Fabric Handbags

I am delighted to tell you that I am back in business! Lots of inspirations and productiveness this past weekend. Remember the Simple Party Bag I mentioned in a recent post? After making up the pattern, I realized that I will never use this bag. It is far too small. I don't use small bags. I have too much stuff that i simply NEED with me all the time! So, I modified the pattern and although there were a few hiccups, I am pleased with my much larger version.

I made this bag for my sister. She loves blue and pink. I used some of my favorite pink polka dot fabric for the lining and also made some inside pockets. I added two pleats to the front to make it interesting. It was quite a task to turn the bag out through a small hole with all the extra interfacing. The bag is quite thick to give it structure.

Excuse the creases, I still need to press it after sewing it. This blue fabric is from last year's shopping spree at Hobby Lobby in Chicago. Can't remember the designer now. Very bright and happy though. Hope she likes it. I have already cut out one for myself in black with purple lining and a bit of purple piping.

I also made this simple little tote bag for my sister. Can you believe I forgot to add the magnetic snap! I realized almost at the end and quickly added a covered button and loop closure. Love the piping. The color matched the blue fabric perfectly. Lots of pockets inside just how I like it. Perfect little shopping bag for my sister.

I also finally received my parcel from http://www.halcyonyarn.com. This order was my third attempt to get my hands on the Pink Lady Bag and Mega & Phat Pink Lady Bag patterns! Two previous orders from other yarn stores were unsuccessful. I cannot wait to try this little bag. I also ordered two skeins of Lamb's Pride yarn in a delicious brown. This yarn is 85% wool and 15% Mohair. Delightful. I want more!

I also started on the lovely crocheted Japanese bag, the Ribbon Accent Bag, I mentioned in my previous post. In fact, I started on two at the same time! I must admit this was not the quick project I expected. My first attempt was with a lovely pink variagated yarn that did not show off the interesting pattern of this bag. My second attempt looks a lot better in plain cherise pink. It will however take a lot longer than I expected to finish.

I am also busy planning two other fabric bags. The one is based on a bag pattern I recently bought in a lovely casual style, the other I am busy designing in my head. I cannot find a pattern to compliment the lovely Japanese fabric I have had in my stash for a while now. The pattern has large flowers on it, so I need to make a larger bag to show it off. I am also planning to use a set of my handmade fake leather bag handles with this bag and some more piping. This bag must be special, so need to give it some more thought.

Hope you also had a great crafty weekend!