The not-handsewing-the-zipper idea works in theory. In reality, it's kind of a pain in the butt wrangling the interfaced (very stiff!) purse around the needle to make it happen so I think the next time I make this, I will have to move to Plan B, which would be to still NOT handsew the zipper lining piece, but instead, use Wonder Tape to hold it in place while I topstitch both outside and lining from the top.Whew! Run-on sentence much?
But it did work as I imagined and I did finish the bag. And it's HUGE. It's more like a laptop case size. But my mom likes big purses, so she should still be OK with it. She can definitely fit a magazine (or five) inside, and she likes that.
The lining is from the last piece of a Laurel Burch cat print I've had for years. I still have about a yard left so you'll see it again at some point. I'm not thrilled with the puffy factor of the lining, though. I handtacked the inside corners to the outsides but it still wasn't laying flat, so I shoved a covered purse bottom made from Peltex down inside. At first, I was going to have this piece in between the lining and outside, like in my purse, but I had to change my mind after seeing the lining misbehave. It seems to be working to hold the lining in place and the solid color works to break up the busy print, which might otherwise be *too* busy if you've got a lot stuff in the bag.
Here's the Grandma bag with its daughter Mom purse. Mine looks pretty saggy, but it's not really. I'm beginning to think it's harder to photograph bags than clothes.
I thought using a commercial pattern would go faster, but it turns out it didn't really save much time at all if I don't count the muslining for my self-drafted pattern. The Butterick pattern was OK, though, and I'll probably use it again for the shorter version of the bag I just made and then it won't turn out so huge. I'm not sure which bag pattern I'll use next. I have at least one or two more to make and I'm enjoying experimenting. I might also get back to sewing something wearable one day soon too. ;-)
I really like the pattern for your purse. Very cute and stylish!
ReplyDeleteThese are great! I'm sure your Mom will love her version!
ReplyDeleteFabulous!!!! Can you make me one?
ReplyDeleteLove it! That my size bag, for sure. I like the idea of the covered bottom you put in. I like a little form to the bottom of my bags.
ReplyDeleteThis weekend I was organizing my closet and looked in some of my bags. Only in a couple (the more expensive bags) did I find the lining to be perfect. The imperfect linings never bothered me much at all. (Surprising, given my OCD tendencies.)
I'm thinking that I could fit my laptop and several other necessities in that bag, so I may just have to try the pattern. What is the finished width?
This is so cute! I'm sure both mom and your son will appreciate it. Ummm purse making takes awhile to figure out all the details that make it work for you. But you will get to that point and then a new purse is a SNAP!
ReplyDeleteThese look wonderful! Isn't bag making addictive? sort of like eating potato chips!
ReplyDeleteGreat bag, Debbie. Knowing your ability and skill, you can improve the instructions 100% if you use this pattern again. Your mom will be thrilled with her new purse.
ReplyDeleteThose are terrific bags! You and mom will enjoy carrying them. I'd love to have a camo bag. Hint, wink!
ReplyDeleteGreat Job. Love them both!1
ReplyDeleteLucky Mom and Lucky You! You did a great job on both purses.
ReplyDeletePurse sewing is its own special kind of wrangling. I feel so worn out after that kind of project! I'm sure proud Grandma will be excited to get hers!
ReplyDeleteAwesome job on both. And again, I love the yellow ribbon. It is yellow isn't it? (The ribbon on Mom's bag looks like it might be white, but I could be wong. haha)
ReplyDeleteDonna aka McDonna on PR
Very nice bags with such a sentimental backstory~your mom will love this gift!
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