Sunday, November 18, 2012

Baggin' it

Yesterday, I decided to make myself a new bag! Because I never trust myself to follow directions accurately, I always make a "test run".
I used this great pattern by Lisa Lam @ U-handbag
and some Echino that I have been hoarding.
While, it may be a test run, I definitely want a good bag!
Yup! I love it!
I did have a few issues with it though. First.....it doesn't have any pockets, and I definitely need some pockets!!
Because the bag is pleated, including the lining, it was a challenge.
I wanted a zip pocket and and open pocket, but I ended up with only the zip.
Because of the pleats in the lining, I couldn't sew  a pocket on without either moving the pleats to the side which bunched up the fabric, or having pleats in the pocket.
Didn't want that!
I used Lush Running Stitch for the lining.
The zip pocket was a good solution as it didn't interfere with the pleats. Now I wish I had put one on both sides, and I will do that for the next one.
There is a V opening on each side, and as you can see, I didn't do a very good job of sewing them!!
I also added an invisible magnetic closure, just because I like to have the top of the bag a bit closed.
I also really like the sew on leather handles, and they were easy to put on. They are 23" long and fit over my shoulder very comfortably.
A little key holder and it's good to go!
For the next one, this is what I'll be using......
The handles look a little orange in the picture, but they are red!
Can hardly wait to get started on it!

9 comments:

Celtic Thistle said...

Great bag Patti, I have used that pattern too and definitely could do with pockets in my bag!

moira said...

I've made this bag loads of time. It never fails to impress, like yours

Heather D. said...

Nice bag, and very fun fabrics Patti. Even the test-run is lovely. I agree about the pockets. I don't understand these bag patterns that are just a deep void for everything to get lost in.

Cute label too!

M-R Charbonneau said...

Wow, that's your test run?! I'm impressed! Great job, Patti!

Benta AtSLIKstitches said...

Yay, Patti, that's a fab bag!

Janine @ Rainbow Hare said...

This is a great bag. I can't believe it was a test! I LOVE those handles in both colours :)

Karen said...

These are great looking bags. Love the fabrics. Great work with the alterations and improvements. It gets to be like most things -- the more we do the better we get!

Nat at Made in Home said...

Great bag!

Pam @Threading My Way said...

I'm with you on having to have a closure and pockets. Your bag looks fabulous with the fabric you've chosen and the handles that match so well. It's a great shape, too.

9 comments:

Celtic Thistle said...

Great bag Patti, I have used that pattern too and definitely could do with pockets in my bag!

moira said...

I've made this bag loads of time. It never fails to impress, like yours

Heather D. said...

Nice bag, and very fun fabrics Patti. Even the test-run is lovely. I agree about the pockets. I don't understand these bag patterns that are just a deep void for everything to get lost in.

Cute label too!

M-R Charbonneau said...

Wow, that's your test run?! I'm impressed! Great job, Patti!

Benta AtSLIKstitches said...

Yay, Patti, that's a fab bag!

Janine @ Rainbow Hare said...

This is a great bag. I can't believe it was a test! I LOVE those handles in both colours :)

Karen said...

These are great looking bags. Love the fabrics. Great work with the alterations and improvements. It gets to be like most things -- the more we do the better we get!

Nat at Made in Home said...

Great bag!

Pam @Threading My Way said...

I'm with you on having to have a closure and pockets. Your bag looks fabulous with the fabric you've chosen and the handles that match so well. It's a great shape, too.