I finally got around to making a proper handbag - my friend's upcoming birthday gave me a bit of impetus but I'm already feeling a bit hooked. I used some polyester furnishing fabric from Immanuel's previously used for a doll carrying bag and some Liberty lawn print (a misprint from Standfast & Barracks at least 5 years ago). Good savings there helped to offset the cost of three different interfacings, hardware & zips and my friend will love the bag even more for the tale of its frugal fabrics. I saved on buying most of the hardware from a pet accessories company and I got away without rivets (which I don't have yet) by using the buttonhole function for a sturdy but very subtle bar tack, No problem sewing it as the fabric has a nice soft fibre
Anyone else have good tips for bag making on good quality components at frugal prices? Ive started a doc with details of who has what with prices, p&p etc to help in finding good value plus bundling options to avoid to many different p&p charges. I used the medium woven interfacing from Little Stitcher Sews at half the cost of Vilene G700 and I really like it. The Thermolam fleece was a good price from them too (£3 per half metre) plus no extra p&p. Their Tex 40 thread (Saba) sewed beautifully in my domestic machine and the colour match was fantastic considering it was selected on a computer screen. I'm planning to try their waterproof canvas soon to line a future bag too. It's the lighter weight so should have no problems on my machine.
Very pleased with the pattern too from Country Cow Designs in Cornwall. It's one of her beginner patterns at a low price of £2 and worth every penny. It came together so well and has some lovely details like the card slots inside the interior pocket. The sewalongs on this pattern from the designer and also SiahSwag and Jess OklaRoots meant I knew it inside out before I picked up the scissors. That made such a contrast with learning to sew for ballroom those years ago, even now there's a dearth of good quality information and free advice outside of FB groups.
I've just got some Aldi FQs of Harry Potter fabrics for some Christmas stocking gifts for my HP megafan daughter and my grandson's girlfriend. Zipped pouches, a handbag organiser insert and perhaps a quilted sunglasses case for my granddaughter's oversized sunglasses but definitely not in HP fabric for her!
Yes, the card slots!!!