The Sewing Place

The Emporia => Access All Accessories => Topic started by: Manuela on March 12, 2019, 03:59:52 AM

Title: Backpacks inspired by Chanel
Post by: Manuela on March 12, 2019, 03:59:52 AM
Sleuthing the Chanel website I came across this little backback. Sans the leather it would be a very nice project for the leftover Linton tweed bits I have.
(https://www.chanel.com/images/f_auto,q_auto/chanel-s-gabrielle-small-backpack-pink-beige-orange-ecru-tweed-shiny-calfskin-gold-tone-silver-tone-metal-tweed-shiny-calfskin-gold-tone-silver-tone-metal-packshot-default-a94485b00393n4341-8814061125662.jpg)

I ordered grommets and chain handles and made the pattern based on my needs - to fit a 12” MacBook and add an invisible zipper on one side for easy access.

The fabric for the first project is a pink/black/silver boucle from Linton, leftovers from making a dress a few weeks back.
(https://www.lintondirect.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Z7484.jpg)

I quilted it and spent a Sunday afternoon putting grommets in. Good thing nobody lives below us, as I did that on the floor - all 14 of them  :devil:
 
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The first chain handles I got were 0,5mm too big, hence I couldn’t use them. Last night another set arrived. It’s without the woven in leather I wanted, but it actually looks better. I hope to find some time before the weekend to finish the backpack.

I used a cotton sateen remnant to line it - nice big pocketses...
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The chain is 8mm wide and fits easily through the grommets’ 9mm opening without leaving a gap.

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Title: Re: Inspired by ...... Chanel
Post by: PollyWally on March 12, 2019, 06:01:07 AM
Looking lovely so far, really looking forward to seeing the finished bag.
Title: Re: Inspired by ...... Chanel
Post by: Manuela on March 12, 2019, 08:09:34 AM
I figured out a way to anchor the chain ends - long live the common keyring  ;)

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Title: Re: Inspired by ...... Chanel
Post by: Nevis5 on March 12, 2019, 09:13:39 AM
Amazing, as usual, @Manuela  !  It's going to be beautiful x
Title: Re: A backpack inspired by ...... Chanel
Post by: Manuela on March 16, 2019, 01:05:08 AM
It’s done and I am already planning No 2.....

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A sneak peak into the inside via the side zipper

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and a look at the back with the top fully open

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This is a great way to use up remnants. No 2 will be blue boucle leftover from a previous project with all kind of denim scraps patched on - inspired by this week’s Great British Sewing Bee episode. There I will also use sew-in interfacing on top of the batting for structure as this boucle is very loosely woven.

No 3 will be black boucle left over from the little black Chanel jacket I made 2 years ago, that will most probably get a leather bottom similar to the original.
Title: Re: A backpack inspired by ...... Chanel
Post by: Greybird on March 16, 2019, 09:32:13 AM
Lovely! It's much bigger than I thought it was going to be. I had imagined handbag size.
Title: Re: A backpack inspired by ...... Chanel
Post by: Manuela on March 16, 2019, 11:33:40 AM
@Greybird, it’s 30x35 cm. Having used it today, I’m not 100% happy. I have enough fabric to make another one. 30x30cm, with sew-in interfacing as stabiliser.
Title: Re: A backpack inspired by ...... Chanel - nailed it on second attempt
Post by: Manuela on March 17, 2019, 10:00:32 AM
Here the new and improved version....
I used all the leftovers I still had and shortened the pattern to make it a 30cm x 30cm x 9cm version. I added sew-in interfacing to the whole thing and on top of it heavyweight fusible interfacing at the bottom.

I like it a LOT more and learned a lot from my mistakes. Here is what it looks like now.

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and yes, it’s stabilised enough to stand on its own  8)

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A got a second one on the go, boucle with some denim patchwork - completely stabilised of course.

Title: Re: A backpack inspired by ...... Chanel - nailed it on second attempt
Post by: Nevis5 on March 17, 2019, 10:08:12 AM
They're beautiful, @Manuela !  I love my backpacks, they're great to wear.  Although I only use the one as I'm too lazy to keep moving stuff from bag to bag....
Title: Re: A backpack inspired by ...... Chanel - nailed it on second attempt
Post by: Manuela on April 05, 2019, 05:17:53 AM
@Francesca asked me on Instagram for the template I used, here is is:

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You’d need 2 pieces of it, one for the front and one for the lining. I added a foldover facing at the top edge, hence for the lining you’d need to reduce the length as below:

   Backpack length (which includes half the depth)
-  top edge facing
+ seam allowances for facing and lining
= lining lengh
Title: Re: A backpack inspired by ...... Chanel - nailed it on second attempt
Post by: Manuela on April 05, 2019, 10:25:28 AM
@Francesca learn from my mistakes and stabilise, stabilise and stabilise some more. I used sew-in interfacing and batting at front and back, and ironed a very stiff fusible interfacing onto the bottom (and only there).
Title: Re: A backpack inspired by ...... Chanel - nailed it on second attempt
Post by: Manuela on April 05, 2019, 10:45:46 AM
I have some bag foam that I used when I made another Harris Tweed handbag so I think that should work for the base. Then sturdy standard stabiliser for the sides :)
.... and some batting if you want to quilt it  :)
Title: Re: Backpacks inspired by Chanel
Post by: Manuela on April 07, 2019, 07:19:47 AM
I finished the next one - it took a while to find a chain that matches the antique brass grommets. I thought antique brass would go better with the denim scraps, particularly with the pocket. Then I found a scissors brooch I never use....

