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Messages - Marniesews

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1
Very nice, is this a career change to handbag designer?

No, I don't think so @Ellabella. I can't imagine that with my natural inclination to prevarication but thank you and everyone for all the lovely compliments.

More bags to show you before we catch up to my current project -- a bag for me at long last! I hope you'll enjoy those too.

2
That looks good!  Fake leather is quite easy to sew, until you get too many layers...


Oh boy @Bodgeitandscarper your last three dots say it all!

I apply all the tricks to reduce layers including a good squishing with the key fob pliers but even on this supersoft Rex I couldn’t topstitch over the back seams. I used a different technique to attach the  swivel hooks to avoid stitching across folded strap ends.

My modern mechanical Pfaff was great with the dual feed but didn't have the punch power I needed for the thicker layers. I’ve switched to the Singer 201k since we got a motor for it (impossible for me to sew bags one handed). That also has its limitations so I’ll be taking that discussion to you all in the vintage group.

This is why so many bag making hobbyists have moved to industrial walking foot machines which can be cheaper than the HD Juki and Janome straight stitchers. Many of the industrials won’t sew the lighter lining fabrics however, but either way, it’s not an option for me these days.

3
I started this last October towards the end of a 3-month sewing gap (first Covid infection) when I had the odd good day to plan and draw out the pattern. Another first was quilting faux leather which might have been over ambitious for my first all faux leather bag but it was really fun as this lovely Rex soft faux by Emmaline stitched up very nicely.

I finished it just in time for our great niece's 21st birthday and genuinely seemed to delight her.





The lining is a Liberty lawn whose name I can't remember most annoyingly. It depicts a repeated miniature pattern of beach and seaside life. In the pic you can also see the secret zip pocket nestled facing the base of the flap lining. It's invisible unless the flap is folded right back to reveal it. Not my original idea, inspired by something similar I saw last year in a backpack.

5
Technical Help / Re: Will you take me by the hand?
« on: June 21, 2023, 16:01:58 PM »
I know you've asked about sewing particularly but they can be a devil to cut too. I found the micro-serrated scissors are totally fabulous for the dancewear and anything a bit tricky because they grip the fabric as you go so it doesn't slip off line. I've ended up using them for everything (even denim) ever since!

If you want to try them you can get a really good budget pair by Kai from lots of places now Prym are selling them In their Xact range brand. The scissors are genuine Kai made and include the Kai brand and series number on the blades. I got a pair intending to ask for the Professional range version for Christmas well over 5 years ago, am still using the original pair and quietly fuming I can't justify asking for the Pro ones yet!

They're currently cheapest on Amazon by a few quid, otherwise here in Jaycotts and still almost half the price I've seen elsewhere.

6
Dolls and Toys / Re: Finally Dolly is done
« on: June 21, 2023, 15:30:57 PM »
Yes of course @Missie .

I crocheted a closely fitting wig cap in trebles gradually increasing & reducing to fit the head and sewed that on the head. Then I curled lengths of DK wool by winding a closely fitting layer around thin dowel, soaking them in water and drying them in the oven (200° for about 15 mins) but then I left them on top of the radiator for several hours and another day at room temp to help them really set well. I cut them into lengths and putting two or three strands together hooked them through the wig cap with a slip stitch.

I loved adding the curls and got a bit carried away as you can probably tell!  :laugh: Her owner also has curly hair (her dad has tight ginger curls) so she's really taken to this doll.

7
Access All Accessories / Re: I've made a few more bags...
« on: June 21, 2023, 15:10:04 PM »
@WildAtlanticWay I have quite a few different places for bag hardware but there are so many including FB groups that it's a real puzzle to know where to go when you first start but the first one on my list below is a good bet. Some places have unexpected gaps in their range (like no strap adjusters) and many have limited sizes and colours to restrict their stock investment, very understandable but it often means going to several places with additional delivery costs. The size issue can be okay if you're happy making everything with 1" connectors but I prefer ¾" for my DGD's small bags and 1¼" for backpacks.  These are the ones I lilke to go back to with an idea of product range and price.

Best Budget Sources
My best everyday source is Me Made Makes. Good prices, good quality, excellent customer service, good range of colours and sizes (often very limited elsewhere) and good stock control! Great place to go first for most things and Deb is still working hard to increase her range looking for gaps and new products. Elsewhere stock control can be a real problem with a particular colour or item being out of stock for weeks and even months but not a particular issue here.

Bag Kits and Glitzy Bits is an FB group. It's a bit of an Aladdins cave and good value for money but a bit more variable than MMM. I've had problems with the odd zip tape not fitting the zip sliders so I'm not buying more of that but I often find things/styles I can't get elsewhere so easily like chain straps, wood/metal handles,bag frames etc. Anne works around the caring needs of her husband and has a few health issues herself so let her know if you need something urgently but she works hard to get things out and is usually as quick as many other places.

High Quality Products
Sew Hot has a huge range of high quality items in many colours and sizes sourced from Europe and US. The prices are more expensive but some are deceptive as they're packed in multiples and good value if you work out the individual price. That certainly applies to the Serial Bag Makers' stuff (fab Belgian company). Their zip tape and sliders are excellent quality and weight. You really notice the difference when you handle and sew it. They have a good selection of Emmaline hardware (high profile US make) and usually a spot cheaper than other UK sources which rarely have as good a range either. Stock control can be an issue here at times though.

