Mabel Messenger Bag By Jenna Lou Designs

October 24, 2013 by Mom on the Make Leave a Comment

I finished my Mabel Messenger Bag by Jenna Lou Designs this morning. LOVE it!!!

This is my third bag since learning to sew over the past three weeks. I picked up several new skills with this pattern including:

Sewing a lining in a bag
Sewing a pocket in the interior
Inserting a magnetic snap
Sewing rounded corners and making use of the pivoting skill

This time I used a quilting cotton fabric for the outside and a light denim for the inside. Jenna Lou recommends heavy fabric on at least one of the interior or exterior. I can see how it would be much more rigid with a heavy canvas for example.

Next time, I’m making this with one of the many Enchino fabrics I’ve been eyeing over the past few weeks since beginning my sewing journey.

I also really wanted to add a zippered pocket as the pattern called for, but due to time constraints (and wanting to finish the bag), I opted for the slip pocket……perfect for my iphone.

Here’s some pics of my latest creation……

I Made a Clutch!

October 17, 2013 by Mom on the Make Leave a Comment

My second handmade bag project was also this past week.

I love clutches and wanted to try my hand at one. I chose the “Easy Peasy Clutch” pattern from Lisa Lam at U-handbag.com.

The lollipop pattern makes this clutch extra sweet. I chose the bright stripe interior to add to the sweet look.

Here she is…..

My First Handmade Bag

October 17, 2013 by Mom on the Make Leave a Comment

As I’ve mentioned before, I love bags. I love the hunt for the perfect bag. I love the different textures and hardware and colors. I love it all.

It occurred to me that instead of buying a new one that maybe I should learn how to sew and start making my own bags to my exact specifications. I can choose the fabrics, the hardware, the number of pockets, zipper or magnetic snap closure etc….

I found Lisa Lam’s blog and was inspired by her knowledge of bag making. She is so excited about the art of making bags, its a bit contagious.

My first bag that I finished last night is a tote called the “Flat Bottomed Girl” from her Bag Making Bible book. I was attracted to the tote page because the words “easy as pie” were on this particular page.

Here it is……so excited…..