Thursday, March 19, 2009

a new bag



Finally I have something finished to show! I made this bag over a few days. Truthfully, I could have finished it sooner, but I really wanted a vintage belt to use as a handle.



The fabric is from the Dogwood line by Michelle Engel Bencsko. It really is a beautiful line of fabric. I think the main reason why I love it so much is that I have a Dogwood tree right outside of my window of my sewing room and I watch the birds come to the feeder while working. Anyway, more about the bag. I used thrifted corduroy fabric on the bottom and a thrifted gingham fabric for the lining. Normally when I make bags I tend to use a lightweight fabric for the lining, but this lining is a home dec fabric weight. I found that I much prefer this because it give the bag more stability without having to add more than one layer of interfacing. I really love the belt strap too. I picked up a few more at the thrift store too, so I'm going to try them on some different bags. Maybe another bag with the blue bird fabric from the Dogwood line?

18 comments:

Sam said...

I'm just curious at how it was to sew the belt. Did you do something to it or was the machine strong enough? I've wanted to make a bag with a leather strap but they are too pricey so I love this belt idea. I even know the perfect fabric in my stash. So smart.

Joy said...

What a great creation! I love the purse and the belt was a great idea!

Heide said...

Lovely! I just bought some of that dogwood fabric, but it's so pretty that I don't want to cut into it!

Aimee said...

wow - I love that fabric! And the belt idea is genius. Beautiful!

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

That fabric for your bag is just wonderful. How did you attach the leather belt to the bag?

Unknown said...

What a cute purse! I LOVE that fabric and I think the belt was a stroke of genius! Looks reat.

Needled Mom said...

Beautiful bag. I, too, love dogwoods. The belt looks fabulous with it.

tarabu said...

Lovely - and the fabric is fabulous!

jessica said...

great fabric - love the belt!

Rebekah said...

cute bag! I love that you used a belt for the strap...I would have never have thought of doing that

lera said...

Cute bag and love that fabric. Clever idea to use a belt. Looks great.

Anonymous said...

This is really beautiful. I am totally in a courderoy phase right now! Your bag reminds me of why.

Philigry said...

oh, i love that fabric. your new bag looks great.

jacquie said...

it's beautiful! the belt is such a great touch.

Lindsey said...

Always such cute stuff and the photography is smack on target. Love it...you go girl.

heather said...

LOVE the bag!!! I LOVE all your bags though!! What a great idea about the belt as the handle. I just might have to try that idea!!!! Hope you don't care if I someday copy.:)

Anonymous said...

Cute, cutie bag! The belt is brilliant idea :)

Amanda Jean said...

that fabric is so pretty! i have had a belt set aside for a purse handle for nearly two years now...and i still have to get around to it. :) i love how it looks!