Re-purposed Denim Bag

This year I've decided to make a few handmade gifts instead of store bought for Christmas.  I've learnt quite a few techniques this past year and decided that this year I will finish off with a bit of creative fun.  This little re-purposed denim bag screams FUN!  Perfect for a fun little lady :-)

I made this little bag from old denim I had stacked away for exactly this purpose, I just never got around to making something with it.  So yesterday morning I started playing around with some strips of fabric, lace, buttons and ric-rac.  

I liked making this bag, having the freedom to go with whatever felt right felt strange but was great fun.  I am used to following along a pattern or at least having a set plan of what I wanted, so this was a strange experience mixing and playing with different elements.  The last finishing touch I added was the butterfly  I appliqued with a satin stitch.  I think it really blends in well with the rest of the bag.

Initially when I started out with the bag panels I wanted to finish it off a drawstring , but when I had the bag assembled ready to sew in the lining I changed my mind.  It being denim I thought it would be too heavy pulling the bag open and closed, so I decided to rather insert a magnetic clip.

 I had the button wholes already sewn in, so I just added a little knot to finish it off.  The finished dimensions are 14½ inches wide, 10½ inches high and the boxed width is 6 inches wide.

I am certain the recipient of this bag will love it...  :-)

Thanks for stopping by!

* My posts delivered to you *

      


 

African Flower Crochet Bag - Lining Tutorial

I have finished up my second african flower crochet bag, and thought I'd share with you how I've made the lining.  The pattern for the crochet bag can be found HERE, keeping mind that I used this tutorial to make the flowers.

I find it is easier taking measurements of your bag before the bottom is sewed on to the body of the bag.  So before your bag is completely stitched up, do the following:

Measure from the top of where the lining will be sewed on (just below the drawstring area), to the bottom.  Add at least 2 inches for the seam allowance, ½ inch for the bottom, and 1½ inches at the top that will be folded over.  When measuring the width, you'll need to multiply it by 2, then add 1 inch for your seam allowance.  

In this case; 

8 + 2 = 10 inches high

9½ x 2 = 19 + 1 = 20 inches wide

Fold the lining in half width wise, and with right sides together sew at least a ½ inch seam allowance.  To check of it will fit properly, place it inside the bag and make adjustments before sewing on the bottom.

Make a template of the bottom of the bag, I used two pieces of printer paper, sticking them together using clear tape.  Then pinning the crochet bottom piece to the paper, mark ½ inch seam allowance around the circle.  

Then pin the template on top of your fabric and cut right against the pattern.  You'll then need to add 'markers' to the bottom and bag lining, by folding the fabric in half, finger pressing or using a hot iron, fold in half again and press.

Match up the creased lines, right sides together and pin.  You'll notice that the circle is bigger than the bag, fold in pleats between the pins, and secure it properly.  Then sew it together using ½ inch seam allowance.

Since the bottom of your finished crochet bag forms a round shape, kind of like a 'bowl', the pleats of the lining will give the same result.  Fold over at least 1½ inches of the bag lining over and press to have flat and even straight seam to sew onto your bag.

Place the lining inside the bag, and hand sew the lining to the crochet bag.  Keeping in mind to grab the yarn with every stitch.  Keep the stitches really small to make sure its properly secured.

  

  

This bag is really small, but the process and steps would apply to a larger bag as well.  Hope you enjoy making your very own bag.

* My posts delivered to you *

      


 

Quilted Baby Diaper Bag

This week I had yet again the opportunity to quilt something for a baby, but this time I made a quilted diaper bag for a friend's sister who is expecting a baby boy.  When she told me about it, I immediately wanted to try another bag.  

I really enjoy making bags.  Without a guide or pattern to follow along it can get tricky, but that is exactly what like.  I quilted all the panels with stippling, and made fusible applique letters for his name, and satin stitched them to secure it in place.

This bag is rather large, which I think is its best feature, for working Moms who has to carry a lot of baby stuff to and from home its ideal.  I also added pockets on either side of the bag. 

The bag's dimensions are 19 inches (48cm) wide, 13 inches (33cm) high, and the depth is 6 (24cm) inches.  I think I want one too, for my crochet WIPs.

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy quilting.