Monday, June 30, 2008

uptown handbag





Pattern: Uptown Handbag from Madison Bags by Amy Butler
Fabric: Floral Reign Style D827 by Hoffman Fabrics; buckram for interfacing
Notes: The pattern is confusing in certain areas so you must read carefully and make notes before cutting/sewing. It was my first time using buckram and it's incredibly stiff so it's hard to "flip right side out" on some of the smaller pieces like the handles (I can't imagine making this bag with the recommended Timtex). In those cases, I modified the construction to make it a little easier. I also had to switch to a jeans needle to get through all those layers. I used sew-in magnetic closures instead of velcro. Fairly easy to construct but the short handles make it a little tricky during final assembly.

I'm very happy with my new bag. I have more fabric and interfacing so I might make the Downtown purse with the long handle.

7 comments:

PurlingPirate said...

That's a beautiful new bag!

Anonymous said...

Did you sew the buckram into the seams? I saw a demo on TV using buckram and they cut the buckram 5/8 inch shorter so it would not get in the seams. It comes right up to the sewn seam. I think they used fusible tape to hold buckram in place. Hard to find tutorials online where buckram is used.

Dotty said...

Yes, I basted the buckram to the fabric as directed by the instructions. I don't think that leaving the buckram out of the seams would've made much difference in the assembly. Once I switched to the jeans needle, I had no problem sewing through all the layers.

delovely said...

Hi Dotty!

My house does allow me to have cats and I'm definitely thinking about it...Love a little furball around here. Hehe. That bag is really cute! I want to learn how to sew at some point so I can make such things, too cute

Bea said...

Very cute! I might need to find that pattern online somewhere and order it. Is it well written so that when I butcher it at least I will know its just me? I haven't managed to sew anything from a pattern yet without royally messing it up.

The Imperfect Knitter said...

That is so gorgeous, and a really vibrant colour, I thought about making one , but most of them have piping, and I don't do piping . Does Ricky know what a clever mummy he has ?

knitseashore said...

What a great bag! I'm amazed at all of your talents!!