I've totally been bitten by the bag bug. Maybe it's summer that has me thinking about smaller projects, as opposed to quilts. Maybe Purse Palooza has me inspired. Probably a combination of reasons. At any rate, I'm having a lot of fun and am learning a lot of new things! First I made the Hexagon Pencil Case, then I tried a Dumpling (not blogged, but you can see it on flickr), and now.....the Pleated Wristlet by Michelle Patterns. The pattern includes 3 sizes. This is the medium, which actually ended up bigger than I expected.
This pattern has amazingly clear directions - even the recessed zipper was a cinch, just taking it one step at a time. A little tip for you - hand basting a zipper in place before sewing with the machine is TOTALLY WORTH IT. This pattern didn't say to, it just suggested pinning and machine basting, but I hand basted the zipper when I made the Dumpling, so I did it here as well and it made all the difference in the world. Pins just get in the way, in my opinion. Oh, and by the way, I didn't even use a zipper foot for this project.
I lined the bag with my new favourite colour - plum! The lining is quilted with a thin batting and muslin backing. Not sure if I would do this step again for this pattern. I think a light interfacing or a layer of flannel would be sufficient for the lining, especially since the bag's exterior has a lot of structure already.
Speaking of interfacing and structure, all of the exterior bag pieces, including the wrist strap are backed with a heavyweight fusible. Being new to this, and experimenting with products I've never used before, I wasn't sure what type of interfacing to use. I went with a heavyweight because I have attempted bags in the past that ended up way too floppy. For this particular bag though, I think a medium weight would have been sufficient, especially for the strap. Don't get me wrong though, the heavyweight was actually okay but it may just have been a tad over-kill! I guess in the end, deciding which interfacing to use has a lot to do with the fabric you are using.
I read a review of this pattern, and that particular blogger said that
she wasn't crazy about how the exterior corners were finished and would do it
differently next time. Me? I LOVE these corners! I think it's
ingenius and very unique. I would totally do it this way again.
Bottom line - I would absolutely recommend this pattern and I look forward to trying more of Michelle's designs in the future. I think the biggest thing I am learning is this: when making bags, it is important to GO SLOW. We get so used to piecing and quilting and just zipping fabric through the machine really fast - well, that just won't work with a bag that requires precision. I took every step really slowly and carefully, and am so pleased with the result.
Oh, and that zippers can be our friend! Don't be afraid of them - I challenge you to try something with a zipper if you never have. You'll be very proud of yourself!
P.S. A shout out to Rebecca of Sew Festive Handmade for her recent post, suggesting using a roll of wrapping paper as a backdrop for taking photos. Awesome.
P.S. A shout out to Rebecca of Sew Festive Handmade for her recent post, suggesting using a roll of wrapping paper as a backdrop for taking photos. Awesome.
Linked up with Fabric Tuesday @ Quilt Story
13 comments:
Gorgeous Heather! Andrea really enjoys the pattern too... she finished off 5 new ones for the market this weekend and they're all adorable! I'll make sure she gets pictures of them
This is adorable! I love the fabric!
So pretty Heather! You're right, that corner detail is perfect, one of those little touches that would draw me in, too.
Maybe I should make one of these so I can cart around my bear spray and air horn while I'm out hiking! (not that I've actually picked up either of those yet)
It turned out beautifully, Heather! I love the purple lining. I actually bought this pattern a few weeks ago and haven't yet decided what fabrics to use, hmmmm.....
VERY nice! I think I actually bought this pattern a while ago - love the recessed zip! And you dumpling bag is really great too!
Funny, I *just* started machine-basting my zips in pouches and it works wonderfully. This project is fabulous! The plum lining really makes it.
Great review - and great bag!
Love how your dumpling turned out. They're addictive little suckers... :-)
Oh it' looks awesome! Love the fabrics you used, and it looks so professional! Gorgeous!
This is so cute and it looks so professional too. You did a lovely job sewing it! I also like the corners a lot. :)
Gorgeous! I like the colors and the corners and the pleat and the recessed zipper...you manage to find the best patterns!
Heather!!!!! that is so cute! I love it! maybe we could have a date sometime and you could teach me some skills! I'd love to try my hand at making that!
Beautiful!! I really love that plum too x
Oh Heather, that bag is amazing! I love the plum lining against that lovely gold exterior.
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