#Bagchallenge Bag 1

In a previous blog post, I mentioned my personal bag making challenge based on Lisa Lam’s new book, ‘A bag for all reasons’.   After a bit of a gap, I have made my first bag: the Compact Groceries Tote.

Here is my bag.   It’s a bit creased as it was used on the supermarket run this morning.

It rolls up really small, has a handy trigger hook for clipping it onto wherever you need, and is also reversible, should you need to match it to your outfit for the day.

I used burgundy and cream floral fabrics which I picked up from my local haberdashery because I thought they might come in handy one day (as you do – you do, don’t you?).   The handles, trigger loop and wraparound strap have come from a small remnant from the same shop that I’ve had for ages.

The pattern in the book is really clear.   There is a description of the bag with emphasis on it’s key features, suggestions on fabrics, a list of all the bits you’ll need, and the sizes of fabric you need.   There are also tips for varying the method or pattern to “make it mine” as Lisa puts it.   I only varied from the instructions by using a sew in popper rather than a popper snap as I had some already.

This bag has one pattern piece for the handle which is traceable from the patterns in the back of the book.   The other pieces are simple rectangles.   The instructions have helpful photos and are clear to follow.   I cut the fabric out on Monday night and sewed it on Tuesday.

My major problems were:

1. Choosing the fabrics and getting the scissors out to commit to cutting it.

2. Finding the time to do it.

3. Retrieving a pin I’d sewn into the lining and forgotten about!

In other words, I thought it was great and can’t wait to start my next project.   I’m going to practice on my Easy Peasy Purse pattern which I bought from Lisa’s website, www.u-handbag.com yonks ago, and then progress to the Pleated Purse-Frame Purse.   Wish me luck!