It has been a long time since I have done any selfish sewing. And I have only done selfish sewing once. It was way back in March of 2014 when I made myself this quilted jacket for my birthday - My Birthday Suit. Check it out if you are in the need of a good laugh.
Have you ever wanted to make yourself something - other than a quilt?
A top? A bag? A pair of cool shorts?
For a while now I have been looking into getting a new purse. When my old one wears out, I usually just grab one from the second hand shop. But last time I retired my second hand bag for a new one when I splurged at Pay Less shoe shop when they were having a sale. I liked the new purse a lot, but being made of "fake leather", it did not last long enough. Since then I am back to using my old second hand handbag.
Before my daughter Erin got her driver's license I used to take her shopping in nearby Kitcher at the two malls they have. But I never shop for myself there. However, I did recently mention I needed a new purse and told her I might want to check out a name brand bag from Coach. Erin thought their products were far too expensive and so I never did see what they had to offer.
I shopped around online and seen this really cute bag made by Kristy of Rock Baby Scissors.
But I really wanted to make my own handbag. I am really a quilter and not much of a sewist. But then again, in making the quilted jacket and also one for my mother, I enjoyed the new experience and finally decided that I was going to make my own new purse.
First the pattern. I purchased the Companion Carpet Bag pdf from Sewing Patterns by Mrs.H on Etsy. Wow! Am I sure I still want to do this?!!! The pattern is 24 pages long!
I told you all year that I am quilting from stash. But this gave me an excuse to purchase something new. So of course, being as I wanted to support my blog sponsors on the sidebar, I clicked and clicked until I found this and this at Bobbie Lou's Fabric Factory. And they were both ON SALE! Bonus!
I am not a purple person. But I can't resist the cuteness of these two pieces. And something else for the lining? Woodland Critters in White
.
Next I headed over to Emmaline Bags for the hardware. I purchased the Barrel Hinge and other do-dads I needed, but she did not have any handbag handles in stock. So back to Etsy in search of some genuine leather purse handles which I found at Purse Making Supply.
Okay. Is that it?
No. Looks like I need something sturdier than batting. Ordered up some Flex-Foam by Pelon. And now to wait... And, in the meantime? Read over that pattern - again and again.
Have any cool patterns for clothing or bags you want to let others know about?
Let me know in the comments if you have some experience in selfish sewing that you would like to share. Or if you are inspired to now plan some selfish sewing this summer.
I can't wait to see how it goes!! I love the style of the bag and the fabrics you chose so it should be gorgeous! take care and Happy Sewing from Iowa
ReplyDeletePhew!!! Look at those prices for a bought bag, Go for it, the pattern did say the longest time will be spent deciding on your fabric!!! Love those purples, and the lining, so good.I make a lot of bags, so would quite like this challenge!!Waiting for the next instalment. And I hopped back to your jacket, black for winter, teal for summer, and blank for really hot days!!!
ReplyDeleteGood luck! Can't wait to see your bag from these pretty fabrics!
ReplyDeleteYou can do it Lorna! Bag making is fun, it can also get quite addicting ;) Have a great time.
ReplyDeleteLove the fabric it is going to make a fun unique bag. Enjoy! I have made my last few purses. The last one I made was by https://www.chriswdesigns.com/collections/all/products/sugar-and-spice.
ReplyDeleteI've been sewing since I was 9 (we won't mention how long that's been ;) ) making Barbie clothes. I then graduated to making my own clothes. I've made myself suits, evening gowns, dresses, blouses, casual clothes, including some clothes for friends. I've even made a ski suit. Curtains, pillows - piece of cake. My most ambitious project, however, was my wedding gown - a Victor Kosta design, the first pattern Vogue sold for $20. It turned out better than I could have dreamed. But in 1999, I caught the quilting bug and haven't made a garment since. Maybe it's time to get back into that saddle....
ReplyDeleteYour bag will be beautiful (I love purple).
I'd rather piece any day than make a bag!! That being said, there are so many cool ones out there, it's probably futile to resist infinitely and so I made TWO Sew Together Bags this spring -- think I might be ready to try another pattern. Finger crossed for you, Lorna!!
ReplyDeleteBags are great! You can cut it out one evening, start it the nezt and finish it the third day! Quick return and the patterns by Mrs. H are fantastic! Dhe is one of the 6 deaigners for the nag of the Month Club. Im doing her Nappy Bag for a friend right now and i love her photos.
ReplyDeleteOh Lorna, I miss that post. You are so pretty
ReplyDeleteand you look good in shorts hahahaha and certainly in that jacket. I love the fabrics and the stitching you did
I love these fabrics you have chosen for purse, Good luck with the crafting, cutting, measuring, sewing and all of that. It will be a beauty
Good luck!! Looking forward to seeing your purse when you're finished.
ReplyDeleteI am addicted to Bagallini cross body bags, the built in wallets that allow you to access your money or cards without taking your purse off your shoulder, but I want a scrappy quilted version. Contemplating dismantling one and using it as a pattern because I haven't come across a pattern with all the features I want. Good luck with your bag, looking forward to how it turns out.
ReplyDeleteWooo Hoooo Have fun! Did you check out the bags that Emmaline has on her site? The Necessary Clutch Wallet (NCW) is a MUST for your new bag! I've made more than a dozen of them and taught it to other quilters also and everyone was successful! Then there's Swoon patterns... Bag Heaven! Check her bags out, you'll definitely end up with a new addiction!
ReplyDeleteMrs H's patterns are excellent. The only reason they are so long is because of all the photos, so it's helpful! She's also really responsive if you get stuck, you should join one of her facebook groups.
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