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The Marrakesh Overnighter

I finished 'The Overnighter' bag over the weekend. The new technique learnt while making this bag was the folded strap handles and the shoulder strap with slider.
I have made some changes to my blog today primarily changing the name, I felt the old name 'The Photo Collection' was no longer adequate.

Work in Progress

This week I have been working on the folded strap handles for the "Marrakesh Overnighter" bag.

In My Garden

Mammoth Sunflower

I planted a row of sunflowers from seed this year, so far only one has flowered.

The Pleated Handbag

This is the third bag I have made from "The Better Bag Maker" it's the 'Osaka Pleated Handbag'. This bags skill level is Advanced beginner.
my thoughts on this bag- the purse feet are cute but not necessary if I was to make this bag again I would eliminate this step or maybe use flatter purse feet. The base is too wide for a small handbag. I like the polyester boning used on the handles. it is light and roomy. The pleats were too thick at the top seam for my machine, to get the stitching started  I used folded card board under the presser foot  at the start, since I don't have any presser foot spacers.
Also a note to self when adding the exposed zipper pocket I need to reduce the opening, in the materials list this bag calls for a 6' zipper which I purchased but when it came time to make the zipper pocket I forgot about the smaller size and had to put the project on hold until I had purchased a larger zipper for the opening I had made.
The O ring is from Bagmaker supply and the rest of the materials from Joann's  expect for the pelmet interfacing that I got from fabric.com.
I am currently gathering the materials for the next project in the book.
happy sewing

In My Garden

Autumn Red Daylily

We are having a wet summer the lilies are spotted with rain water, the good thing is I don't have to water each day.

In My Garden

Paul's Glory White Hosta

Work in Progress

Cut  bag pieces for the 'Osaka Pleated Handbag' from "The Better Bag Maker". The O- ring I purchased from  Bagmaker Supply and the fabric from Jo-Anns.

In My Garden

Red Fanal Astilbe

The  Astilbe with  Cosmos  growing beside it.

Book Review- The Better Bag Maker

Basic Bag

I purchased 'The Better Bag Maker' by Nicole Mallalieu to continue my exploration of bag making. This book has 11 projects, and comprehensive sections on techniques, tools and materials.
The projects are graded as beginner, advanced beginner, intermediate and confident. The instructions are straight forward and are accompanied by how to photographs and illustrations.
There are tip boxes scattered through the book that are just as important to follow as the step by step instructions.
All the pattern pieces are full size. The book retails for $26.95.
I made the 'basic bag' project (pictured). The instructions were easy to follow and the bag came together without any problems. I used a quilting fabric with Pellon SF101 interfacing and a calico lining. It's a large tote (measures approx. 12x13x7") that has become my favourite bag for taking to the pool and other family outings.
My favourite detail is the internal base support which prevents the sagging bag look.
a book for anyone interested in bag making.

In My Garden

Red Hot Poker

In my Garden

marguerite daisies



In my Garden

Rhododendron and Roses

There is a lot of pink in my garden this week. Rhododendron in the foreground and a pink Knockout Rose bush in the background.

Bag Making Stories

front

back

 

After making all the bags mentioned in this post  I had a go at designing and making one. Its a small bag (approx. 7 X 7'') with a long strap (45'') so it can be worn across the body (hands free). There is a zippered pocket at the back to keep valuables safe. For the front flap closure I used a magnetic snap and for the interfacing I used craft-fuse Pellon style  #808 .

Bag fever continues,  this week I brought a new book called "The better bag maker" I am currently reading it so expect more bag stories soon.

 

Have a good one!

In My Garden

Peony

 

genus Paeonia

 

This year I placed a tomato cage to support my peony plant just as the new shoots appeared, so glad I did no more droopy flowers.

In My Garden

 

Flowering this week are the Purple Alliums

Bag Fever

I have spent the past 2 weeks making bags. I started with the lined drawstring bag from 'School of Sewing' (I wrote about this book here) and kept going until I had made every bag in the book.
Let me show you my finished bags:

Lined Drawstring Bag

 



Essential Tote Bag



Carry all Clutch

Zipper Pouch

Pleated Purse

Have a lovely weekend!


 



In the Garden

With the perfect warm weather of the past week I find myself in the garden most days weeding, sowing seeds and mulching.
The Azaleas are flowering now just in time for Mother's Day this weekend.
Have a good one!

Spring Flowers

Tulips

New Doll

Just finished this doll with rotating joints for the arms and a removable cape.