Sunday, August 23, 2009

Taking shortcuts

Sometimes with sewing I wonder how much I can get away with. All of my sewing skill has been by trial and error. I have learned that the first thing I make of anything is always a learning experience. Like do you really need to use interfacing? And which weight interfacing? A few months ago I made the bag below. I have found that if I use too sturdy of an interfacing in the handle they don't stay on my shoulders comfortably. Too stiff.

(fresh off the sewing machine)

So I thought, let's see what happens when I don't use any at all. The results are mixed. While the handles fit comfortable on my shoulder and stay put they also warped into a curled wrinkled mess. I should note that the handles are 100% linen. Maybe results would be different if it were cotton?(60 days later)

Not that I mind. One friend even said the handles go with the relaxed style of the bag. I still love the secret pocket in the front. Perfect place to hold my keys. I always know where to find them when my arms are full of groceries.

Next time I'll definitely put something in there to help stabilize the fibers to make them 'just right'. But I just wanted to see what I can get away with.

11 comments:

  1. Love what you've done with the sheet! ooh la la!

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  2. I'm like you, its trial and error for me. What i use for my handles, because with cotton it does the same thing, it wrinkles, so I use a cotton duck type of fabric. Its cream color and somewhat stiff. I cut a narrow strip and sew it into the handles. I wish I could remember what its called. In fact, I have to get some this week since I too am making bags for a craft show. I'll let you know what the fabric is called.

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  3. cute bag...i line my handles with flannel. Enough weight to hold shape but not sooo stiff..

    give that a try :)

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  4. all of my sewing is trial and error as well. i kind of love the handles being relaxed!

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  5. I think the wrinkles look great!

    I usually don't line handles of that sort, I just fold over 4 times. 4 layers of fabric in the end seems like just enough.

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  6. You have to be a true "bag lady" to understand how incrediby important handles are. I look forward to seeing what you come up with.

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  7. cotton does the same thing with handles if you don't put at least a light interfacing in.
    The key pocket is a great idea. Every time I walk out of the grocery store I find myself fumbling and reaching with my right hand into my left trouser pocket (God only knows why I put my keys in my left pocket, being very right handed.) in order to unlock the door.
    At least it makes people laugh in the parking lot.

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  8. I love the combination of fabrics you chose.

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  9. The bag is LOVELY! This is so beautiful, and I really do appreciate trying out the trial-and-error part of things. Such is my life, haha!

    Speaking of, I also wanted to let you know that I moved my blog to a new location and have a few new surprises up my sleeve! To kick things off, I have a free downloadable gift. Stop by if you get a chance. :) The new address is: http://reclaimingthehome.blogspot.com/

    HUGS!

    Kristin

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  10. Also wanted to let you know that I am having a big giveaway on the blog and sign-ups last until Sunday night! The giveaway was given to RTH by the ever-inspiring author of Craft Nectar. Hope to see you there! :) http://reclaimingthehome.blogspot.com/

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  11. I love how it turned out, the yellow print is so nice with the linen! I use quilt batting in my handles now. I just cut a strip that's slightly thinner than the handle width and top stitch. A fleece fabric works too.

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