I do however have one bag I make that suits me perfectly. It's as simple as it gets, which is all I need. Small in size, a three section pocket and a long wide strap that I can fling across my body.
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| 10" x 10" Cross Body Bag |
While waiting for my big sewing machine to come home (it has since returned), and being in between projects, I figured it was the perfect time to check it off my list.
Since I had been thinking about this for a long time, I already knew what fabric I was going to use for this one. With pink being my current favorite color, I decided to finally use my Maker Maker Lines fabric for the outside. It's has the pink I want, yet subtle and is a linen/cotton blend. The lining is Freespirit Fuchsia. It's a good combination for me!
I used a fusible fleece on the outside and a medium weight fusible interfacing for the lining. As you can see the basic construction is so simple! Think fabric baskets, but tall and skinny! Outside, inside...plop together...sew...turn...viola!! You got a bag!
I will say that I don't make these often or make fabric baskets often, so I have to think very hard when it comes time to assemble!
The pocket is simply a folded over piece of fabric that goes from side to side and has three sections. One for my phone, one for my keys and one for my lip balm! That to me is the most important component to me.
I thought I'd share the other two bags I made. The first is a fabric my daughter made for me. The second is a Home Dec weight Anna Maria Horner fabric. I actually covered my dining room chairs in that fabric.
With each version I make the only difference is the strap becomes wider! I guess it's a comfort factor!
Thought I'd add a fun shot of the outside before I turned it! Now I have a new bag to drag through the mud...so to speak! I'm sure I'll be posting in another year or two about the fourth bag in what has become a staple in my life!
I discovered today that yesterday was my 5 year Blogiversary! How did that sneak up on me?! I never would have thought 5 years ago that I'd still be doing this. Heck back then I didn't think I had anything to say or share let alone think anyone would actually read it! I sincerely love blogging! It has opened my world! I am so thankful to all of you who have read, commented, encouraged, inspired and keep coming back for more. Thank you more than I can put in to words.
LINKING:
OH SCRAP! ● MAIN CRUSH MONDAY ● MONDAY MAKING ● LINKY TUESDAY
LETS BEE SOCIAL ● MIDWEEK MAKERS ● NEEDLE & THREAD ● TGIFF
LETS BEE SOCIAL ● MIDWEEK MAKERS ● NEEDLE & THREAD ● TGIFF
Simple design and looks great. I love your fabrics, especially on the latest design. I don’t make bags although I admire those who do, maybe I will give it a go. After all what have I to loose except a little fabric? Do you have a zipper on your bag?
ReplyDeleteThis bag is as daring as I’ll ever get making bags! It’s not my thing at all. But I like the simplicity of this and know it’s one I can make easily. I didn’t put a zipper or any kind of closure on. I like being able to have easy access inside without the fuss of opening it! Give it a try…and it is only fabric!!
DeleteLove the colors! That's probably my speed, too. I have several patterns I want to try, just too timid to attempt them.
ReplyDeleteThis bag is totally my speed and its as easy as it gets! I don’t think I’ll ever venture into the complicated world of bag making anytime soon!
DeleteHappy Blogiversary!!! I'm sure you will enjoy your pretty new bag. Love, love LOVE each of the bags you've made!!
ReplyDeleteYour bags are just great, Jayne! I really like the simple and functional design, and a few pockets inside are always helpful. I use this kind of bag all the time anymore instead of buying a new purse. Now you've got me inspired to start a new one for myself!
ReplyDeleteHappy belated 5-year blog-iversary, Jayne. I'm so glad you decided to share online. Your new back looks just right. I agree that a few simple pouches are all that is really needed and the cross body strap is a must!
ReplyDeleteGreat bag Jayne - I made the same sort of bag with the Maker Maker Lines in black and gray-it is a really nice fabric for that sort of project - the linen gives nice texture and weight to the bag. My strap is way too narrow and something I will change next time around.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad I have gotten to know you on-line. Keep blogging!!! Here's to another five years!
I like this bag. I agree about the wider strap -- comfort is important as a bag can sometimes get heavy with all we throw in them. Have you posted instructions on this bag? I haven't made a lot of bags as they really put me outside my comfort zone but, seem to return to one that is made with charm squares. I imagine blogging could be fun but I would stress over it so ..... not wanting to put something out there that has grammatical errors or doesn't make sense (a drawback from working in education I guess). Take care. Nadine Willis rnwillis@velotech.net
ReplyDeleteI don't like to make bags either but this one looks great and seems quite doable. I just bought a wallet pattern to try. I hope my project is as successful as yours. Thanks for linking up with Oh Scrap!
ReplyDeleteI love this bag. Two questions: It looks like a rectangle—is it 10x10”? Also, how wide and long is your finished strap now? It will be fun to think about which fabric to use!
ReplyDeleteThe strap is almost 1” wide. I took a 3.5” and folded it, and the length is about 44” long, which was the width of the fabric. The body of the bag (and lining) started at 12.5” x 24.5”. Fuse the fleece or interfacing to the panels, sew the sides of the body. On the lining leave a gap on one side for turning. The corners are sewn 1.5” from the point to create the bottom.
DeleteI use this method:
https://www.skiptomylou.org/how-to-make-a-simple-reversible-totebag/
I like making bags and have quite a few. The one I use daily, though, is the backpack one. Hands free! Great.
ReplyDeleteHappy 5 years! It's amazing how quickly time passes, isn't it? I've enjoyed getting to know you through your blog and IG, and you are definitely an inspiration to me with all of your improv fun! Your bag is great. Love the colors. I don't mind making bags, but I haven't been brave enough to add pockets when I make a bag without a pattern. I'm afraid my pockets would end up upside down. Haha. I may have to give this idea a try. I keep looking for a new bag to replace mine, but why don't I just make one? Duh.
ReplyDeleteLove your bags. I just made a very simple bag the other day and thought, hmmmm, that was kind of fun and your blog post came up. I may try another bag. Love all your designs. Happy 5 year blogaversary. I love to see what colorful, unique or fun twist you put on a project.
ReplyDeleteOh, no--thank You! I love your blog and appreciate the time, effort, and care you put into your posts.
ReplyDeleteYour bags look great! And congrats on your blogiversary!
ReplyDeleteHappy blogiversary ! Your bag looks great. I love the outside fabric. And your funny shot before turning.
ReplyDeleteYou may not call yourself a bag maker, but you did well on these. Happy blogiversary.
ReplyDeleteLove your bag. Good color choices.
ReplyDeleteLove the bag!!! Are you familiar with gel strap bras? They are a godsend for those of us who are well-endowed. You may blush but I am just thinking outside the bag :-p
ReplyDeleteit's a great little bag! love it. and happy blogaversary! I just realized I passed up 10 years of blogging a couple of months ago with no fanfare. hmm
ReplyDeleteThat bag is really sweet. I think simple is better for a bag - no million pockets to remember where you put something, and lots of general space to put everything. Happy blogiversary.
ReplyDeleteReading the first part of you post was like talking to a mirror. I don't make bags either except one type of cross body bag that suits me and my needs really well. Yours bags look so wonderful, all of them. Simple but very effective design and the fabrics are just lovely. Enjoy :)
ReplyDelete-Soma
I love it! The simpler the better.
ReplyDeleteYes, a cross-body bag is a necessity, and yours is lovely! I almost always make my straps wider than called for by patterns -- wider straps are more comfortable and look better to me.
ReplyDelete