02 July 2005
A trio of recently handcrafted items (click above to see the larger image). I made the turquoise pouch last week, I think, and stumbled upon an excellently easy way to do pouches with zippers. I've gotten better with top zippers, but having them on the side is extra simple.
Last night, I made the pouch with Liberty fabric. It has a flat bottom and (as shown) can stand up on its own --not that a pouch would need to. This is some of my favourite fabric, so I might end up hanging onto this pouch, even though there's no way I need another one.
Lastly, I made this bag this morning. I'd seen similar bags in Japanese pattern books, but I thought I'd give it a whirl sans pattern. The darts and the flat bottom really give the bag a nice shape (held by interfacing); I'm surprised it didn't wind up totally on the wonk, considering I more or less made it up as I went.
This one is pretty small (didn't want to waste fabric in case I messed up the whole project), but I'm really pleased with it. It's the perfect size to use as a small handbag for the essentials or -- ideally -- for a little girl to carry around her jewels and cell phones, or whatever it is that little girls have these days.
The homemade bias tape (which is a lie -- it's not on the bias at all) turned out really well, although it's clear that it be much easier on a larger scale; tight curves with such wide tape was a bit tricky. If you're somebody I see on a regular basis, and you happen to spot a bias tape maker, I'd be much grateful if you'd pick it up for me, and I'd pay you back.