Saturday, March 15, 2008

Spring is in my sack

Well, I did as I said I would and tried to make a spring-y bag to brighten my mood. This is a big fat version of the Charming Handbag from Bend the Rules Sewing. I just drew a bigger version of the books pattern instead of enlarging it with a copier. I needed a bag that would be big enough to stick my computer in.

I pieced together some Amy Butler fabric with some pinky corduroy for the outside of the bag and added some of the velvet ribbon that I bought last week. This is a perfect example of what you can do with 1.5 yards of ribbon but not with 1 yard. As I said before, I was accidentally sold the latter, thus my bag only has ribbon on one side. I just make sure to always carry it with the ribbon facing out.

The bag is ok but I would probably recommend against making this style in a large size like this. It's a little too droopy when it has a lot of stuff in it. I made the suggested, small version of this pattern for a Christmas gift and that came out really well. I think it would work better to try a larger bag that was slightly wider but much deeper. Next time!

PS I made button holes in the lining to feed the handle through instead of making a casing. This is what I did before. Someone suggested it in the Bend The Rules Sewing Flickr group. I think it's a great idea.

7 comments:

  1. Anonymous3:04 PM

    Really cute! I love those colors--I have that print in a pinker scheme, but I like the gold tones in that one a lot more. Very pretty. :)

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  2. I love the colors you used!

    I just came upon your blog today and I'll be back----such wonderful projects here!

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  3. Very cute bag! I am having a lot of trouble finding velvet ribbon in colors other than pastel. I'll keep up the hunt. BTW, I am hostessing a BTRS swap. You can find info at http://btrsswap.blogspot.com. I'd love it if you consider joining. Either way, I like your blog and have been a lurker until now! =]

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  4. Buttonhole!

    *smacks forehead*

    Genius!

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  5. it looks great! I also like big bags, so thanks for the review of enlarging this one!

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  6. Anonymous8:57 AM

    I love your choice of fabric for this bag.

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  7. such great color combinations with your bag. i was looking at that book last night and decided i ought to make this same pattern. hope to look through my fabric stash and be inspired.

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