See also Country Cow Designs below

Something Special
Country Cow Designs are best known for their superb bag patterns and excellent videos but they have a small range of hardware that's something special. The quality is top notch and specially sourced for her patterns but she has some of the most beautiful quality zip pulls that I know of in the UK -- because they're sourced from individual US designers. Downside is she has a particular niche stocking only three less common colours: brushed brass (as opposed to antique), brushed copper and matt black. She's got rid of her rainbow stock due to its variable colour & quality. I've had her luxury brushed brass zipper pull and zip and it's the best quality I've ever had. :loveit: I'm planning a future bag featuring solely the size and hardware pieces that I can get from her.

For a wide variety of novelty zip sliders have a look at Enchanted Fabrics. It's predominantly a pre-order business (I daren't and won't go down that rabbit hole) but they do have a retail section on their website for some items where they ordered a few extra. I got some lovely Harry Potter ones for my DD (HP crazy to the embarassment of her adult/teen children  :laugh:) but they were rapidly sold out.

Best Zip tape
Putting zip sliders onto continuous zip tape is one of the trickiest techniques most new bag makers face but good quality zips make a big difference.

Purple Stitches has a fabulous range of colours both in coil and tape (including fine striped rib). Their zip sliders are often just a spot cheaper than elsewhere (incl the budget sources). When comparing with others bear in mind their zips include one zip slider per m in the cost too. Check out their detachable zip pulls too. They have some cute ones that can be attached to the zip sliders or hooked onto your bag strap D ring (as was the fashion with tassels). More subtle but really pretty. You can also buy sliders just with a tiny D ring on to attach a puller or make your own. Their customer service is excellent. Their hardware range isn't huge across the board but it's very good quality so if they have what you want, definitely buy the lot from here because their service is excellent too. They have a b&m shop in Basingstoke too. Sadly it's too far away from me.

In addition, Sew Hot and Country Cow Designs have excellent zipper tape and sliders.


8
Access All Accessories / I've made a few more bags...
« on: June 20, 2023, 23:25:11 PM »
I've been away for so long I should apologise. I've just realised my last bag post was in April 2022 so I'll try to catch up with some new posts...there's a few to catch up with.

This is was made in June last year I think. It's in quilting cotton with Crackers 76F interfacing. It fused on well and by stuffing and steaming the bag after it was made up I got a lovely shape. I left it like that for two days and it's well and truly set in that shape now. The zip required lots of fussing to avoid the dreaded lumpy zip on a concave shape but that's stood the test of time too.

The pattern is a free YouTube one - some are great, others not but I heartily recommend Miko Crafts who does superb patterns including some lookalikes for famous Designer bags. This pattern is his bag inspired by Prada's Re-Edition bag. I made the version without removable strap.




9
It's very cute indeed but all the miniature fiddling is precisely why I've still not made a purse.

Most of the patterns are just too big for me but I still want card slots and somewhere for receipts etc. I'm planning to try a Purse Pal which seems to come the closes to my list of demands. If I'm happy with it and it's as easy as it appears to be I might start making them to match each bag.

10
Dolls and Toys / Finally Dolly is done
« on: June 20, 2023, 22:40:15 PM »
Shamefully this doll has been in the works for about a year but the first one was scrapped and a new pattern chosen. Anyway, it ended up being for her 3rd birthday which is just as well as I'd probably  have been rehooking the hair through the wig cap before now if she'd had it for her 2nd birthday!

The cuddly couple was named Baxter and Ted-ted by their owner.




11
Patterns Discussion / Re: McCall's 7848
« on: April 12, 2023, 16:41:37 PM »
Now to clear a backlog of partially completed items and a few repairs/alterations.  I may even revive my blog at this rate...

Ah, that would be great...I still miss it!

12
I thought I'd tried out the reverse after pulling out the 201k a couple of days ago but perhaps not.

We cleaned and oiled it pretty thoroughly after DH added a motor onto the handcrank machine but, sitting down to start on a project this evening, I've realised despite the bobbin tension being lovely going forward, in reverse it drops to next to nothing with the top thread lying on top of the fabric. Switch back to forwards again and all is well.

I've googled it but only general tension issues or taking the tension unit apart seems to come up. Well, I did find a couple of questions about this specific problem but the commenters didn't seem to pick up that it was perfectly fine going forwards so the advice focused on the standard procedure for setting tension with the tension dial.

Any advice please?

13
Vintage Machines / Re: Machine for a tricky job
« on: March 14, 2023, 01:55:31 AM »
Is it sorted now? Did you mention what size of needle you were using? I'm wondering if the rubber is tending to grip the thread as it goes through all those layers causing the break?

You can get a Microtex 110 from The Ironing Press Company (free postage too).

14
Vintage Machines / Re: I just couldn't resist . . . VESTA
« on: March 14, 2023, 01:42:03 AM »
Such pretty decoration from all angles.  :loveit:

15
Vintage Machines / Re: New to me Singer 185k
« on: March 14, 2023, 01:25:09 AM »
Lovely machine of character but, my, that table is stylish!

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