U-handblog

Making an It's A Cinch Tote with the Janome CXL301

Hi guys, it's Skye here! I've got a review for you today on the Janome CXL301 sewing machine, and what better way to put it through the works than with Lisa's own It's A Cinch Tote pattern!

I've been ogling the It's A Cinch Tote from the moment Lisa walked into the office with it, so I was super excited to get started with this project. My old sewing machine had seen me through my A levels and uni days, and would have withered at the sight of the layers involved in this bag, so I had high hopes for the CXL301. 

First off, a small but significant feature for me is the 'Start/Stop' button on the machine. This button allows you to sew without the need for a foot pedal. Er, what!? Crazy talk I thought to myself upon discovering it, and yet just a few projects later I am a convert. I'll admit that for a good while to start with I was still subconsciously tapping my foot on an invisible pedal, but now that I'm used to it I think it's great. Combined with the adjustable speed setting (Are you a tortoise or a hare!?) I found this a really easy way to sew and be able to concentrate 100% on what was in front of me. Oh, and not have to worry about a naughty foot cramp setting the pedal off...or more likely a cheeky cat!

So, with my fabric all cut and ready to go, I set to work. Working on the It's A Cinch Tote provided me with enough challenges for the machine - namely inserting zips and working with tons of layers. No matter what sewing machine you're using I would recommend a Walking Foot without a doubt. This guy makes sewing through layers a breeze and I wouldn't be without it now.

The extension table also detaches for free arm sewing which means that this machine is not only a great all round crafters machine, but will also be great for dressmaking - yay!

The CXL301 handles beautifully, and I instantly felt at ease using it. I'd always been a little wary of digital sewing machines, but my use of this machine so far has changed my mind. It's a breeze to change the settings to your needs, and there are tons of stitches to experiment with - I think you can even program two to work together and create a unique stitch which is something I can't wait to try.

The stitches and feet are labelled which makes life easier, and there are 5 different types of buttonhole which are satisfyingly easy to whip up with the buttonhole foot. I was so excited by this machine that I sat down and read the entire instruction booklet front to back, and it's full of helpful and easy to read instructions and tips to help you make the most of what the machine has to offer. 

Corrr, look at those layers! I actually stepped away from the sewing machine with nothing but these corners of the bag to sew as I was slightly nervous, but I needn't have worried! Set the speed down to tortoise, use as many Wonder Clips as possible, and it'll all be fine - this sewing machine can hold its own!

With a few projects now under its belt, the Janome CXL301 has firmly found a place on the U-Handbag love list. We were looking for a sewing machine that is not too high tech, but also offers more than a beginners machine would, and we definitely think that this fits the bill. 

P.s. One of my favourite parts of working at U-Handbag is seeing all of the amazing makes that you guys create - it really is awe-inspiring! The colour blocking on this bag was inspired by Stitching & Bacon whose bag is simply gorgeous, so if you fancy mixing up your It's A Cinch Tote, check out her modifications!

And as always, you can upload your makes to our Facebook page or Pinterest :)

Happy 2nd Birthday Mabel

We love you so much baby girl. Today you are 2 years old.  Already you are very much one of us, and very much your own person.  It's an honour to watch you stomp loudly and proudly into your life and even more of an honour to be on the receiving end of your cuddles, kisses and funny faces.

You (my Disco Kid) are simply larger than life.

Love Mummy.  XXXXXX!

Bag Making Clinic #2

• Julie asked: 

I have trouble with small darts, like for a wristlet. They end up making pointy shapes along the curved edge of the bag. What am I doing wrong? Thanks!

Lisa says: The shorter and wider the dart is, the pointier the finished dart is likely to be - and a longer and finer dart will create a much softer gradient. Try changing the shape of the dart and also press the seam to one side when sewn. This should eliminate any pointiness on the finished dart! 

 

• Karen asked: 

I had a first try at using a shell case but there is a gap between the frame and the shell along the long edges while the corners are tight. What have I done wrong?

Lisa says: You haven't done anything wrong Karen. Due to the manufacture of the frames and shells there can sometimes be a gap as you have described. This can be resolved by either gently using pliers to ease the gap shut (be sure to cover the metal with a cloth) or alternatively you could add a thin strip of interfacing to the fabric where it will sit against the frame once glued in. 

 

• Melisa asked: 

I am trying to sew the exterior and the interior of the bag together with straps sandwiched in between but there's so much puckering or pleating on the exterior portion of the bag. How do I eliminate the pleating?

Lisa says: Sewing straps in can be pretty fiddly! I'd suggest using as many pins or clips as you can, and just go very slowly as you sew. Pause every now and then, and with the needle in the down position on the sewing machine you can always lift the presser foot and feel in between each fabric layer for any puckers.

 

• Haline asked: 

Do you know an easy way to sew a zipper in a rounded corner? In a tablet sleeve, for example, or a wallet. I always struggle with that. =]

Lisa says: Start off by pinning your zip along the straight edge of the fabric you are using. When you reach the curved edge of your fabric, make very small snips into your zip so that you can manipulate the zip around the curve of the fabric. Pin or clip into place. Continue snipping and pinning around the curve in the same way. 

 

• Gillian asked:

How can we keep our fabric bags clean ? Surely they are not washable? Is there a product you can spray them with in order to protect them ?

Lisa says: I would recommend "Scotch Gard" fabric spray which is great for protecting your bags, and I would also recommend "Soak Flatter" to keep your bags fresh :)

 

Keep your questions coming by commenting on any of these Bag Making Clinic posts and we'll do our best to help :)

Minaudiere Clamshell clutch gusset & partition - FREE Tutorial!!

 

DOWNLOAD THE FREE TUTORIAL HERE.

 

DOWNLOAD THE ORIGINAL CLAMSHELL CLUTCH TUTORIAL HERE.

 

You asked, we listened, we developed a solution!   Seriously, this gusset partition thingy not only works brilliantly, it looks amazingly, incredibly, uber-professional. Believe me, with this nice little addition on your clamshells you are going to get a lot of:  "WOW YOU MADE THAT, NOOO WAY!!!!"

Here it is, a free tutorial that will take your Clamshell clutches from swish, to swish-swoo!!

Besides keeping all of your essentials organised and essentials safe from falling out, this fancy-pants hinges & partition will bring your clamshell clutches to a whole new level of hand-crafted poshness!!

Elegantly simple to make and elegant to use, this tutorial works alongside our original Clamshell Clutches - so get making!

And don't forget, upload photos of your makes to our Facebook page - we can't wait to see what you come up with :)