Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Bags of inspiration!


I love handbags!!

And I just know that I share this love with so many of you...So I thought I'd also share what I made last Summer from a pattern by Mum's Moment...





I came across this pattern at a craft show a couple of years ago. A customer at the show was wearing one and while I was goggling away, she opened it up to take out her purse... and it was then that I noticed how unusual the zipper was. A great big chunky zipper on a diagonal! Awesome!





So I asked the lady where she had purchased the pattern, and fortune had it that she had bought it from the very stallholder where we were both stood! So what happened next?


SOLD! To the very nosy lady (me!) with the boring handbag!!

Like the majority of crafters I speak to, I am usually attracted to patterns by the cover photo. Whether it be the colours, or fabrics, or the trims... I usually wind up creating something close to the original because it is those choices that I have already fallen in love with.

But it is amazing how many different looks you can get from one design... and that is something I've been working with this past year or so - adapting the patterns I already have and creating something quite different from the cover photo. Please don't get me wrong, I don't for one minute presume to think that my adaptations or fabric choices are any nicer than the original! I just wanted to highlight that I have to remind myself to think outside the box - as it opens the doors for creativity and inspiration. And that's what I wanted to share with you! :-)


The differences?

The original pattern looks like this

pattern cover photo for "Chic Shopping" by Mum's Moment

I decided not to piece or quilt my bag and instead opted for an "outdoors" fabric that I found in my local craft store. I would hazard a guess that it was intended for covering deckchairs and other outdoor soft furnishings. It was a thick material so I used a Jeans needle in my sewing machine.

I beaded certain areas around flowers on the fabric, and covered a button with the same material (also beaded). I lengthened the handles, and made a brooch by fussy-cutting two matching flowers from the fabric, and sticking them together with vilisofix.




The great thing about this fabric is that it didn't fray, but the downside was that the seams were a bit bulky. I certainly need to hone my skills with inserting zips as I had to fix up the zip area with a patch of fabric.

Fantastic free Buttercup bag pattern

If you are a bag-lover such as myself, then check out this beautiful free pattern named Buttercup, designed by Made by Rae. If you want to make it in a bigger size, see Rae's recent blog entry for the adaptions.

As if that isn't enough inspiration - check out Rae's flickr gallery here to see dozens of Buttercup bags made by other talented ladies.


Enjoy!

9 comments:

Anna Rosa Designs said...

Hi Vikki,
Oh, you are very clever.
Yes, you are correct, I know most ladies like lots of bags.
I have one problem with making my own bags and that is I don't know how to insert a zipper.
Don't laugh, I've only been sewing for less than one year and not had any lessons.
Hugs,
Anna

Vicki ♥ said...

Hi Vikki How clever is this bag?? I love it and your one you did looks superb as always :)
A girl just doesnt have enough bags thats for sure and I am going over to check our Raes bag pattern.
Hugs Vicki

Dolores said...

Vikki, I like yours much better than the pattern cover bags. It's the little details you added and of course your fabric choice that make it special. Way to go!!

Jo in TAS said...

We definitely are kindred spirits, I do love a good bag! I've got Mum's Moment's Frilly Bag pattern and hadn't seen that one before. They used to have an awesome shop in Brisbane, shame they closed it :-(
I think I prefer version better too!

Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique said...

LOVE IT!!!!
Of course you know I love that bag. I particulaly like the fabric and embellishments you have chosen for it. It looks SO you Vikki.
I expect to see it at our next show and tell.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne

Unknown said...

Your bag looks better than the original. Thank you for the link to the buttercup bag too.

Khris said...

Okay you big showoff...you better send that to me now...LOL...love it...you did a much nice job on yours than the orginal...now my address is.........lol...hugs Khris

Anonymous said...

OOOOOOh I love your bag and what a beautifull fabric. Can we do a bag(pattern) swap also. I finished the pincushion today. I will post it this weekend.

Jenny of Elefantz said...

I definitely agree with the other ladies - your bag looks so much nicer!! I love the fabric, the colours, the accessories you so skillfully added...gosh, it's just GORGEOUS!!!
As one handbag-groupie to another, YOU GO GIRL!!

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