A New Bag and a New Pair of "The Cure For Cold Feet""

In the past I have not used patterns to make my bags. As I contemplate developing my own patterns, however, I decided that it would be good to make a few bags from printed patterns so that I could decide what I like and what I don't. I always tend to change things up a bit anyway, but seeing how different people write patterns is helpful.  This design is the "Heffalump Bag" from Janine Babich Designs. I really like the effect that the binding makes and it opens nice and wide.

The fabric that I fell in love with and won an a Guild "Aweful raffle". It's from Norway, and had been donated by the lovely, excellent teacher (my class from last weekend), Kitty Sorgen. I made my book pillow from another piece that she had donated that had sheep on it. I fell in love with both pieces of this home decor type fabric and had no clue what I would do with them, but I knew that I had to have them!

First I used "Inn-Control Plus" from Creative Craft Products to fuse the backing and front fabrics. I like this brand because it works (fuses) very well, but does not give a 'stuck' look which I find happens with some other brands that I have tried in the past. My favourite of their products is Duo Fuse which I used to make my "Feathered Bag". I love the loft that Duo Fuse provides, an alternative to this flatter look. I am a fan of Innovative Craft Products and I hope that they will be more widely available soon. You can order direct from their website- that makes it easy!
What I have discovered in making bags from patterns is that I am a much more visual learner than many people must be. I have to read, and re-read, written instructions, scratch my head, and then read again. Hand drawn pictures don't seem to help me that much either for some strange reason - I know that they should! Where I struggle with a written instruction if I had a photograph I would 'get' the instruction immediately. Most bag patterns are made to fit on a standard sheet of printer paper, or perhaps an 11" X 17" piece of paper. I  like to make slightly larger bags most of the time, and so I have generally enlarged patterns by eye.  I would love to have some patterns for larger sized bags printed on something like a half of an architect's sheet of paper. 

I would like photographs and larger patterns with less, sometimes confusing, verbiage. I would truly like to know what preferences you have as far as making things from patterns goes. What things would make a pattern easier for you to make?
I used care and went slowly when I stitched in the ditch to attach the binding to the zipper. When it is finished you can't see the stitches on the front, and that is just what I wanted! I hand basted the zipper in. I always do that because I think it makes such a big difference to the finished look. 
 This is how the zipper looks on the front and the back when it is place. Note the basted zipper.
 I added a very simple pocket - I just like bags with some sort of pockets and they are so easy to add!
I have been needing a new pair of what I call "the cure for cold feet". My last surviving pair has been patched and "re-knit" many times. I could add those leather soles I suppose, but I don't really like that feel on my feet. If you have cold feet this is the cure. The pattern is from Cat Bordhi's "Socks That Soar"

I used Malabrigo Merino Worsted, held double (the pattern calls for bulky weight), in a variegated colorway called "Intenso" (found on the bottom of the page that I linked to under 'variegated'). My feet are toasty, and I am in love with this colorway. I wish they made it in sock weight as well!  I bought enough to make a second pair. I need to make another pair anyway so that I always a spare on hand. I have never found anything as good as this pattern for keeping my feet toasty even in the coldest weather . I use them indoors as slippers, but, when it is really cold, I'll squeeze them into my Crocs and off I go. Not chic perhaps, but very warm!


 Find joy in your day and thanks for stopping by!

Comments

  1. I want those socks!! They do look warm. My feet are always like ice

    ReplyDelete
  2. How big is the bag? You make me want to stitch one up...

    ReplyDelete
  3. Amazing tutorial! I am wondering that is it really possible to fabricate such a beautiful cotton handbag at home within few simple steps. Though, I often carry my Orla Kiely handbag which I have purchased from http://www.kilkennyshop.com/orlakiely.htm, but I also love to do experiment for creating DIY handbags. I really like the whole concept and idea mentioned above. I will try to implement it at my home.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Thanks for the visit! I’d enjoy hearing what your thoughts are!

Popular Posts