New pattern release and zipper tutorial 

So excited to announce the release of my third pattern.

The Carolina Bag.

This bag pattern features the beautiful new Tilda range 

'Wallflower'

The front of the bag has an applique design inspired by the Carolina Rose.

The back of the bag has a diamond patchwork pattern showcasing the beautiful prints 

from the Wallflower range.  The bag has top handles and a detachable and adjustable strap.

This pattern features a double head zipper that meets in the middle 

 Double-headed zippers, where the zipper pulls face away from each other, are designed so that both zippers can be used to open the top of the bag. 

Any zipper can be turned into a double zipper.

You need a length of zipper tape and two zipper pulls.

Instructions 

Cut the length a little longer than you require.

Make sure the cut is very straight across the end. 

Use a flame to heat seal the ends of the zipper to make sure it doesn't fray. 

separate one end of the zipper teeth and position the zipper pull facing up with the

widest end of the pull at the bottom.

  

Feed the ends of the zipper tape into the opening of each side of the zipper pull.

The trick is to get them in at the same time, so they join evenly. 

This may take a few goes.

If the tape doesn't feed in evenly there will be a bulge in the zipper when the pulls

meet in the middle.

Gently slide the zipper pull along.

There are a few tools you can use to help.

There is a tool called a zipper jig available online.

the zipper pull slides down in the opening with the back of the pull facing out.

it should wedge into the opening and hold it in place giving you both hands to feed the end of the zipper tape from the top into the pull opening.

the other option is to use a folk metal or plastic and wedge it into something to hold it still.

you should have the back of the folk facing you.

This works the same as the zipper jig.

Once you have the zipper pull in place take the other end of the zipper and repeat the process.  They must go on opposite ends of the zipper tape. 

Your zipper should meet evenly in the middle.

Happy sewing.

Feel free to message me with any questions.

Stay tuned for the Charlotte bag to be released very soon.

Mekaela x

Wednesday in the studio

 I have had such a wonderful response to the patterns so far.

I can't wait to get started on the next couple of patterns I have lined up.

Here are a few pics of a custom order I just completed this week in some

fun Tula Pink. We went with the pink bobbin ring.    

For those who have purchased a pattern there was a minor correction in the directions for the pouch. it should have been 1cm 3/8 inch instead of 5/8 inch around the drawstring top.  

The new patterns have been adjusted.

https://rubyandbelle.etsy.com

Paper patterns are also now available at 

Sand Salt Sew in Noosa Qld

The Sewing Stable Mount Hallen Qld

Christmas is coming up fast, so we are super busy with the shop and getting ready for 

family Christmas at our place this year.

We have the Samford Christmas festival on the 7th of December.  If you are in Brisbane, it is 

definitely a huge, amazing event. Makers On Main will be open for late night shopping

and we are making friendship bracelets with the kids out the front.

Drop in and say hi.

Happy Sewing !

Mekaela x

Welcome to Ruby & Belle Boutique Blog

Hi. Welcome to the new Ruby & Belle Boutique Blog.

My name is Mekaela,

and I am the owner and designer of Ruby & Belle.

I co-own a gorgeous handmade shop in Samford Village, Makers On Main, just outside of Brisbane, Qld. 

We sell beautiful locally made ceramics, jewellery, body products, candles, fabric pouches and children's clothing and accessories and so much more.

We are also a stockist for Tilda and Liberty fabrics with a great selection of haberdashery, books and patterns.

I am so excited to have just released my first two patterns for sale. 

Ruby & Belle Boutique Pattern Company.

You can find them on my website and my Etsy shop Ruby & Belle as well as instore at Makers On Main.

This a where I will share tips and tricks for sewing my patterns. As well as new products and other fun things.

Thanks for joining me