The Sewing Place
The Emporia => Access All Accessories => Topic started by: SewRuthieSews on July 08, 2022, 16:10:40 PM
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As requested here's thread for a bag sewalong
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I want to do this but will probably start in September but I am sure you will be here @Diane maybe we can compile a few ideas and pattern.
I am looking for some simple ones as I want to do them as gifts.
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@Celia Yes i can help hunt down some patterns. What types of bags are you looking to make?
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I would like to make something like a money belt but with enough space for a phone or maybe a small shoulder bag for just running out of the door quickly with.
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A shopping type bag but with a pocket
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I need to make a portmanteau...probably not the bag you were looking for.
I have a few patterns for it, but I dislike them for various reasons, even my antique one.
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I would like to make something like a money belt but with enough space for a phone or maybe a small shoulder bag for just running out of the door quickly with.
Plus
A shopping type bag but with a pocket
@Celia A bit like a bumbag? Or you can get a flatter version. Great ideas, I’ll keep my eye out :thumb:
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I’ll join in.
I’ve bought a sling bag pattern (https://www.aquaintstitch.com/product-tag/sling-bag/)
and have printed it out and put it aside to make later on.
I’m going to make the original Wayfarer sling version, maybe with 2 zips but haven’t decided yet. I bought a small pink sling bag (!!) for my holiday in London and wore it across my front rather than as a backpack and it was really handy so I’d like to make a similar one with my own fabric choices.
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I’d love to join if I’m back with my sewing equipment come September. I purchased a “small amount” of faux leather recently for another project and when it came it was big enough to comfortably use as a blanket! I’m quite excited to take up bag making to make use of it.
I found a lovely style of bag on YouTube and they were giving the pattern away for free. I have the pattern but can’t find the channel any more.
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I like that pattern @WildAtlanticWay - the one with the 2 straps that zip together. My bag that I use ( I only ever have one bag) is that style and its great when I want both hands free which is most of the time. I could be tempted but not just now as I already have a number of things in the pipeline.
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I’ve just seen a post from a lady who does incredible quilting on faux leather and then makes it into bags. Off to explore her Etsy page.
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I’m thinking of making a bag for my swimming things - maybe waterproof on the inside or with a waterproof pocket for a wet swimsuit and with smaller pockets for my brush, membership card, goggles etc.
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I picked up this pattern at a bargain price yesterday so will make the belt as a start, do you think that will count as a bag…?
https://jalie.com/products/stella-leggings-running-belt-and-beanie-sewing-pattern
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Aren't patterns expensive :faints: You could buy the leggings belt and beanie for that amount :faints:
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Aren't patterns expensive :faints: You could buy the leggings belt and beanie for that amount :faints:
Yes, there are lots of good free patterns, if you search. :D I would only buy a pattern if I thought I was going to make lots of the item or it was a very special thing.
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There’s a lot of work involved in producing a pattern. Some of the freebies I’ve tried have been dire.
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The Ethel Tote bag by Swoon (similar to Pheobe bag by Rebeka Lambert) and Miss Maggie’s Handbag by Emmaline Bags (both easy sews) are free patterns. The Sweet Pea saddle bag by Blue Calla is a small saddle bag and also free.
An inexpensive buy is The Bonnie bucket bag by Swoon (with tutorials) is a great bag; very adaptable with zip top or drawstring top, pockets, (I have even used magnetic catch instead of zip), slouchy look with softer fabric or more structured with faux leathers or cork.
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Aren't patterns expensive :faints: You could buy the leggings belt and beanie for that amount :faints:
As I said I got the pattern at a bargain price, I paid £8 for it and by adding it to my order I saved £4.00 or so postage, I also wear leggings a lot and find it hard to get them in my length so wanted to try making them.
Having said that I agree patterns are expensive and that is why I usually reuse and adapt the ones I already have.
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I bought 5 m of water resistant fabric to make cushions for my sister’s garden chairs ( using old baby crib mattresses : they’re the perfect size to make long seat and back cushions :D and people throw them away after each baby).
