We’re still in Spain, but I took some photos of some bags I made a couple of weeks ago on the off chance that I might find time in my sunbathing busy schedule to do a quick blog post.
I was lucky enough to be given this brilliant book by someone (so sorry, but I can’t remember who!) which has some great designs in it.
A student of mine, who is just eleven years old, asked if she could make a bag as her next project and who am I to refuse? I gave her some books to look through and she chose a cross-body bag (as opposed to a body bag – totally different connotation!) from one of my books aimed at adults.
After having a quick scan of the instructions, I agreed that it was doable for a beginner, with a little help, and sent her off to go and buy all the supplies in time for the next lesson.
In the meantime, I thought it would be a good idea to just whip one up myself, so that I knew what I was looking at. After all, with four kids in each class, I have to split my time between them all and would be unable to give her one-to-one attention for the duration.
I found some canvas-like fabric in my stash that I bought on a whim ages ago that was waiting for the right project. The bold pattern was crying out for a contrasting lining, so I used up the last of my fuchsia linen and chose a matching zip.
Just over an hour later, this is what I ended up with: –
I just love the bright surprise when you open the zip.
I had everything in stock already, except the something suitable for the strap, so popped out quickly to buy a few metres of webbing which was stitched on securely in the usual way.
The back is just as attractive as the front.
I was so pleased with how it turned out that I carried straight on and made some more!
The next was made of a pale lime fabric with a cream fruit motif which I paired with……
….a vibrant turquoise lining, leftover linen from my stash.
This is probably my favourite, though – made from a butterfly print fabric that I bought from Kirstie’s Handmade Fair in Hampton last September.
I chose a cotton in various shades of blue for the lining.
Of course, I don’t need a cross-body bag, so these are destined for sale either in my Folksy shop or the school fair next weekend.
Have you found a pattern that you couldn’t resist making again and again just for the fun of it?
June 3, 2016 at 5:18 pm
So fun and so practical! Love the contrast linings.
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June 3, 2016 at 5:38 pm
Thanks – I’m a sucker for a bright, unexpected lining! I find a cross body bag the most comfortable kind, too.
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June 3, 2016 at 7:59 pm
Such style, your students will LOVE this project, the fabrics you have chosen are so summery ~ they have cheered me up on this cold, rainy afternoon 🙂
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June 4, 2016 at 8:46 am
I showed one to a friend and she asked if I had one in plain grey! I said I don’t do grey:)
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June 4, 2016 at 7:37 pm
LOL you do make me giggle 🙂
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June 3, 2016 at 8:24 pm
Lovely bags – I especially love the butterfly one. I expect all your little students will want to make one of these!
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June 4, 2016 at 8:48 am
Thank you Pauline, kids love making bags for some reason. They’ll have to learn a new skill if they want to make this bag though, as it has a zip in. Maybe I’ll offer it as a Summer holiday workshop?
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June 4, 2016 at 9:20 am
Or maybe you could adapt it to a fold over flap?
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June 4, 2016 at 9:23 am
Good idea – for the less confident. It’s a simple zip to insert for a first attempt though, so I have a couple of students who could give it a go with some help.
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June 4, 2016 at 9:25 am
I think they would love it whichever way. You must be a good teacher if you have them inserting zips already – I think I was 30 before I learnt that skill 🙂
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June 3, 2016 at 8:42 pm
Oh these are just lovely, I do like this style of bag and it’s a nice touch with the contrast linings too!
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June 4, 2016 at 8:51 am
I always feel compelled to insert a bright lining in things – it makes anything more interesting, doesn’t it? I agree about them being comfortable to carry – more secure, too.
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June 3, 2016 at 8:54 pm
So cute! Perfect for young (and not so young) ladies. The butterfly is my favorite, too. Enjoy the rest of your vacation!
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June 4, 2016 at 8:54 am
Thank you – I may have to keep the butterfly one for myself as I don’t think I could bear to see it go!
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June 3, 2016 at 9:05 pm
They all look so lovely in the beautiful fabrics you’ve used 🙂 I agree with Mrs. P, I bet your students will really enjoy making them…and I should imagine they will become a much used accessory too!
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June 4, 2016 at 8:58 am
Yes, I think I might offer them as a Summer holiday workshop option and they can also learn how to insert a zip – a useful skill definitely worth knowing.
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June 3, 2016 at 9:38 pm
I agree the butterfly is totally gorgeous. Enjoy rest of your holiday.
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June 4, 2016 at 9:03 am
Thank you – I may have to keep that one for myself!
