Maclaren donates 150 buggies to Autism Speaks

On Thrusday April 2, 2009, Maclaren took part in the Autism Speaks/Central Park World Autism Awareness Day Event. The stroller giant donated 150 Techno XLR buggies to the cause.

buttercup bag and how to attach magnetic purse snaps

A couple of months ago I came across a free pattern for this adorable purse: The Buttercup Bag from Made By Rae. Isn't it scrumptious? Can you believe it's made from a fat quarter? Well, two to be precise: one fat quarter for the outside and one for the lining. I made up a couple for birthday gifts. They were pretty quick and super easy. Rae's instructions are clear and include pictures for the visual learners like me.


I *loved* the fabric that Rae used, and I was shocked to find out she found it at JoAnn in the Fashion Fabrics section. My JoAnn only had it in black and white, but I thought it was still a good choice. It has a nice weight and texture.


I embellished this bag with a fabric flower I made using this tutorial from Wise Craft. I just used the leftover fabric from the lining and a tiny swatch of something in my stash for the covered-button center. I attached a pin to the back so it could be removed if the recipient didn't like it. It was a super-quick finishing touch.


This one was made with Amy Butler's August Fields home decor line. The print is part of the Wild Bouquet group, and the lining is the Jade from the Solids group.


You might notice there is a small magnetic snap that keeps the bag closed. If you've never attached one before, you might be surprised that there are absolutely no instructions on the packaging. Believe me, I looked at several brands, and no one seems to recognize that some of us out here are sewing idiots! I eventually figured it out, but we thought we should post a quick tutorial just in case you decide to try this pattern. We don't want anyone out there feeling stupid for no reason.

How to Attach Magnetic Purse Snaps

1. Iron on your interfacing in the appropriate spot, according to your pattern. For the Buttercup bag, it goes on the wrong side of the lining, about 1/2" from the top.


2. Place one of the thin, flat pieces where you want the first half of your snap to be.


3. Use a pencil to mark the openings in the piece. This is where you'll insert the prongs of the snap.


4. Using a seam ripper or sharp scissors, make a 1/8" cut in the top and bottom markings.


5. This is optional, but a good idea. Use a small amount of Fray Check where you cut the fabric to keep the hole from getting bigger with use.


6. Push the prongs of one of the snap sides through from the right side of the fabric.


7. Place one of the thin pieces over the prongs on the wrong side of the fabric.



8. Bend the prongs down toward the middle using your fingers. Repeat for opposite side of snap on other side of lining. Be sure to match them up!


Stacy decided to make a bunch of these bags to have on hand as gifts. Here are a few of her cute creations. Don't you love the little felt flower she made for the pink one?


So now that you're all dying to make one, I have some really good news. Made By Rae spent hours creating this pattern offers it for free (so sweet!). However, remember that it is copyrighted, so you are only allowed to make them for personal use (or gifts), but not to sell. (Here's the good news.) She has made the pattern available for sale with a limited commercial license, meaning you can pay her $10 for the pattern and then hand make as many of these babies as you want to sell at craft fairs, in your Etsy store, to your friends, whatever. (More details here.) As a special bonus, if you purchase the licensed pattern you'll also get the pattern for a BIGGER version of this purse! The original is pretty itty bitty (perfect for a night out or if you don't have kids in tow), but she's enlarged it so you can really use it every day. So if you love this pattern and want make one for yourself or for a gift, you can dowload the free version. But if you want to make a gazillion of them and sell them, or just want to thank Rae for being such a sweetie, go to her shop and purchase the pattern. Either way, we think you should leave her a comment and tell her how amazing she is! Thanks, Rae!