Bagaholics Anonymous

My version of the weekender bag

2008-02-25T17:12:00.001-08:00

My version of the weekender bag IMG_0474
Originally uploaded by blissful2

I love the overall shape of the Amy Butler Weekender bag, but I wanted to tweak the design a bit to make it more functional.

- added D-rings and an elastic side pocket
- extended the shoulder straps to serve also as pocket dividers
- added additional zippers on one seam so it will open as a suitcase
- added a vinyl bottom

For more excessive details and photos, please visit my blog here.

(I'm trying to post this from Flickr -- my first time -- so I hope it works!)

Bag Contest

2008-02-16T18:28:00.000-08:00

Hey Bagaholics! I found this bag contest through Robert Kaufman fabrics.

Anything Goes Handbags

Click above. Scroll down for the link to the entry form that includes all the details. Make sure you read the rules carefully. You gotta use RK fabrics, but the prizes are quite nice!

Bag Month!!!

2007-07-02T14:02:00.000-07:00

Woo hoo! It's bag month at Sew, Mama Sew! Great prizes, lot of inspiration.

Click here for more.

:o)

Are you really a bagaholic?

2007-06-19T10:07:00.001-07:00

This is my bag collection. I've made many more and have given away too many to count. I want to know how many bags YOU have. Visit my blog here and let me know. Whoever has the most will get a little handmade prize!

Japanese Pattern Bag finally finished

2007-04-04T16:35:00.000-07:00

This is my first post here, and I want to thank Linda for extending me an invitation.

It's made using the Japanese Bag pattern, in Amy Butler(Ginger Bliss) and other fabrics.

This bag was a UFO for a while as I couldn't decide on the fabric for the handles. I had seen these leather handles in many Japanese books, and had looked for them endlessly in bag supplies. Luckily Linda enlighted me as to them being saddle strings, and sold me these to get my on my way.

Originally I had the bag sides open about 3 " from the top and then I put the handles in. I'd love to hear anybody's thoughts on this, but I've found that if you keep the sides open the handles need to set on the corners. I was happy with the handles placement so I unpicked the sides and sewed them up.

My machine handled the straps fine, but I thought that topstitching might be pushing it.

Anyway, sorry if that was too much information, but the good thing, is that I am actually using the bag now.

Coryn

(CBM)

Peace grocery bag

2007-03-28T17:54:00.000-07:00

I make cloth grocery bags that I donate to my church which they sell as a fund raiser. I thought putting a peace symbol on a bag would be fun. Here's how it progressed...I stitched the center with a machine satin stitch but I wanted the outside circle to be more scrappy so tacked down the pieces with little bits of stitch witch and then did a serpentine stitch down the center and straight stitching along each edge. I am hoping this will fray nicely with use.

If you want to see how I make these grocery bags you can visit my modest blog entry here where I attempted to share a tutorial.

Peace,
Denise

Crazy Quilted with Attitude Museum Bag

2007-03-25T17:28:00.000-07:00

I have been making bags from More Crazy Quilting with Attitude by Barbara Randle. This little bag she calls a museum bag as it is a bag shape she saw at the Smithsonian Museum of American History. My version is all black and white fabrics and has predominately machine embellishment. I also added some beading and one white vintage button. It closes with a magnetic snap. I just love the size of this little bag, very fun for an evening out.

Here is the web link to Barbara's web site.

Lotus Bag

2007-03-14T11:39:00.000-07:00

I love, love these prints together.

I made this bag last week and had so many questions about it that I posted the basic instructions on this post here.

Tote Exchange III is Kicking off

2007-01-12T09:54:00.000-08:00

It's time for International Tote Exchange III. So how does it work? You will make a tote/purse/handbag for your Secret Pal and a different Secret Pal will make a tote for you. The "totes" can be big or small, knit or crochet, felted or not - whatever you want to make. If you are interested please read the sign-up process, rules and schedule (here) and then, if still interested, send an e-mail as described in the process. SIGN-UPS END JANUARY 24, 2007!!

