...and after stitching.
Inner pleats sewn into the body of the bag.
The bag exterior with handles and leather button loops.
The back of the bag.
The bag front with Moroccan buttons.
The completed bag. Finally! :)
As you can see...
...this bag underwent extensive 'surgery' to become its final 'self'! :)
I narrowed the bag flap...
...and sewed panels into it as well.
I stitched seams in the bottom of the bag to make it more roomy...
...and pleats along the opening for shaping.
I removed the wonky handle and cut it in half...
...then doubled it and sewed it together again, lengthwise...
...attaching it to the bag back for a more 'pocketbook' kind of look.
I cut strips of brown leather...
...and attached them to the asymmetrical flap points for button loops...
...then sewed on buttons that my daughter brought me from one of her trips to Morocco.
Remember that if you haven't yet commented on any of the three
'2 Year Bag-i-versary' posts...
...now is the time!
I will be closing the drawing at Midnight tonight (October 19th) E.S.T...
...and posting the name of the winner on Friday.
Good luck!
24 comments:
This is a GREAT piece. Tough and handy. Goes so well in winter.
Heather.....I love the bag and your solution is Marvelous!!! I have one question: do you sew with your sewingmachine or by hand? And how? hugzz...peebee
Particularly love what you have done with the front flap, the stitching really makes a feature of it. Just lovely
thanks for sharing
martine
oooh, I love how the pleats turned out. They added a whole new level of texture.
Wow! I love the effect you created with the sewing! what a grat idea!
Wow! What an awesome transformation! The handles and the shape of this bag are REALLY wonderful. I cannot imagine how much rolling went into this! :)
Congats on 2 years, I know you have taught me tons!
Terrie--I agree...it's a good purse for the season where I live!
Peebee--I used my sewing machine with a 'leather needle' (stronger than a 'regular' one).
Martine, Andrea, Mattie and Kelly--Thank-you for
your comments. I certainly 'sweated' over this bag, so I'm really glad that you think it was worth it. :)
I am stunned and amazed! You turned, what looked like it was going to be a flop, into a wonderful handbag! You are the most talented person I know. I can't get over the transformation. But I can't help but wonder, are the lovely colors not showing up, in the photographs? Or are they actually that dull looking now, when you are looking directly at the bag? I can't tell because the close-up pictures at the top of the post seem to be much more colorful than all of the succeeding photos. So is it orange, or is it brownish/blueish/whatever-ish???? LOL
Sandie--Thanks! In person the variegated colors DO all show up in...but overall, it's sort of a light brown. I think now that the dyed silk washed out to mostly a blue color, it 'picks up' the blue and blue-green in the roving a lot more when you see it up close. I think it will be a useful purse for someone, because it is subtle enough to carry with most outfits, and perhaps worn alongside a particular color of clothing, it will look more or less that color, too?!?!
That is a fab bag, It has turned out really well. So much work though.
I think you're a magician, Heather. I have no idea how this all works and every time I'm just amazed at how creative you are, from start to finish.
Mary--Thanks so much! I have to admit that this one had me stumped for awhile! :)
I think this is the best bag yet. Except for the last one you made me of course. Can't wait for this weekend!!!!!
Thanks, Leann! I can't wait either!
Wow! Heather...This bag is marvelous!!!! You're a whiz with all of that stitching, pleating, cutting...The transformation is amazing. My hat's off to you;-)Almost makes me want to dust the cobwebs off my sewing machine and give it a go. I said "almost" ;-))))
Big hugs,
Dawn
Dawn--I got the notion from Elis when she helped me resurrect that terrible green bag with stitching at the CFG...and it really saved this bag, too! Yes-find that machine of yours and fiddle around!! :)
The bag is so beautiful! As usual you have inspired me to want to do some felting too. It feels like it was ages since I did something with my stash of wool. Thanks for the inspiration1
wow super nice bag!!! you have better sewing skills than I ahve... I feel the same like Dawn, nearly get the feeling of getting my sewingmachine out too....
Congrats on your blog anniversairy amazing how fast time can pass by . Many more happy years to blog
It looks much more colourful in close-up!
Jeanette--Yes...even if you just start with something small. Once you get started with it again, there will be no stopping you! :)
Kim--Thanks for my anniversary wishes!
Rachel--Yes...it's a strange roving, to be honest...but it looks nice 'in person'. :)
My goodness Heather - you really are a wonder worker! I know its a P I T A when a project seems determined to go wrong.. but you have created a really beautiful bag with your clever sewing, I love those seams on the front flap.
Well done you!
Dxx
Deborah--Thanks so much! Yes...after much effort (and cursing!) :), I like this bag, too.
Happy Bagiversary! Another great project! You make them look so easy, just do this or that, but I'm pretty sure things will turn out differently if I try it :-)
The bag is adorable. very interesting to see how the colors change throughout the felting process.
Vivian--I'm not sure I made THIS one look easy!
Giggle. I'm glad you like it, anyway...and when you get a chance to visit me in Philly some day, we'll test your theory! :)
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