My Bag Collection and Obsession. By Nini~

 I have a bag problem!

Bags...I like to make them, use them, and design them. I've gotten good at making the basic handbag, I like pockets. I'm just getting into zippered pockets, zippers aren't as scary as I thought. I love a good purse full of pockets inside and out. I'm on the verge of designing an awesome purse for myself to use everyday.  I just know it! Let me tell you about my little bag collection.

This lil bag was a kit I got at O'Susannah's Quilt Shop in Watkins Glen, NY while on a quilt retreat last year. I put it together in an hour or so. I haven't found a good use for it yet, but I will. You can find the pattern here for Suzy's Sack.

Metal Frame Clutch Bag

This beautiful bag was a gift,  made by Helen at Till We Quilt Again. I love the big clasp on the metal frame and bright colored fabrics. I use this bag for my photo shoot supplies like clothes pins, straight pins, scissors and anything I might need while photographing my projects. It is a great little bag. Thanx, Helen! There's plenty of frames and patterns on the internet for this one, but I'm not sure where this particular pattern and frame came from.

I love the fabric combination!

This is a pencil bag made from scraps I had laying around, they really don't go together but it doesn't change the functionality of the bag so I say use up those scraps!! This was an experiment that was a success. I didn't use a pattern for this one, I had seen something similar and just made it from memory.

This bag is made with metal tape measure inside used to snap the bag open and shut. I have my EPP hexie kit, which makes grab & go easy and last minute if need be. Find the pattern here.

As you can see I have a fondness for bags, this is just a small sample of what I have. I don't want to be rescued or saved, it really isn't a problem, really. I'm very happy in my quest for the perfect bag!

To fuel my obsession I joined a Bag of the Month Club, but there'll be more about that later!

Go make something!
Nini~

Free Style Messenger Bag

I have made a few bags or pouches in my sewing years...not enough to feel confident in making one without a pattern right by my side and following all the measurements and directions step by step....until today. Today I had a vision of a messenger type bag that was kinda boho kinda rustic all at the same time...something not like anyone else's bag that came from my own ideas. I wanted something bright and scrappy,  I went to my stash pulled out a few things, ironed them, and decided they weren't working...put them back and picked something else...ironed that and then the ideas started coming and I couldn't stop them!! I took my time, made it piece by piece...planning although out of order, planning how the strap should look, what accents and embellishments it  needed...I was having so much fun as the ideas came to me...I had to unsew here and there, but nothing major, things just came to me as I sewed.

All done!

The black trim on the front is an old t-shirt I cut in strips and ruffled it...the vintage button is from my button collection and the fabric is linen, the flowers were already stitched on it, I just echoed the stitching with free motion quilting for a decorative effect.

Old t-shirt ruffles and the selvage left for a fun flap.

I never used D rings before...I like the look!

 

I kept the selvage on the handle for some fun and to tie it in with the flap.

I ditched the scrappy idea when I found the linen fabric and the ideas started flowing. For the stabilizer I used Soft and Stable it was easy to work with and I like how bag keeps it's shape. I am going to make some more fun bags...I sure hope my muse is up for some more fun!!

Happy sewing!
Nini~

A Two, Possibly Three Bagger!

This bag has hit it big! My friends have made not one but two or three of these handy bags! It is a nice size and has lots of pockets to hold all your possessions while shopping. I used mine at the Lancaster Quilt Show in March and found it very useful. I had been using a cross body pouch that was too small for all the things I want to carry with me. When it broke I made one of these bags and found it much more useful than my broken Michael Kors pouch.

Above is the back outside pocket to keep your phone readily accessible. I use my Notes App on my iPhone for all my shopping lists so I am always digging for my phone, with this handy pocket I don't have to search. 

The magnetic clasp was easy to put in the bag and is easy to use. I like the extra security of the clasp to keep it closed if I lay it down. 

I added a little interest to the front with a big vintage button. I like that I can carry a bottle of water, my large wallet, my phone and a little snack with me when I go shopping for the day. I see why all the ladies are making them and have them in many different prints and colors...they are the fashion accessory of Spring! 

If you want to make one for yourself the pattern is Flip Flap Bag, by Totes by Sandy. They don't sell retail, here's where to get the pattern on line. If you'd rather buy one already made, check our Etsy shop this one was just listed. If you'd rather have another color we can make one to order.

Happy Creating!

Nini~