A squashy bag

The squashy bag is complete and already in use. I made my own pattern based on a bags I had seen in highstreet shops and a pattern pretty close to what I wanted in one of my Japanese Craft books. It has come out pretty much as I had hoped and I like the shape but I think for this fabric I prefered the original tote. This is certainly a useful bag shape though, comfy over the shoulder or in arm and plenty of space inside for a purse and of course a bit of portable sock knitting. I learned plenty as I went along, I am pleased that the shape came out as I had planned but the bias binding was very tricky and frankly does not stand up to close examination, but making a hash of it this time should mean that I know what not to do next time. I used some very stiff boning in the handles themselves which was a good move, I will certainly buy more of the boning to use on future projects, even if it did make the bias binding rather a struggle. I used a little magnetic closure and no inside pocket this time.

The outside is made from the same old charity shop blanket as the tote and I used a medium weight interfacing. Interfacing/interlining makes such a difference to the bags, gives them so much more body. The bulkier seams are a little troublesome but worth it I think.

Thank you for all the lovely comments on my finished Betty. She is keeping me warm on a regular basis. Several of you asked about the fastening which is a brooch. I did purchase some buttons, I spent about half an hour choosing them while a friend waited very patiently for me to decide. Of course they are too big for the buttonholes. I grabbed the brooch as an emergency measure, I was determine to wear Betty there and then, and in fact it somehow looks just right so I don't think I will look for any more buttons. The brooch is silver with some tiny gold details and was a gift from the technical advisor who buys most of my jewellery from the rather wonderful local gallery.

Comments

caroline said…
I love it - the grey with the pinky flowers on the outside and the purpley-pinky lining is just gorgeous. I am interested in the boning in the handles - what is it?
Anonymous said…
I just love your bags - and that lining, drool...
Really, I think the brooch is an improvement on the Betty design. It doesn't look half as stunning with buttons.
Alison said…
Another fab bag! I bought a couple of books on making bags earlier this year, and they have been very well read, but I haven't made anything yet. I love the bright linings with a dark, rich outer fabric, and I completely agree about the interlining, too.
Charity said…
Wonderful bag! I love the size - your sock looks so happy nestling there. :0)
Anonymous said…
Hello,

I was just checking all the some of the other blogs in the Rowanette Blog Ring and happened upon your beautiful blog.

Your bag is beautiful! One day maybe I will get using my singer for something more than stitching a quick hem...smile.
Anonymous said…
What a great idea, to use a blanket for the outside of the bag. I love the sock snuggled inside. When I was learning to make socks, I was never pleased with the toes; I couldn't manage the kitchener stitch for closing the toe very well. The toes always came out, well, not so great. But I never mentioned them and hoped people would only notice the good parts. So I understand your struggle with the bias binding.
yvette said…
Your bag looks fabulous, I must get my velvet one done. The handes look great, bias in heavy fabric is a pain to do. I sometimes use narrow plastic tubing inside the fabric, it does mean the old guy in the DIY shop thinks I have something seriously wrong with all my kitchen appliances!
Krawuggl said…
This bag is so beautiful, it is my favorite shape for handbags. The bigger ones are clever for shopping, but this one would be so nice for a visit at a tea shop or a date or a restaurant. Just my keys and my purse, lip gloss, peppermint and your lovely bag. You are fantastic to have figured out this very difficulty looking design, and I also like the blanket again and your tiny flowers. Very very gorgeous!
And I am completely with you, the brooch for Betty gives a so much more sophisticated look than buttons. Very special.
Oh this bag is just so lovely and sturdy. I have been wanting to try a handle like this but I just didn't think it could withstand the weight of all the stuff I drag around. Such a clever idea to think of boning! Thanks for the warning about the bias sewing.
Anita Fern said…
Great looking bag - the colours work well together. I like seeing a flash of bright colour on a neutral background.

PS. Bit slow at blog reading at the moment so just caught up with Betty - it looks fab! So much nicer than the one in the book.
Anonymous said…
So beautiful! love the color combinations! you have such a wonderful eye for color....

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