Santa Purse Tutorial

2006-12-19T11:10:00.000-08:00

Karen at Silver Seams just emailed me this link. It's a tutorial on her blog for a cute Santa bag. Thanks, Karen!

Placemat Purses and a Diaper Bag

2006-12-19T07:05:00.000-08:00

I sold a couple of placemat purses last month:

(My post is here)

And recently just finished a diaper bag:

With a side sippy pocket:

And a side cell phone pocket:
More on my post here. Now I think I'm ready to make something for myself!

I finally made a wristlet that I like!

2006-12-15T09:11:00.000-08:00

A while back I decided I wanted a wristlet for those times that I don't feel like carrying around my whole purse. After two failed attempts, this is what I came up with:

I used this (you have to scroll down a bit) wonderful tutorial.

The wristlet measures 10" at the bottom, 8" at the top and it's 5" tall.

I can't wait to use it!

Purse Organizer

2006-11-18T22:05:00.000-08:00

A while ago I made the most useful thing for all bagaholics. This is nothing new, in fact there are some great pictures and tutorials all over the place but you know me, I’m always one step behind. I decided that my purse was just a mess and changing purses almost every day to go to work and then to go out with the kids, I decided I needed to make something to help keep all my goods a bit better organized. I searched the net and found the coolest thing.

Say hello to my new new purse organizer.

Here she is all rolled up and ready to go in my purse.

I know there are plenty of tutorials already out there for this but because I wrote up the pattern for my own records I thought I would publish it here too. Linda, one of my best blogger buddies of all time, sent me some gorgeous fabric ages ago and I haven’t wanted to cut into it until now. (You know, I’m so careful using the good stuff, I don’t want any of it to go to waste) This just seemed like the perfect opportunity to finally use it.

I have the tutorial in PDF form, if you want it, write me an email me and I’ll send it to you.

A little knitting bag for my little man

2006-10-29T09:09:00.000-08:00

I've finally made my little man his own bag to store his knitting in. I used my last free afternoon on Friday to design and sew it, but It was so worth it to see his face light up when I gave it to him.

I used some train track fabric I had bought 2 years ago and then some of my left-over Halloween fabric for the wheels. I love the size of it and am planning on making more bags this size for myself. I'm a good bagaholic.

Kimberly- The Giving Flower

Holiday Patchwork Tote

2006-10-28T20:03:00.000-07:00

Im so excited that I finally got my but in gear..it's been awhile since I actually got a bag done! This is a holiday tote that I made with Modas new line "Mistletoe Manor". I keep forgeting to use all the labels I had made, so of course I didn't notice until I finshed the bag. So I added a strip of fusible web tape to the label & ironed it on. I crazy machine stitched all over the top of the bag with sulky multitonal thread in browns. It turned out not to bad!

2006-09-26T10:33:00.000-07:00

This is the new wristlet that I made. It measures 8 1/2 inches wide by 5 inches deep. The last one measured 6 1/2 inches wide by 4 inches deep. This one has a pocket inside. I have decided not to make these for the craft shows. To put on the piping and the zipper makes them take about 2 hours to make. I would want to charge at least $15 for them. In our area that just wouldn't sell well. Right now I am drafting a smaller version of the quilted bag from the Japanese craft book that everyone has done on the internet. I will try to get a protype made soon to show you.

Sew Long for Now!

Amy butler fabric

2006-09-24T14:43:00.000-07:00

The fabrics I used for the Amy Butler bag and the Kona bag were from Fabric.com.

Too huge bag

2006-09-21T12:13:00.000-07:00

I love Amy Butler fabrics! This was supposed to be a mid sized shoulder bag but turned out too big (messenger bag size). But I love it.

A smaller tote bag using Kona Bay Asian fabric.

