Mama's Bag
I had a little project in mind and headed to the craft store for some new fabric! It's been a long time since I've purchased new fabric because I always seem to be using left over scraps or repurposed clothes. There are so many new patterns and prints. By "new" I mean retro, everything-old-is-new-again prints! I was really surprised at all the 70's-style large florals, gold and avocodo colors, large paisleys and polka-dots. I was also shocked at the prices! It has literally been years since I bought new fabric, but I can promise you that plain ol' cotton prints were not $9.99 ten years ago! Good thing I had a coupon.
I found a pattern for a "Mama's Bag" and decided to attempt it. I needed two coordinating prints and I wanted one to be large and somewhat whimsical. Even without my favorite crafty friend Michelle to help, I finally decided on...
I washed my fabric and after the kids were in bed last night I set to work cutting and making pleats.
I used the spotted fabric for the lining and the handles; the bird print for the outside.
About three hours later I had this cute little bag. (It wouldn't take nearly that long for an experienced sewer, but I spent extra time making sure my birds were right-side-up on both sides and then reading and rereading the instructions to make sure I had the right sides together...or the wrong sides together...or whatever!)
Here's a close-up of the lining fabric and handle.
There are four cute pleates along the upper edge and a center tie-ribbon just to give it some extra feminity.
Handmade Home by Amanda Blake Soule provided the inspiration and pattern for this "Mama's Bag." Her insructions are given with fabric recommendations and cutting dimensions. For some reason, projects feel easier to me when the instructions say "cut two 18" x 22" pieces." There are no large pieces of tissue paper patterns or complex notations and instructions. It also makes the project easier if using scraps or repurpsed fabric. Check it out! You'll be inspired.
Now I'm ready to go on a mommy-outing! Anyone interested?
I found a pattern for a "Mama's Bag" and decided to attempt it. I needed two coordinating prints and I wanted one to be large and somewhat whimsical. Even without my favorite crafty friend Michelle to help, I finally decided on...
I washed my fabric and after the kids were in bed last night I set to work cutting and making pleats.
I used the spotted fabric for the lining and the handles; the bird print for the outside.
About three hours later I had this cute little bag. (It wouldn't take nearly that long for an experienced sewer, but I spent extra time making sure my birds were right-side-up on both sides and then reading and rereading the instructions to make sure I had the right sides together...or the wrong sides together...or whatever!)
Here's a close-up of the lining fabric and handle.
There are four cute pleates along the upper edge and a center tie-ribbon just to give it some extra feminity.
Handmade Home by Amanda Blake Soule provided the inspiration and pattern for this "Mama's Bag." Her insructions are given with fabric recommendations and cutting dimensions. For some reason, projects feel easier to me when the instructions say "cut two 18" x 22" pieces." There are no large pieces of tissue paper patterns or complex notations and instructions. It also makes the project easier if using scraps or repurpsed fabric. Check it out! You'll be inspired.
Now I'm ready to go on a mommy-outing! Anyone interested?
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stephanie@metropolitanmama.net