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June 3, 2016 at 9:42 pm
Lovely bags & will have to check out that book! It’s wonderful that you supported your student in doing what she wants, even if it might be challenging. That gives such self-confidence, and girls of all ages need encouragement! Hope you’re going to share your bags with her when she comes for her lesson. After all, it was her suggestion that led . . . 😉
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June 4, 2016 at 9:14 am
Thank you, I do try to encourage them to make what they want as it keeps their interest. I often show them what I have made during the week to give them a clue as to what they will be able to do as their skills improve. This particular girl will love to see the bags, I know, as she is half way through hers.
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June 4, 2016 at 10:54 am
Wonderful!
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June 4, 2016 at 6:56 am
Fantastic fabric combinations & what useful bags, I’d have wanted to use them all on holiday! Such a great project for your student too
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June 4, 2016 at 9:18 am
I really don’t need another bag but I’m tempted to keep the butterfly one if it doesn’t sell. I usually get bored after making a few of the same things, but this pattern is so quick and easy and uses such a small amount of fabric that I can see myself making more:)
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June 4, 2016 at 7:40 am
Great bags – that book looks useful.
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June 4, 2016 at 9:19 am
Thanks, there are a few bags in there that I’d like to make, but this is the best one, in my opinion.
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June 4, 2016 at 9:32 am
These are gorgeous! Out of interest, do you suggest a price for the school to charge for your bags, does the school price them or is everything based on donations?
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June 4, 2016 at 12:47 pm
I am paying to have my own stall for the fair so these are for me to sell. I donate homemade jam, elderflower cordial, scones, fudge and other such things for the school to sell for their funds, but I tend to price them up myself otherwise they sell them for less than they cost to make which is pointless, in my opinion! It all sells, so £1.50 for a jar of homemade jam and £3.00 for a 75cl bottle of cordial is obviously not too much, even at a school fair.
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June 4, 2016 at 7:03 pm
This is really helpful, thank you! (And your boys’ school is seriously lucky to have you, what you make sounds delicious.) The reason I asked is that I made some little bags for a fair and they went onto a stall where everything was in return for donations, and I just had to hope that people recognised how much time had gone into making them. Next time, I’ll ask if I can price them up myself.
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June 5, 2016 at 6:48 am
For starters, I hope you’re having a great time in Spain. I haven’t been in years but remember the beautiful architecture and history.
It so nice that you encouraged your young student. I love that. Your three bags are quite charming, and I agree that the surprise of the linings add to their charm.
I haven’t sewn for myself in so long, but I used to have a simple skirt pattern that I would make again and again. It would be long out of style by now.
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June 5, 2016 at 6:53 am
Thanks Alys, we are having a brilliant time – even better as we’re staying with family so no fighting for sunbeds around the pool. This bag pattern was so good that I couldn’t wait to make another…and another. Rarely do I have the urge to make the same thing more than once but, as with your skirt, there’s always an exception.
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June 5, 2016 at 8:13 am
Oh how nice that you are staying with family!
I’m glad you had so much fun with the bag. They’re adorable.
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June 5, 2016 at 9:42 am
Great bags and they should sell really well at the school fair. When I sell things for the dog shelter I price them up myself and put a notice up saying ‘50% of profits to the Dog Shelter’ or whatever you decide, so that costs can at least be covered and people know exactly what’s happening to the money.
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June 5, 2016 at 12:23 pm
They are really beautiful! I love your fabric choices 🙂
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June 5, 2016 at 9:45 pm
Lovely bags. I’m sure they’ll be snatched up quickly. Personally I don’t like making the same thing again = butterfly brain I guess 🙂
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June 6, 2016 at 12:03 am
Such pretty bags! I’m sure they’ll be snapped up but I’m surprised you can part with them!
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June 10, 2016 at 3:41 am
Sheila I have missed you so much. I have been super sick, Not to mention I had to buy another computer. My new one I had just bought had a fried mother board. ….Geeeeeeez! I love the butterflies, My mums all time. I just cried you did a beautiful job!!! Your students are doing great1
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June 12, 2016 at 1:37 pm
I wondered if you had been ill as I missed you on the blog – hope you’re feeling better now and your new, new computer is better behaved?
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July 15, 2016 at 9:36 am
Argh…. I’ve missed too many of your wonderful and always inspiring blog posts, Sheila! Having a great time catching up! Marianne xx
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July 15, 2016 at 7:12 pm
Aw, thanks Marianne, so glad you enjoy the blog!
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