This bag and I have issues
Let’s start with the fact that I was so rusty in terms of bag-making that I completely forgot how to sew it together and accidentally made something that ended up being like a doll quilt with handles. Not exactly what I was going for. Needless to say, I spent some quality time with my seam ripper.
The other problem is with the patchwork. Now, patchwork and I have never really seen eye to eye. A nice, even, straight patchwork requires patience, and precisely-measured pieces to sew together. The biggest patchwork success I have had is my beach quilt, which I love, and for which I painstakingly measured and cut thirty-six perfect squares, and sewed them together slowly and purposefully.
That is not my normal way of doing things.
In making this bag, I went back to my usual method, took the unmeasured scraps from those perfect quilt squares, slapped them together, and attached the resulting panel to some pieces of linen.
Somewhere along the line, things got a little wonky.
I had originally planned to put a couple of my buttons on the front, above the patchwork, and to use this bag as a beach tote (it coordinates perfectly with my quilt) but now I don’t know. Looking at the crooked patchwork makes me want to call this one a prototype and try again. I’m not too happy with the inner pockets, either. They don’t seem like they will hold up well.
I’m not sure what will become of it now.
On the plus side…
I couldn’t really mess up the back of it! 
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it seems to me that a wide ribbon or some other such thing (bias tape, etc) hilighting that slant might make it look intentional, and therefore, salageable. if not, well, chalk it up to learning!
.-= See linda p’s latest blog post: A Reminder for Feed Readers =-.
that’s supposed to say “salvageable.” oops.
.-= See linda p’s latest blog post: A Reminder for Feed Readers =-.
Actually, I thought of something similar – a wide band of lining-color fabric could actually eliminate the slant, if placed properly. My problem was figuring out how to attach it. I’d either have to sew right through the lining (which is a problem with the pockets in the way) or I’d have to take it apart. Or, hand-sew it.
I gave up, but maybe you have an idea how I could attach such a thing?
stitch witchery is your friend. Iron on Lisa. eliminates the need for needle and thread.
I would make the ribbon go the opposite slant…funky wonk.
.-= See Kathi’s latest blog post: All Packed =-.
yeah- exactly. steam a seam might work. if you put it in place w/steam a seam it would be easier to sew by hand if you wanted.
.-= See linda p’s latest blog post: A Reminder for Feed Readers =-.
Maybe you can add some buttons/decorations in the white part that is too big: you start with the bigger ones on the right, and as you go to the left you reduce the size. Then the line of buttons/decorations and the top of the quilt part would be on the same line. It’s just an idea and maybe not what you’re looking for, but it might look nice.
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You know, I really like that button idea! Even just one button on the side gives it more of an “I meant to do that” look. I will have to play with that idea. Thanks!
I’m glad I could be of help!
Let us know how it turns out in the end.
I feel like, with or without buttons, with or without ribbon, about 5 degrees more slant would make it look deliberate.
In fact, you could use that wide ribbon to increase the slant, as well as eliminate it.
That said, I really like the decreasing button idea.
.-= See bzzzzgrrrl’s latest blog post: Tidbits! (Now, with more tid!) =-.
Oh, and don’t be so glib about not messing up the back of it. *I* absolutely could have messed up the back of it.
.-= See bzzzzgrrrl’s latest blog post: Tidbits! (Now, with more tid!) =-.
I think the button idea sounds great and you must have tons to choose from? And Lisa i do exactly the same from time to time, decide to just wing it and then spend even longer fixing than it would have taken to plan properly. I never learn though and I suspect neither do you. It’s what makes life fun and full of challenges.
.-= See Emma’s latest blog post: Happy Birthday to Me =-.
if it really bugs keep with the ribbon to cover up the whole alignment issue. hand sewing in a a fat floss with a contrasting color would be cute too. a button would be way cute and how about in the center of a big flower!! that would distract the eye. good luck
.-= See becky’s latest blog post: Felt + Assignments =-.
Hi, Lisa! I am in awe of all the things you sew. So very cool! Hope you are doing well. Check in at the Refuge when you get a chance; it has been very quiet over there. I’m surviving the summer. Things will get better after this week, when my classes finally end and I can be home with the kids for a month. Take care!
I dropped in there this weekend in fact! Always nice to catch up
Things sound so crazy in your life (as usual)! I wish there was some way for you to slow down, but I know that’s not always possible.
I tell you, sewing has really been a life saver for me. Learning to be creative in that new way, was just what I needed when I was sad a few years ago. And now I just can’t seem to stop, LOL!
It’s not so bad. This would be a great starter for a theme gift like a beach bag. Throw in some beach or picnic items and you have a winner!
.-= See Michele Tas’s latest blog post: socoolgifts: Just put up some pages on SoCoolGifts Site http://bit.ly/10WMVY Gift Cards, Knit Hats, Hanging Planters and more. =-.