Sunday, August 21, 2011

On being the expert...

Last week, I spent a few days making new versions of my Large Tote and Satchel (pattern HERE). I used Kristen Doran's divine panel print "Winter Nest" for this one and went to town with antique brass coloured fittings.
I squeezed the body of a bag out of the teensiest piece of Echino scooter fabric and used webbing for the strap. The adjustable strap goes from one side of the bag to the other.Saturday was another very full day of bag-making in my studio. Lots of fabric, lots of sewing, lots of cups of tea.... I gave lots of tips on ways to use interfacing, reduce bulk in seams, turn out sharp corners and create smooth lines and edges. I taught people to insert magnetic snaps and twist locks. I taught a few people to overcome zipper-phobia. I taught the girls a few tricks about making nice, neat straps with rings. I even gave a good example of why everyone should follow my advice to separate the lining pattern from the outside bag pattern before cutting any fabric, lest (in a moment of lapsed concentration) the wrong piece be cut.

Anyone can make this mistake - even experts. This bag - like myself - was made a little shorter than most.


("Wren" fabric by Ink & Spindle, teamed with denim and microsuede. Apart frpm being a facing's depth shorter than it ought to be, the bag looks lovely).


****
I've scheduled another Bag in a Day workshop for 5th November. I'll be underlining the section on "cutting" on the notes....

15 comments:

A Peppermint Penguin said...

that gives me hope ;-)

Tania said...

An accidentally on-purpose, if you ask me.

TemariAddictAustralia said...

I wish my sewing mishaps turned out as lovely as yours. That little wren fabric is gorgeous.

Fiona said...

Yep - my accidents never seem to end so well either!!

trash said...

Please to advise on dates for first UK workshop STOP Suggest making plans for tour rather than one off session STOP Ask to ensure place for me at all venues STOP Many thanks STOP

trash

trudi@maudeandme said...

I need to overcome zipper phobia!

seabreezequilts said...

I have some of those ink & spindle fabrics, they need to be made into bags soon.

Alison said...

I'd love to come in Nov. Wonder if my husband would spring for an airfare?

CurlyPops said...

Oooh I love the large tote made from the Winter Next panel - what a great feature!

Unknown said...

You just made me feel better about having done the same thing recently. It's easily done. The bag still looks fantastic! I love the winter nest one too - especially with that twist lock.

Tas said...

Sorry. I am still swooning over that first bag. Did you say something?

Andi said...

Seriously considering coming along in November.
Andi xx

Tanya said...

nothing wrong with being a little shorter than most!

Fer said...

*sigh* I have a little dream of coming to one of these classes, 'twould be a BIG treat. :-)

Mary said...

Repeat after me- "I meant to do that!" Sometime mistakes make the best results.

Now that you've done the sewing book, when will the handbag book be coming out? I'd love to see one from you!