Hello my name is Michelle Dorsey. I am a pattern designer and digitizer doing business under the name, SewMichelle. First of all, I would like to thank Deby for letting me appear as a guest on her blog.
I enjoy designing patterns that are easy and quick to make. After all, isn't instant gratification what most of us are after? I try and design unique patterns that make you think outside the box, yet are functional for everyday use. I also like to incorporate different materials to spice things up a bit too.
One of my favorite materials to work with is vinyl coated mesh, aka pet screen. Some quilt shops carry this mesh in bright, fun colors. If your quilt shop hasn't started stocking it yet, don't worry, you can purchase it by the roll at your local hardware store, on Amazon or even at Walmart in their hardware section. {Deby – I found some at Online Fabric Store too}
However, these places sell it for conventional use and generally only stock it in charcoal, which is the basic black color. The brand I prefer to use is New York Pet-D-Fence. It has enough body to keep the project from flopping over, which is important since there isn't a lining. Yet it's easy to work with and not hard on your sewing machine.
I made a Screen Cosmetic Bag Tutorial to give you an opportunity to try this product and see for yourself why it's so easy and fun to work with. Click HERE to visit my website and download the FREE Tutorial.
If you don't own an embroidery machine, you can still make the project adorable by using your left over quilt squares to adorn the front. Or how about one of those fabric panels you just had to have that's still sitting in your fabric stash. Just use a zig zag around the edges to attach it to the front of the bag. Instant cuteness!
Here are a few bag patterns that I've created using pet screen.
Screen It Up by SewMichelle
Sew Many Projects Caddy by SewMichelle
The Sassy Screen Tote Bag by SewMichelle
I hope that you'll accept the challenge to try vinyl coated mesh. I think you'll be surprised at how easy it is to work with and how many people will compliment you on your unique bag. Wouldn't this make a great Christmas present to make for all your girlfriends? If you get started now, you'll be so far ahead and might actually be able to enjoy the holidays. :>)
Thanks again to Deby for introducing me to you and giving me the chance to become friends with you too. I hope that you will take a minute to look around my site. I have lots of tutorials and FREEBIES to download. If you are on Facebook, please look me up and say hello.
Happy Sewing!
Michelle :>)
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I LOVE the Screen Cosmetic Bag. I have not used screen before, but after looking at the patterns and samples, I would like to give it a try. My favorite Sew Michelle pattern is the Kiss & Make-up Cosmetic Bag pattern. Thank you for the chance to win!
I love your Screen It Up Bag and Sew Many Projects Caddy patterns.
I am a fan of all your patterns!
I like the Sew Many Projects Caddy
I’m thrilled you ladies like my patterns — thank you for all the sweet comments.
All of your patterns looks so wonderful. I think the “Hoot” notebook covers are great.
Love the Happy Bag, and the cosmetic bag.
I like the Mini Screen and Sassy Screen bags and Sew Many Projects. I have never worked with screen but may have to try it now. Thanks for the cute projects.
Love your patterns; I’ve been reluctant to try these mesh bags, but now maybe I’ll go and get some to try it!
That sassy screen bag! It’s really useful and looks great.
I really like this idea. I will be looking for it at Wal-Mart.
How unique! I had no idea this was possible.
I like all of the patterns, but my favourite is the Sew Many Projects Caddy. Thanks!
I love the screen totes-Sassy and mini!
Loved all of them, but I especially liked the Sassy Screen Tote. The Flip Flops & Wet Tops is ADORABLE!
Actually have 4 patterns I loooove! But top one on List HAS to be My sunday Best!!! LOOOOVE it!! The Flip-Flops & Wet Tops is absolutely Perfect for my Beach loving Daughter in NC!! lol The mesh Totes are soooo cool!
Sew many projects caddy. Thanks neena
I like all of your patterns!! I really liked your Kiss & Make-Up Cosmetic Bag pattern.
I have made all of the patterns. I have made all of the patterns and love them all. Great unusual gifts and SEW easy to make. I can’t wait to see what is new.
cute patterns loves them
I love the “What A Hoot” notebook covers! I know many kids (and teachers) whoooo would love this!
I love the flip flops & wet tops!
Never would have thought to embroider on mesh but man I like the colors I am seeing. Got to research this some more. Thanks for the chance to win.
These are so neat! I would love to try your patterns!
I should try this fabric – just have to see where i can buy it over here. I like your patterns, and the most i like the “Sew Many Projects Caddy”, Thanks for the giveaway!
Being a water baby from birth I have to say the Flip Flop is my favorite – so many possibilities to personalize it and it’s just plain ‘ol fun!
Having developed Plantar Fascitis I’m not supposed to wear them anymore…this could be a fun alternative
I love the quatro bag. crystalbluern at onlineok dot com
I love the cute little mesh bags. I haven’t tried putting a zipper on the mesh yet, but I’m gonna try! These will make great Christmas gifts!
Love the mesh fabric, now I will have to make a Mesh Flip Flop for swimming. Which is one of my favorite patterns Michelle has designed…….
I really like the Kiss & Make up cosmetic bags.
I so want to try this. I have some of that pet mesh (black) in the garage. Gotta get one of those gorgeous patterns.
Glad I found you site. Lots of cute patterns.
What a clever idea and a cute way to use the mesh screening. I will never be able to look at it the same again. All of the bag patterns are great, one can never have enough totes, bags, purses 🙂
Love those mesh cosmetic pouches with monograms!
I love the happy bag! So sweet!
i LOVE THE SASSY MESH BAG AND THE SANTA NOTEBOOK COVERS WOULD BE GREAT STOCKING STUFFER
I like the reversible apron. You have a lot of great patterns and thanks for the giveaway.
I really like the Sew Many Projects Caddy!
These mesh bags are cute. Again, my daughter could use one!
I love the pattern Flip Flops & Wet Tops! I would love to make one of these for my daughter who lives by the beach.