Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Complete. How novel.

I have big dreams of projects to complete, some started, some ridiculously close to finishing.
This project had me- as I was sewing, I couldn't wait to see what it was going to look like.
It's funny, I am not known for me patience, but sometimes sewing really slows me down- in a good way. It helps me focus and follow through- I feel like it's great for develop those skills in me.
This pattern can be made in so many styles- I bought it planning a satchel but then I found these handles (amazing what you discover when you clean up your craft space- I have no recollection of where they came from). I thought they would suit this bag well (but gee, they were such a pain to sew around). The denim is pretty heavy weight- it cost me 20 cents from an op shop! I think the print is from Alexander Henry. I was making it as a gift, but now I am not so sure...
When I bought my sewing machine, I remember saying "I don't care much about the fancy stitches but I want a machine with a good strong motor"- and the lady doing the demo got a piece of denim and folded it so it was 8 layers thick and sewed over it without any strain. That really helped sell me my Bernina. This bag required me to go through a few more layers than that and I broke a few needles and pressed on. The next day I went into my local sewing shop and bought the needles that were specifically for denim (closely woven fabric, the pack said)- I think they were size 16, or 18. Anyway, what a difference a needle makes (which may be obvious), it just went through all those layers so much more smoothly.
It's such a nice feeling to finish something!
Look what Ms. Curlypops is organising- I'm in. You?

14 comments:

  1. Your bag looks great. I love how versatile Nikki's patterns are. It looks like you may need to make another one for the gift, though.

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  2. That's what I love about my sewing machine too - I force sooooo many thick layers of fabric through and it just keeps sewing (but those heavy duty needles make all the difference)!

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  3. I actually gasped when you sent me this pic on email (yeah - I am slack I know!!) - I LOVE it - don't give it away - keep it - it's so you.
    I also love that this is the pattern I used for my satchel - how cool is this pattern.
    I wanted to know where you got the handles - but oh well!

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  4. High Finishing Five to you! (I'm going to take a leaf, I am).

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  5. What an adorable bag! It looks like you've made a very professional lining too. Beautiful!

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  6. Great bag ... that must be one of the few patterns that Nikki has published that I don't have. Must remedy that sometime! I've never used the fancy stitches on my old machine (and they don't work any more) but it handles bulk no problem and I love it. Really not looking forward to the day when I have to replace the old girl!

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  7. Beautiful bag. Well done on the bag and the finish. I agree about the needles. When I get to the tough parts on bags now, I swap over to the jeans/denim needle, even if the fabric is not denim. So much easier.

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  8. It looks terrific and I love your contrasting fabrics

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  9. Whoops, I accidentally on purpose signed up! I really need some new winter skirts, but I've been noodling around not getting to it. I'm usually not a joiner, but maybe this will light a fire under me!

    That bag is very impressive. I'm scared of sewing bags, and I'm not sure why. (Interfacing?)

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  10. Your bag looks fantastic. I think I might just go ahead and join too

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  11. Yep - the Bernina and a denim needle can conquer all!!!

    What a fabulous bag-maker you are. Loving the contrast with the denim, loving the handles... (and yep- total pain to sew around but well worth the effort, huh?). Go YOU!!

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  12. Love that bag. Adore those handles... what a pity you can't remember where you got them from.

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  13. that looks great! beautiful work...

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  14. Great bag and awesome handles!
    I've been feeling my machine "labouring" a little when sewing through layers lately so I think I need to investigate different needles too.

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