While I want to sew more bags, I don't really want to buy more supplies. (Well, I do, but I'm trying to be good.) Yesterday I discovered a bag of scraps from a quilt top I made several years ago. (In fact, all the strips were already cut for me!) I've learned a lot from making this bag:
* Using quilt batting helps make the project a little stiffer, but not a lot. I do like the appearance of the outside with the batting in there. My next project will include Timtex.
* Make a list of all the features you want to include in your bag. Then check your list. I had planned on making a flap with a magnetic closure, but I totally forgot about it until it was sewn and top stitched.
* Be aware of what the final project will look like. I liked the rectangular shape of the pieces before sewing (16" wide and 15" tall), but the finished project is 12" x 12". That's still a nice size for carrying magazines and knitting projects, but the bag looked nicer when more rectangular. Also, the fabrics on the side contain some blue, which ties in with the blue of the bag. You can't tell this now and the blue piece looks odd.
* Don't sew late at night. I made plenty of mistakes. Like, the other side of the bag has the pink polka dotted fabric strip on top and the floral on the bottom. Oops!
* Don't make a quilted bag with a horizontal strip at the bottom unless it is pretty wide or more stabilized. You can't see it in this picture, but there is a green strip at the bottom of the vertical strips. The bag tends to sag there a bit. Using Timtex or having a wider band may help this problem.
* Saving things, even scraps, is a good habit. I know this doesn't sound smart considering I have clutter issues. But, it was so great to have everything I needed to make this bag. A couple of years ago I gave away all my rick rack and some buttons and now I'm kicking myself.
One of my next projects will be to finish a bag I started last fall. It was going to be for a swap partner, but wasn't going together well. I think it will work out better now that I've learned some things about bag making.
The bag looks great to me! Thanks for sharing all of those wise tips.
Posted by: caitlyn | July 12, 2007 at 04:50 PM
Excellent tips!!! I learned a lot last year about quilting, stitching and basic pattern language by making tote bags. I also learned that I will never have a career as a seamstress...
You, on the other hand, are well on your way to being the next great bag designer. Nice job!
Posted by: Sheepish Annie | July 12, 2007 at 05:08 PM
That's really pretty, I like the colors together. I never sew late at night because that's when I always screw up.
Posted by: Carole | July 12, 2007 at 05:31 PM
Look at you with your gorgeous bags!! You are so talented!
:)
Posted by: Pooch | July 12, 2007 at 08:27 PM
Aw, jeesh, you're really making it hard for me not to go in and find that sewing machine! These bags you keep coming up with are awesome! I love this one, even though you listed out all the stuff you didn't like about it. It's adorable. Jeesh, where's my furniture polish?
Sheri in GA
Posted by: Sheri | July 12, 2007 at 08:29 PM
It's so charming! The patchwork colours co-ordinate very well and the little ring adds a nice special touch. The size adds to the charm too, even though it turned out smaller than you would like.
Posted by: erin | July 12, 2007 at 10:35 PM
That is really cute!
Posted by: Kari | July 12, 2007 at 11:01 PM
ahhh, beth, beautiful!
I hear you on the saving scrapes.....A couple of years ago, I gave away a whole box of rick/rack, binding, zippers.......KICKING myself too! Now I save EVERYTHING!
Posted by: leslie | July 13, 2007 at 05:48 AM
Don't sew late at night! Funny, I always seem to be racing Rip Van Winkle to complete a project...
Posted by: Dana | July 13, 2007 at 08:57 AM
Your bag turned out very cute. And I agree with all of your tips!
Posted by: Cathy | July 13, 2007 at 02:39 PM
I'm going to have to start calling you a bag lady, because you are making some awesome bags! And I feel like you've been holding out on me, because you are such the whiz with the sewing machine, and I don't think I knew that... :0)
Posted by: Michelle | July 13, 2007 at 03:30 PM
I love that bag! You've got some serious sewing talent. Where do you get the lovely hardware for the bag handles? It looks so much more professional than the regular sewn-on straps I make.
Posted by: Rachel | July 13, 2007 at 03:44 PM
I think the bag looks very professional. Good job. Saving scraps is always a great thing, if room permits.
Posted by: Patricia | July 14, 2007 at 06:45 AM
very nice job on your quilted tote! I love projects made from scraps.
Posted by: amandajean | July 15, 2007 at 02:48 PM
Ditto on all of those! Do you use some interfacing on your lining? That can help stiffen it up. Also, I've quilted on fusible fleece instead of batting before - it's a bit stiffer. Cute bag, though, and while I like them more rectangular, square is awfully cute.
Posted by: lindiepindie | July 15, 2007 at 11:57 PM
Looks wonderful to me, very cute!
Posted by: Ruth | July 18, 2007 at 06:29 AM