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Title: Re: Backpacks inspired by Chanel
Post by: Celia on April 07, 2019, 08:52:35 AM
These are lovely bags, great inspiration. I have some Linton and had not really thought of bags so thank you for the idea. 

Have you put an invisible zip in the denim now too and do you find the zip useful or do you find yourself opening the top?
Title: Re: Backpacks inspired by Chanel
Post by: Manuela on April 07, 2019, 10:14:21 AM
@Celia, as I changed the pattern and made it 5cm shorter, an invisible zip would only be something like 20cm long. Hence, I scrapped the idea when I did the second pink backpack.
I have a bit of black Linton tweed left, thinking about turnig that into a backpack with a leather bottom.
Title: Re: Backpacks inspired by Chanel
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on April 07, 2019, 11:59:26 AM
Chanuela bags, brilliant  0_0
I love these, that tweed fabric is superb.
Title: Re: Backpacks inspired by Chanel
Post by: Manuela on April 07, 2019, 12:15:53 PM
Ha, Chanuela - love it. @Francesca, I omitted the zipper on version 2, as the backpack is too small, it wouldn’t make sense - the intention was for easy access.
I only have patchpockets on the lining, a small one at the front and a bog one at the back, that’s more than enough methinks.
Title: Re: Backpacks inspired by Chanel
Post by: cbcarolyn on April 08, 2019, 00:06:14 AM
these are lovely.
Title: Re: Backpacks inspired by Chanel
Post by: Sewing Chanel-Style on May 31, 2019, 07:00:04 AM
Very beautiful ! I would love to post or link this topic on my chanel style-website but I am not sure if that's allowed?

And I will create one myself.  Great work and instructions. Big compliment!
Title: Re: Backpacks inspired by Chanel
Post by: Manuela on May 31, 2019, 11:54:14 AM
While I’m happy for this thread to be linked, I would’t want to see my images on your blog @Sewing Chanel-Style.
Title: Re: Backpacks inspired by Chanel
Post by: Sewing Chanel-Style on May 31, 2019, 13:02:17 PM
While I’m happy for this thread to be linked, I would’t want to see my images on your blog @Sewing Chanel-Style.

Ok, sorry for suggesting.  I thought it would be a compliment. We also make bags and even hats. Vogue also has some beautiful patterns of bags, but I never found a good one of a backpack-bag.
Title: Re: Backpacks inspired by Chanel
Post by: Catllar on June 02, 2019, 13:35:07 PM
They're great Manuela. You could use some coloured cork for the bottom too, together with bag feet.
Title: Re: Inspired by ...... Chanel
Post by: blackcat001 on August 03, 2019, 14:25:52 PM
I figured out a way to anchor the chain ends - long live the common keyring  ;)


Now that is a brilliant idea!
Title: Re: Backpacks inspired by Chanel
Post by: Iminei on August 03, 2019, 21:01:00 PM
(https://thesewingplace.org.uk/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=6747.0;attach=14586;image)

Did you embroider that M on the denim ???
Title: Re: Backpacks inspired by Chanel
Post by: Manuela on August 05, 2019, 01:37:04 AM
No @Iminei, that is the artwork that was on the pockets of my old jeans.
Title: Re: Backpacks inspired by Chanel
Post by: Manuela on October 08, 2019, 01:50:19 AM
I made one more, from an old leather jacket I haven’t worn as it didn’t fit me properly in the shoulders, I added some leftover fabric from a Chanel style jacket as well.... Should have posted it in the contest thread, but forfot to take pictures.

The old jacket, already cut apart. At some point I thought about incorporating the zippers, but that would have meant gold coloured hardware, which I don’t like
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I used black leftover boucle to add pockets at front and back of the jacket, they close with snaps, the ‘We’re all mad here’ button is added as decoration for the snap underneath.

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Title: Re: Backpacks inspired by Chanel
Post by: Iminei on October 08, 2019, 11:10:30 AM
You make such beautiful stuff @Manuela  ... Dont suppose you could put together a tut for this ???
Title: Re: Backpacks inspired by Chanel
Post by: Manuela on October 08, 2019, 11:57:20 AM
You make such beautiful stuff @Manuela  ... Dont suppose you could put together a tut for this ???

Will do at some point @Iminei, I need time and a clear head for that though. University starts again on Monday, and the situation in Hong Kong is getting worse by the day.
Title: Re: Backpacks inspired by Chanel
Post by: Sewingsue on October 08, 2019, 12:06:17 PM
No wish to pry Manuela, but will you and Mr M be able to relocate relatively easily if things do get worse?
Title: Re: Backpacks inspired by Chanel
Post by: Manuela on October 08, 2019, 16:00:14 PM
No wish to pry Manuela, but will you and Mr M be able to relocate relatively easily if things do get worse?
No, we won’t. Hong Kong is our home, and has been for a long time (29 years for me, 20 years for Mr Manuela). Me being German and him being a Brit doesn’t make things easier when it comes to Europe. Thailand is good for a short escape, but we don’t have residency there.
Title: Re: Backpacks inspired by Chanel
Post by: Elnnina on October 08, 2019, 17:48:47 PM
Manuela I do feel for you and the situation that you both find yourself in, it certainly is not very pleasant, and all we can do as far away as we are is to hope that common sense soon prevails and that everything quietens down and you can all get back to normal.   I am sure that you personally have had more than your fair share of uncertainty in your life.
Title: Re: Backpacks inspired by Chanel
Post by: Sewingsue on October 08, 2019, 19:08:17 PM
Elnnina has found the words I was looking for, Manuela Stay safe.