This photo shows the cushion making in progress.
I’m just thinking that offcuts from this would be perfect for my planned swimming kit bag. Now I just have to find a good pattern. I can even use the waterproof strip from the mattress covers for a watertight pocket for my wet swimsuit.
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What a great idea :thumb:
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That sounds good, I have found one piece of fabric I would like to use, still looking for a pattern
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I think I may be able to join in this sewalong! I have a double pouch wrist bag, with a front pocket which I bought some years ago. Lately I'm finding it more difficult to use a hand/shoulder bag, so this bag has been used more and more. However, it is looking a little shabby, and it won't last much longer.
So, last week, I copied the pattern, and did a toile, which turned out really well. At this point I got really gung ho, and cut out two bags (when I found the fabric), but hit a stumbling block with zips. I have loads of zips, but, sod's law, none which looked right... :rolleyes:
Eventually, this morning I think I have what I need, without breaking the bank.
So, I'm ready to go if you don't mind company!
Jessiee
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Brilliant @b15erk sounds like a really useful make
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Made a bit of progress with my bag ,as I can’t make the fourth cushion until I get another cradle mattress. I decided to make this tote bag using the left over water resistant fabric. I have just used all the same fabric, inside and out, but have given it contrasting blue handles. I found a small zipped mesh make up bag, which I will cheat with and will sew to the lining to hold all my small bits and pieces - keys, card, goggles etc and I’ll sew a waterproof pocket on the other side for my wet swimsuit.
https://sewcanshe.com/2016-6-10-the-picnic-tote-free-sewing-pattern/
My only problem has been the multiple layers that need to be sewn through, especially the bottom corners of the bag. It’s really at the limit of what my Janome can cope with. It was protesting a bit!
Here’s a photo of progress so far. Now that the outside is sewn , I’m actually wishing it was bigger as I usually take a towelling bath robe with me, which is bulky. It’ll just have to stick out the top a bit.
I did think about adding extra height with a border along the top, but I think that would be fiddly and I’ve already cut out the lining pieces. I’ll probably end up making another at some point!
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Here is my swimming bag, all finished. As you can see it has an integral waterproof pocket to take a wet swimsuit. The only snag is it is not big enough! I read the pattern and when it said the bag was 18” wide, I just thought that would be fine. However since Covid, the club no longer gives out towels and I’ve been taking a towelling robe instead, which is very good, but bulky. Think I’ll be making a bigger one, but I’ll measure the folded robe this time!
The 4 cushions made from reused baby mattresses are all finished too!
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My zips have arrived! :thumb: So, I can proceed with my bag! :thumb:
First though, I have to assemble the zips - 6 of them... :faints: I think I've done it before, but I'll need Youtube to jog my memory...
The purple isn't a good match, but it will have to do, as it was the only one I could find.
See you later - with contstructed zips hopefully!
Jessie
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I’m about to start
https://www.spencerogg.com/product/the-double-clutch-crossbody-pdf-sewing-pattern/
I’m hoping to use an old leather coat of my daughters. I had a root around last night and have suitable hardware in nickel, most harvested from other things and I do have some 5mm black zips but they will look very boring so a quick browse of Zipper Station produced black zips with silver teeth and some rather restrained but smart cylindrical silver zip pulls.
I hate to buy everything from scratch for a bag, I have to reuse something somewhere.
I’m hoping to start tonight but won’t get much done this week as we are having a big BBQ this weekend and gazebos need erecting.
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It’s quite small @Ellabella. If I was making it again I’d resize it a bit. I don’t like large bags but I struggled to get the few bits in it I needed.
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Six zips prepped - not easy when you are ham fisted. Zip tabs pressed and ready to go on, and two wrist straps ready for the machine.
I'm taking it slowly, as I have no instructions, just a hastily assembled toile. I think it may be hard on my hands, as both bags are faux suede.
Jessie
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It’s quite small @Ellabella. If I was making it again I’d resize it a bit. I don’t like large bags but I struggled to get the few bits in it I needed.
