I've had this bag for a few years and I like it, although it's getting a bit ratty. It's a good size, I can fit my knitting in it, and a lot of other things, and it's a good length. I like bags that hang around my hip level, they are close enough for me to grab things out of, but stay out of the way at other times. Plus I don't have to hold on to them when I'm walking, so a long strap is essential.
So today I went for a bit of a walk and finally went into the fabric shop that I go past on the bus every day. I'd taken some measurements of my trusty grey bag and then, at the shop, worked out how much material I'd need.
I bought 0.8m of furnishing fabric, a really heavy twill. I was originally going to go for plain black but I thought this spot was cute. The buckles are actually for kilts. They're leather and only cost £2 for the pair, so I figured that would be fine. Plus - Kilt buckles for a bag made in Scotland. I thought that was sweet.
I drew up the pattern, on a roll of brown paper that I bought the other day from a birthday card shop. Brilliant for patterns. As I was cutting out I realised that there were some pieces that I needed more of, but that was ok. I'd allowed a little extra fabric, so it was not at all stressful. I hate having to fiddle around with pattern pieces to make sure that I can fit everything in.
I must admit I was a bit scared of taking that first cut though. But at least I knew I just had to cut straight lines.
The first thing I did was sew up the strap and then turn it back the right way around. It took me about half an hour to turn that strip around! So frustrating. But I got it done, and then I started to sew the sides.
Here's the bag sewn up, with the flap closed. I just needed to add the strap and the buckles.
The front flap is lined, and so are the small flaps at the sides. The grey bag is like this, and it just worked out well, so I figured it made sense. Gives the flaps a bit of body. Hopefully it will stop knitting needles poking out!
The strap should be fairly secure. I sewed over and over this square and cross. If the damned thing comes undone I'll be annoyed. The grey bag had a buckle on it, a slide sort of thing, so you could adjust the length. But the shop didn't have them, and I've kept the grey bag's strap the same length pretty much for the entire time I've had it, so I figured I didn't need the ability to adjust it.
I was nervous about sewing the leather straps. But it was actually pretty simple. I bought some leather needles, and they were fine. I glued the buckles on first, and then sewed them down. To be honest I'm not sure if they're leather or vinyl, but they feel like leather, so that's good enough for me, and they look pretty schmick!
Here's the bag all finished up. What do you think?
Only the front flap is lined, the rest is just one layer. Hopefully the fabric won't fray too much. I zig zagged the edges, but depending on how it goes I might try French seams next time, or bind them with bias binding.
The old and the new. I'm sure I'll still use my grey bag, but tomorrow the new one will be taken out for a trial run. It was pretty simple to make too.
If you're interested, I could do up the instructions for you. Measurements and so on. Let me know. Ok. It's 2:30am, I'm going to bed now. I just wanted to finish this bag. But how is that for a totally unRoswell project? I came up with the idea, drafted the pattern, bought the fabric AND finished the bag all in the one day! Go me! Does a little dance
Okies. Good night. And please let me know what you think. Ta Ta for now.
