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Sewing Purses, Totes & Bags

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Join as an absolute beginner to learn the basics, or as an expert to share your tips and tricks and free epatterns.

Website: http://sew-whats-new.com
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Latest Activity: Dec 1

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Sewing Channel Posts

Mini Scrap Wallet - Free PDF Pattern by The Sewing Loft 2 Replies

This pattern is for sewers of all levels. Perfect for beginners. Not sure what to do with leftover fabric scraps? How about turning them into a small wallet. This mini wallet is the perfect size for a few credit cards or even some ice cream money! You could…Continue

Tags: simple, fabric, gift_card, easy, beginner

Started by Susan. Last reply by Susan Oct 8.

Sharing - what I've learnt about rivets! 3 Replies

Rivet - Dictionary definition: 1. Nail or bolt for holding together metal places etc., its headless end being beaten out or pressed down after passing through two holes. 2. Verb, to Clinch (bolt); join or fasten with rivets; fix, make immovable.When I mentioned using rivets to my other half, we soon established that the rivets he…Continue

Started by Karen. Last reply by Liz Aug 26.

The Great British Sewing Bee - Ann Rowley's Bag! 3 Replies

If you enjoyed watching "The Great British Sewing Bee" you might be interested to see that the winner, Ann Rowley, has also made a bag!I spotted her Quattro Bag (a pattern by http://studiokatdesigns.com) on her Flickr Page when I was browsing for things to add to my…Continue

Tags: Quattro_Bag, Ann_Rowley, Great_British_Sewing_Bee

Started by Karen. Last reply by Danica Reed Nov 10.

How to make a fleece tote bag - by 2 young girl scouts 5 Replies

I was wondering what to do with all the fleece I have left over from making my Bed Jacket and Dressing Gown, and idly put 'fleece bag' into the You Tube search box. Up came this video by 2 young Girl Scouts, which I think is very well made. The only change I would make is putting an applique picture on the front as it is rather plain - but my fleece fabric isn't!Well done Kirsten and Torrey! Continue

Started by Karen. Last reply by Carol Fryer Aug 24.

bible covers 1 Reply

any new ?unusual Bible covers? i want something just a bit different than the standard.Continue

Started by cathy young. Last reply by Sandra Strickler Apr 2.

Zips and Bags - I think I am cured of my zipperphobia! 1 Reply

Well when Carolien suggested I did some articles covering different construction methods, starting with drawstring bags, it seemed like a good idea. However, I decided to start with zippers instead because I have tended to avoid them!I showed you that my first ever bag had a zipped outer pocket. This is a picture my niece…Continue

Tags: basic, basics, bagmaking, recessed_zipper, zips

Started by Karen. Last reply by Triciababe Mar 24.

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Comment by Karen on November 14, 2013 at 1:44pm: Has anyone ever tried using the Fabric stiffener spray (for making your own roller blinds) to stiffen up fabric to make a bag?

I used it many years ago to make my own blind, and I wondered if it would be something to try for bags. Anyone?

Karen

Comment by Karen on November 9, 2013 at 6:36pm: It is nice in a handle or strap. You should try to collect samples and try them out so you can see the effect they have. We all have favourites, but there are new products coming out all the time. Cost is another factor you have to bear in mind.

Fusible fleece is fluffy, and that can make it difficult to see stitches, (not fun to unpick) but folded inside a strap is fine, and I like it on the lining. Never used it on the exterior as I usually want something ..... thinner? flatter? firmer?

I was a fusible only girl, but I have now used ByAnnies Soft and Stable, LazyGirls Stiff Stuff and Vilene's firm sew-in (Pellon S725 or 50) and found them good too. I have yet to try 'woven fusible canvas' or 'puffy padded calico' which I have seen in Lisa Lam's U-Handbag shop but they are on my list!

Comment by Danica Reed on November 9, 2013 at 11:16am: Thank you Karen :) I dont want the bag to be too stiff, It will be small and i like it to move with me as it will have a long strap. I was thinking fusible fleece would be the way to go. It seems to be a popular one.

Comment by Karen on November 9, 2013 at 8:49am: Too late for Halloween this year, but check this out, a Troll Handlebar Bag!

Visit the website Hemma Design

Comment by Karen on October 31, 2013 at 3:46pm: Oh, I forgot to say "Welcome to SWN and the Sewing Purses, Totes and Bags" Channel Danica! LOL

Comment by Karen on October 31, 2013 at 3:44pm: Hi Danica

That's a difficult question to answer, as it depends on 1. The Bag Pattern and 2. What you want the bag to be like.

For instance, do you want the bag to stand up by itself? If you use 'Soft and Stable' it can be too thick for certain designs.

As a beginner I would suggest you DO WHAT THE PATTERN DESIGNER SAYS at least for the first bag, and READ UP what they say about it, for instance Sew Sweetness on Pellon (Vilene). Then there's Soft and Stable and Stiff Stuff (video).

I always use a fusible woven interfacing for my inside zipped pockets, and for anything I intend to applique or embroider. I like to use fusible fleece on my linings for the squidginess! I have recently made a couple of Erin's Zip and Go Bags which use a firm sew in interfacing (as suggested by Erin) and that worked well. Click on my Seahorse and go read my blogs on making them.

Hope that helps!

Karen

Comment by Karen on October 31, 2013 at 3:12pm: Hi Cindy

It's the 'two separate compartments/dividers' that cause me the problem.

ChrisWDesigns does lots of pockets inside and out, with handles not straps, but no dividers.

I've browsed my favourites in Etsy but mostly it's straps not handles, and you have to read the details of each bag to find out what is inside. Pattern Pile had Diaper Bags with dividers.

It's not a feature I've come across much in the Bag Pattern world, it's more the thing you find in Leather Handbags.

However I found a couple of tutorials for you by Kaydee Bunz and things for boys which may help you add a divider to a bag that ticks all the other boxes!

As I see you say you are a Beginner Sewer, you may need to get your hands on a copy of Lisa Lam's "Bag Making Bible". She will show you how to add the pockets you want to any bag.

Lastly you can ASK each designer if any of their bags have dividers - I'd go through Etsy as most of them have shops there and you can ask them questions.

Sorry I couldn't be more specific, maybe someone else here has made one and will let you know.

Good Luck!

Karen

Comment by Cindy Byrd on October 31, 2013 at 1:51pm: Hi everyone. My mom has given me specific details in the purse she wants me to make for her. So far I haven't found a pattern yet. Not too big, about 12" wide, zippered inside pocket, 2 separate compartments(dividers?), two zippered pockets on the outside(one on each side), and handles, not straps. Ideas anyone?