I did it! I made another bag! This one is for my wonderful friend Lisa—it was part birthday gift and part thank-you gift for a recent babysitting favor.
If you've been reading this blog for a while, you know that I've never been much for sewing three-dimensional items. If it doesn't lie as flat as a quilt, it scares me. But sewing more non-quilty items was one of my goals for 2012. Also, I've been dying to make a bag out of this yellow chevron fabric ever since I saw
these Vera totes that Katie made. So I'm really excited that I finished this bag, and that it turned out so cute!
I used Betz White's Isabella Tote pattern (available
here or
here—I love that the pattern includes an option to make this bag out of a repurposed pillowcase). I wanted my bag to be more structured, so I added the optional interfacing, even though I was already using a heavier upholstery-weight fabric. I also did the optional Timtex-interfaced panel in the bottom of the bag. I would have liked to add a pocket on the inside and maybe a magnetic snap closure, but I ran out of time! (Because, as usual, making this bag was a total last-minute decision.)
The only thing I didn't like about the Isabella pattern is that, because of the way it's constructed, it isn't possible to line the bag in a different print. I would have liked a touch of contrast on the inside. But it's that same construction method that makes it such an easy bag to put together (and makes it possible to use a pillowcase), so I guess I can't complain about it too much.
Anyway, my friend loves it. In fact, she posted it on Facebook and I had several requests from her FB friends to make bags for them as well! What a nice compliment. But I think Lisa's tote will have to remain one-of-a-kind for a while (well, three-of-a-kind, counting Katie's inspirational bags), because I think I need to go back to nice flat quilts now. : )
P.S. The
upholstery-weight yellow chevron fabric I used is on sale here
for $7.21 per yard for 54" wide cuts! What a deal! They have other colors as well.
Lee, Fabulous bag!!!! I do usually do the 3-D sewing either ;o)
ReplyDeleteYou've done a fabulous job on Lisa's tote! You seem to work well under pressure!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!!! I think you've just sold a lot of chevron material. I'm going to go and look for a good deal myself! I wondered how it would look in a bag, and now I'm convinced I love it!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun bag! I've been wondering what to do with some of my chevron prints.
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful! I love the fabric and such a pretty design for the bag! Not at all surprised you've had requests for more :)
ReplyDeleteOh my, I just love this bag. I haven't done anything with Chevron but I think I am going to buy me some and make this bag for my daughter for mother's day. She is a "bag collector" and I really think she would love this!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing!
Woo hoo! This is so cute, Lee. I still love that chevron fabric.
ReplyDeleteYour bag is so beautiful! No wonder you've more requests! Great job!
ReplyDeleteVery cute bag! I love the yellow chevron! Perfect for summer!
ReplyDeleteVery cute and summer-y!
ReplyDeletecute bag...why can't you use different fabric inside? It still looks great and so perfect and roomy for summer.
ReplyDeleteThat is adorable!
ReplyDeletelooks great Lee!
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to tackle a bag today, and I'm with you... 2 dimensional please! :)
I totally agree with you about the preference of flat versus 3-D. But your bag turned out great and I'm glad you gave the link for the awesome chevron fabric!
ReplyDeleteOh you did good!
ReplyDeletesuper cute! Love that chevron print, I'll have to check out that pattern!
ReplyDeleteAWESOME! Thanks for sharing. Don't you love zig-zags? Looks just like my blog background! http://snibblesandbits.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteGreat bag! I love the yellow chevron print, it is perfect for summer!
ReplyDeleteThis purse is so cute. I just love it and I will have to make one, too.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! I love the pretty yellow chevron fabric you chose.
ReplyDeleteFantastic bag, love the zigzags. Happy stitching. Chris
ReplyDeleteYour bag looks fabulous! It's much more fun to want to make something than to have specific requests from people (at least in my opinion). I guess that sounds selfish but I don't mean it to!
ReplyDeleteI love the bag the colour is just right. Gotta love chevrons =D
ReplyDeletegorgeous bag!
ReplyDeleteOooh, lovely! Fab fabric too
ReplyDeleteVery cute! Lovely for Spring.
ReplyDeleteCute and summery!
ReplyDeleteGreat Fabric and Tote. I'd have to use Amy Butler if you can't use a seperate lining. I know it would be great just like yours!
ReplyDeleteIm a really good babysitter if you are looking! I love your bag- what a lucky friend.
ReplyDeleteDarling bag! I luv chevrons!
ReplyDeleteIt turned out just great! Definitely an awesome gift for your friend, I'm totally not surprised that you're getting requests for more bags :)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! Thanks so much for using my Isabella pattern, I'm glad you had success with it!
ReplyDeleteLove it so much! Great bag, great fabric choice!
ReplyDeleteThis turned out fantastic, Lee! Great job!
ReplyDeleteI love it!! When my Riley Blake Chevrons arrived all I could think about was making a bag..or two! Yours is just perfect!!
ReplyDeleteYou must have triggered a run on the fabric, because they are all sold out. I love your bag. When I was up at my parents this weekend, their local quilt shop had a big display of the Riley Blake Chevrons and the Moda batch as well. Tempting, but I only had a carryon. They stayed there.
ReplyDeleteThat sunny yellow is so expressive and cheery--thanks for showing us!
eeep, I love it. Chevron are so Hot right now, That is a great gift!
ReplyDeleteWow! Gorgeous bag. Thanks for the tip with the fabric - I may have to make one of these for my friend.
ReplyDeleteLove it!!
ReplyDeleteLove the bag. Love everything Chevron print. Very inspiring to make!
ReplyDeleteJess
http://thedelightfulcrafter.blogspot.com/