16 September 2006
So I made this new bag. I guess it's okay. I suppose.
Just kidding! I think it's fab. The best bag I've made yet. I thought everything through before I started, cut all the pieces I needed before I started sewing, and the whole thing went together with only the smallest hitches. My biggest problem was that my pin cushion has been missing for the last three months, so I didn't have any pins. I have no idea where it is! I finally managed to dig out a packet of needles, so I had four needles to hold things in place. Unprofessional.
The metal rings were scavenged from this bag, which I made last year (they were originally stolen from a belt I never wore). When this bag was still living in my head, I couldn't make up my mind about the piping. Should I make my own to match the lining or just buy something that coordinated? Obviously, I went for making my own, and it was definitely, absolutely worth it.
The lining is that leftover Liberty cord -- perfect. I wanted the bag to be sturdy, but not too bulky, and I didn't want the look that iron-on interfacing gives. Since that was all I had, I cut pieces out of both the interfacing and some plain white cotton, ironed the interfacing to the cotton, and then sewed it in with the lining. Not too difficult, and it gave me the results I was after!
The back of the bag. I'll sew in a snap on the large pocket, if I can locate one. I think a good outside pocket on a messenger style bag like this (with the flap) is necessary. I don't want to be digging around inside for my wallet, etc, and having a pocket like this, which stays between the bag and my body, gives me easy access to the things I need without letting anybody else get their hands on them. The littler pocket is mostly because I thought it was cute -- maybe I'll keep my lip balm in there.
And that's my new bag! Definitely a success!
10/10! :)
I have made your placemat and will send it out early next week
posted by justine at September 16, 2006 01:27 PM
Cool! How big is it? ...og how much stuff can you get in it?
posted by Magfly at September 16, 2006 02:26 PM
Bravo, Anna! It's magnificent! All the pockets are just perfect. *Love* it!
posted by Joy at September 16, 2006 02:40 PM
This is so great from the fabric to the piping to the lining. I love it, I want one just like it. I have been dreaming of one just like it.
posted by Wanett at September 16, 2006 03:30 PM
I LOVE it! The colour is gorgeous and the piping works brilliantly. I agree with you a big success.
posted by caroline at September 16, 2006 05:41 PM
It is completely possible that this is the cutest bag ever! I love it! The fabric combination is perfect!
Have a wonderful day!!!
posted by vegasandvenice at September 16, 2006 06:05 PM
De-lurking to say WOW!
That bag it absolutely fabulous!
And also... the link to the pic. of the back of your placemat (last post) doesn't seem to be working... If it isn't just me, I'd love to see it!
posted by Jessica at September 16, 2006 07:33 PM
Oh my gosh, it's perfect. I want one just like it!
posted by Maitreya at September 16, 2006 08:13 PM
So cute, and you're right. The lining makes it perfect.
posted by Courtney at September 16, 2006 08:22 PM
That, m'dear, it one beeeautiful bag. Bravo! Brillian! Well done!
posted by Sarah at September 16, 2006 11:18 PM
That bag turned out awfully cute! Well done. The piping is PERFECT; you should be super-pleased you took the extra time! Well worth it.
posted by Mary-Heather at September 17, 2006 02:55 AM
It's amazing. And I'm crazy about the piping! Love it!
posted by myra at September 17, 2006 03:47 AM
beautiful!
posted by sonia at September 17, 2006 04:25 AM
Ooooh! I lurve it! It's fabulous. I want one.
posted by nichola at September 17, 2006 06:15 AM
stylish *and* practical. you must be so pleased!
posted by rachel at September 17, 2006 06:28 PM
Simply great!!! I really love it!!!
posted by li li at September 18, 2006 05:06 AM
Suh-weet.
posted by Megan at September 18, 2006 07:42 AM
Well done! Ditto what everyone else said. Also, thanks for that tip about using iron-on interfacing on fabric and then sewing that fabric to the lining. I hadn't thought of that before!
Also, you could use velcro on that outside pocket instead of a snap.
posted by Stephanie at September 18, 2006 02:55 PM
Love, love, love that lining fabric. Great job!
posted by Carmen at September 18, 2006 08:36 PM
Your bag is so gorgeous. I love it!
posted by vanessa at September 18, 2006 08:37 PM
Ahhhh!!! I LOVE it!!! I want to just jump right into that lining!
posted by Becky at September 18, 2006 09:17 PM
I would SO buy a pattern for this bag, if you wanted to make one... *hint hint*
posted by Sarah at September 19, 2006 01:11 AM
Really beautifully made! And thanks for the tip about the interfacing, it's brilliant!
posted by Siow Chin at September 19, 2006 02:01 AM
Best bag ever!
posted by jessie at September 19, 2006 03:01 AM
Dear, I don't know why you aren't in business for yourself, from what I have seen from your blog you are a creative whiz, an inspiration - Thanks for sharing!
posted by beth at September 19, 2006 06:29 AM
that bag is awesome! I've been on the lookout for one to replace the one I've had for 6 years (and completely used up--it has holes in the back from rubbing and the strap is falling apart, literally), and now I'm inspired to take it apart and make my own! Lovely.
posted by eireann at September 19, 2006 05:18 PM
Oh. My. GOODNESS. Anna. It's PERFECT.
posted by Alicia P. at September 20, 2006 02:02 AM
Anna!
So nice to be here again. I have horrid cramp but it is finally an excuse to stop everything and do a whole summers worth of blog reading (you, Alicia, Camilla and Karin). I have missed it all SO SO much.
This bag is STUNNING I adore the colours, and all the detail, your best creation ever, well done. And, I STILL owe you £2, I am a bad person and very sorry. Perhaps I should just send it instead of trying (but failing) to make something sweet to send with it. But that seems impossible to do.
I just love reading your blog, I love how it has so much FOOD in it, and birds, and crafts and interiors and stories. I want a life where I can read it everyday. Like before, when I used blogging to avoid my own life, which I think was acceptable as my house was driving me crazy.
Anyway, I must keep reading, I think of your visit often, esp. during my French trip as I remember the chocolates!
Love Cally xxx
posted by cally at September 20, 2006 03:58 PM
That bag is fabulous! I agree with the other poster, I would buy a pattern for it in a heartbeat.
posted by Sara at September 22, 2006 12:01 AM
Wow! The bag is fantastic!
posted by Leta at September 26, 2006 03:54 AM