@Ohsewsimple, which version did you make? I’m looking at the larger one, but I’ll check the measurements before I cut it out as too small is now good to me. I made a large Amplector and I’ve found that too small. Otherwise I shall have to pattern browse tonight, didn’t want to have to buy another pattern, but needs must. :thinking: :thumb:
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It’s the original one @Ellabella. Didn’t know she’d done an add on.
These are a couple of piccies of mine. I’ve added one that has the Spencer Ogg small accordion purse inside for reference.
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Oh , your bags are so much more sophisticated than mine. I look forward to seeing them. :D
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A bag is a bag @Sheilago , make what you need. BTW I loved that fabric you used for your swimming bag.
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I agree with @Ellabella @Sheilago you make what you need and works for you. I’ve made some really simple ones in the past. I prefer a zip to just a magnetic snap after I had someone pinch my purse out of my bag in Italy. I didn’t notice a thing! :scream:
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Well, progress was made yesterday. The fabric is hard to work with, and hurts my hands, it also makes for hard work for the sewing machine going through so many layers. I had to unpick the strap last night, as the four folds would have made it impossible to get the machine through. I'm using the Singer 611g as I don't think the Pfaff would cope. I may have been better getting the 66k out, but that's a bit of a faff.
I'm really pleased with how this is looking, and I've even managed to put a magnetic snap between the two main bags - even the 'bought' bag hasn't got one of those! I forgot the bag loop though, and that meant a fair bit of unpicking... :rolleyes:
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Jessie
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Almost finished, and just getting ready to sew up the gap in the lining, and I thought I would try the wrist strap. As I went to hool it on, I noticed that the stitching had come apart...
Now I have to figure out the easiest way to get access to it - without taking the whole thing apart!
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Jessie
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Well, after all the shenanigans, it's done. A couple of errors though, I forgot to topstitch the zip on the second bag, I can live with it, just need to make sure the zip doesn't snag. Then the strap holder had come away. What a tussle! And I couldn't stitch it at all, so I put a rivet through it - but, I've just realised I've put it in on the wrong side... :rolleyes:
I've learned a lot with this construction, and a lot of the problems I had were caused by bulk. So, I need to figure that out on the next one. I love the magnetic snap in the middle pocket - it makes it more useful.
On to number 2 now...
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Jessie
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That’s very nice @b15erk. I love the colour and the funky zips. I hadn’t realised it was joined that way. So yes, you’re magnetic clip makes it work better
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@b15erk I love that purple suede :loveit: You always make a lovely job of making bags
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They are fabulous @b15erk . So professional looking. I especially like the purple one!
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@Sheilago , only the purple one is made by me, so I'm delighted you like it! The gold one, is the one I used as a pattern. I bought it some years ago, and it is looking shabby, so I have tried to copy it. The purple faux suede fabric came with a bag of furnishing fabric which a friend of DD had given me.
Next up is another faux suede, but this one isn't so soft, and may be harder on my hands.
Jessie
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Fabulous Jessie and no one but you will notice the little errors. It looks very complex to make - I'd like to see them do that in 2 hours on the Sewing Bee.
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Brilliant bag Jessie :perfect10: those zips are so neat.
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Finally finished the second bag. It was slightly easier this time, as I had a better idea of what I wanted the finished bag to look like, and what I wanted it for.
Construction is easier than the first one, as I now get all the fiddly bits done - bag straps, key strap, strap holders, magnetic snaps. Also, the middle pocket made and zips assembled, before the final seams are sewn. In this case, I made the straps and strap holders from lining fabric as my machine refused the four layers of faux suede. I'll try again with the strap, but the holders and key strap will stay as they are.
Everything went together really well, although I did turn the lining in a bit more when I did the final seam, so that it would fit more neatly.
As you can see there is plenty of room to carry my sunglasses, phone, lippy, keys, notebook and pen and a small change purse.
Time to order more zips etc for the rest of the Christmas Bags.
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Jessie
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@b15erk Lovely job :perfect10: i'm loving that purple suede :loveit:
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Looks great!
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They'll be fabulous Xmas gifts. Lucky people!