Back to Bag Sewing

2006-09-17T16:35:00.000-07:00

I haven't done any bag sewing in a few months. With the craft show season aproaching I have to get myself back in gear. Several years ago I bought Simplicity 5184. It is a pattern for making wristlets. This is view G. I cut it out last night and finished it this evening. It went together easily, but I want to do some altering of the pattern. I think making it about an inch bigger on all sides and adding a pocket type place inside for an ID would make this a better bag. This is my proto type. I like to make a bag in some old material to see how it goes together and what type of changes I want to make to it. Off to draft some changes to the pattern.

Sew Long for Now!

Found the pattern

2006-09-17T12:10:00.000-07:00

Diana posted a comment and she found a BB Bag. Thanks for searching! The one I was searching for was produced by Tracey Brookshier and it too is a BB Bag. I found one source for it out of North Carolina.

I appreciate the help.

Bebe Bag or BB Bag

2006-09-16T04:36:00.000-07:00

At our ASG meeting earlier this week, one of our members showed two purses she made using a pattern she called the Bebe Bag. It is on the small size and has several pockets on inside as well as outside. I have been searching every where for this pattern. I sent her an email as I did not have time to talk with her afterwards and she is not sure where on the Internet she found it. The pattern is made by Tracy(?). I am still trying to get more information from her. But then I thought about all of the bagaholics here and thought perhaps some one may know of this pattern and source.

Will check back soon to see if there is a reply to my request. Thanks!

New Bag - for Me anyway ...

2006-08-31T07:40:00.000-07:00

Maybe all of you have seen this nifty little bag.
I'm usually the last to find these things out. :o)

Anway - My friend - LouAnne ... Quilter Extrodanaire -
explained the simplicity of this bag over the phone!
It took me a few tries and remakes but, I think
I've got it now ...

What do you think?

Each side has pockets in the front.
Like this ....

And a bigger pocket in the middle.
Like this ...

Now. I bet you are wondering.
How did I get blogger to post my pictures?
I actually have them linked to my blog
over at Xanga! www.xanga.com/Proverbs_31

Blessings Everyone!

the Bea

Bag Boutique - Rachel

2006-08-20T13:56:00.000-07:00

I love the Bag Boutique book. I borrowed it from the library and liked it so much I purchased a copy. This bag is the Rachel style. The fabric is a two sided brocade sort of fabric. It is satiny which irridescent dragon flies all over. The other side (that I did not use) was a pink striped background. Very cool! I found the bead trim that matched perfectly. As you can see, the flap on this bag is not actually how it opens. It has a zippered back.

Very fun style. I'm not keeping this one but I'm might make another as I really liked it!

My name is Karyn, and I'm a Bagaholic!

2006-08-13T06:37:00.000-07:00

I'm so honoured to be invited to participate in this blog. I have freqently visited it and admired the work of all the contributers.

I just started sewing again. I've always been crafty. I've dabbled in scrapbooking, knitting and beading, but I just love the instant gratification of sewing bags!! It could take me weeks to knit a beautiful pair of socks, but only hours to create a great looking bag.

Here are some of my bags. I love the fact that each bag gets a little bit better than the previous one as I learn more tips and tricks. When I think back to the first bags I made (which I thought were awesome at the time), I can't help but think about how much I've learned.

I want to say thanks to all the awesome bloggers who have really helped me out!

Here are just a few of my creations:

I love these patchwork bags!

This bag is a combination of many tutorials I've found online.
I almost have the pattern the way I like it, just a teensy bit more tweeking and it will be there.

This is my newest summery tote.

My blog can be found here.

Bagmaking Tips

2006-08-11T20:59:00.000-07:00

One of our fellow Bagaholics, Debbie of In The Bag posted today about what she does to make her bags sturdy. There are some great tips on her post here. Thanks, Debbie!

