My old standby, circa 2010... |
My poor vacation bag (shown here) was purchased from Sears in 2007 to take on a cruise. Over time, as with anything, it started to show the dust and the dirt from many trips. I cleaned it as well as I could, but the white soon appeared quite grey in places and then I resorted to using fabric paint to try to bring back some vibrancy. By the beginning of 2013, I knew that it had seen its last service and should be "retired".
But the fact that it's really such a simple bag gave me the idea that this should be my design project. And the best part was, I had already run across many free patterns corresponding to this bag's essential shape. If I could successfully make one of those, creating my own version shouldn't be difficult.
So to give credit where it's due, I happened upon a free pattern and tutorial for a pleated, lined bag from Robyn Vines Smith/Warehouse Fabrics Inc.
My "proof of concept" bag... |
So first of all, here is what I did not do per the original pattern: 1) did not add piping, 2) did not pleat the lining pieces, and 3) did not add an interior pocket with flap. And here is what I added or modified: 1) two exterior angled zippered pockets, 2) an interior zippered pocket, 3) plain lining (i.e., without pleats; saves on fabric and makes it easier to attach the interior pockets), and 4) full face exterior slip pocket.
[For those curious about the source of my fabric and notions, the main body used to be a pillowcase; the lining is from the matching duvet cover (a set purchased from IKEA several years ago for $9.99 but never used). The top band of the purse (along with the interior patch pocket and all pocket linings) is from a Wal-Mart tea towel. The lovely gold zippers were rescued from yet another purse that I threw out.]
As an equally striking replacement for my flowered Sears bag, I think the result meets the basic requirements. There is more that I would change if it were truly my own design, but finding that out was the whole point of this endeavour. By the time I sewed the last stitch on this, I knew what my ultimate purse would be called: the Make it Yours Bag. I envision creating a pattern that will allow individual crafters to pick and choose what features they want (using simple to advanced techniques) to create a truly custom bag.
I've carried this purse on two trips now. (And after washing, it's bright and new as ever!) While in BC this past September, I stopped for coffee at a Timmy's in Vernon. I was complimented by a woman at the counter who — after hearing that the bag was handmade — said that I should make these to sell... and that she would buy.
Coming next week... I will unveil another free pattern for an easy DIY project: a collapsible fabric tray. Stay tuned!
Am I missing something? The pattern for the Make it Yours Bag? I can't seem to locate it! I REALLY want to try the original Make It Yours! Please let me know! Love, Sam
ReplyDeleteTake a look at the sidebar to the left and scroll down a bit. There is an image and link for it just under my crossbody sling bag pattern link.
DeleteI finally found it lol! Thank you for responding so quickly! Your blog is AMAZING! THANK YOU!
ReplyDeleteI happen to be hanging around the computer right now! You're welcome and thank you for the kind words.
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