band, easy, key, present, ring, scraps, sewing, strap, tutorial