International Tote Exchange II (knit or crochet)

2006-08-11T14:54:00.000-07:00

Fellow bagaholics:
Although this blog is primarily about sewing bags, I suspect there are some knitters/crocheters here, too. Linda gave me permission to advertise a new exchange that is starting up. Here are the details:

It's time to kickoff International Tote Exchange II. This exchange
will include the exchange of a hand-knit or crocheted bag which may be
felted or not. If you're interested in joining, read the rules at
International Tote Exchange II ( http://toteexchange2.blogspot.com/ )
and if still interested, send an email to toteexchangehostesses @
gmail . com (no spaces, of course!) that includes:

your name
online nickname (if applicable, i.e. Kim in NJ)
e-mail address
street address
phone number
blog address (if applicable)

This information will only be available to the Hostesses and your
Secret Pal. We will then send you an invitation to join the blog. Once
you have joined, you need to complete the questionnaire and post it on
the blog. Signups will close on August 25, 2006 and all totes must be
delivered by October 31, 2006.

Let me know if you have any questions and I hope you will join in the
fun. TOTE ON!

Bonnie

I Just Can't Stop Making Bags...

2006-08-08T06:57:00.000-07:00

I've been really bad about posting my bags here. Here are a few that I've finished in the last few weeks.

1. This bag is from my Japanese Pattern book called "Petty Bags" (yes, they misspelled it). It has a nice rounded edge and I like the way the top is finished - the sides are lower than then top edge. More pictures here.

2. This is from Amy Butler's "In-Town Bags" pattern - the Smart Bag. This is Amy's new line of fabric called Belle, with a coordinating liner. Liner picture is here.

3. Can you stand another wedge (or shall I say wedgie) purse from Autum's site? I free-motion quilted the strips - I like it better than the straight quilting lines. More pictures here.

4. And lastly, a felted green purse that I finally was able to finish after months of knitting. The pattern is from Felted Knits by Beverly Galeskas. More info here.

Whew! 2 of these were gifts, and 2 are for myself. I'm sure I won't be carrying this wool one until November when it finally will cool off around here.

Organization!

2006-08-04T21:33:00.000-07:00

Heres the other 2 bags I said I would show you guys. Just big roomy flea market/Paperback totes,with purse organizers. The top one I just love & its the very last one I can make as that fab raised vinatge crewel fabric is now all gone. The pink is a light seersucker with aqua lining and removable bow pin.

I just read the previous post & went "wow" ! I have been making these for a long time for sale here, most are under "sold items" but I had no idea that there was a tutorial somewhere. Thats great! So I thought I would show you this last one i made for a special order!

~cheers~

Purse organizers (or how to use all your bags more often)

2006-08-03T17:04:00.000-07:00

Here is a variation of a tote bag organizer inspired by this craftster tutorial. I love having lots of inside pockets (and not a big fan of those cargo pockets on the exterior) but that does not always work with every purse I'm making (due to laziness). With these, you can easily transfer all your essentials to your next purse. A few more details at my blog.

Robins Egg Patchwork Tote

2006-08-01T17:37:00.000-07:00

Hello to everyone..my name is Angie...& yes I am a bagaholic! I Made a medium size patchwork tote the other day, in assorted blues. Wow, such fabulous bags, and beautiful stitchers I've seen here. Thanks for the oppurtunity to show you my goods!
Inside three patched pockets in co-ordinating fabrics.

Here's the Bag front. I have a few more to show you next post, for more information about me & my bags, please come visit me over here:

http:/norththreads.blogspot.com

~cheers~

More bags

2006-08-01T14:31:00.000-07:00

A tote bag requested by my teenager. I didn't use any patterns, just cut and sew the rectangles, based on her dimensions. She picked the fabrics herself. I wouldn't recommend staring at the dots too long. I'm still seeing spots. I have finished several other bags. Pictures are in my BLOG.

Yoga Mat Bag

2006-07-31T12:50:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I decided I need to have a new bag to cart my yoga mat back and forth to the gym in. So I got up early this morning and made this.

Which my purple yoga mat fits into perfectly !

The front of the bag has pockets for things like water bottles, snack bars and a magazine for reading while on the treadmill. The inside is lined in purple cotton that matches the piping on the outside and it has a bunch of patch pockets on the inside too for my wallet and keys and things like that. The top zips shut. I'm very happy with the way this bag turned out.

amy butler covington handbag

2006-07-29T18:16:00.000-07:00

I recently finished this bag and I love it. I know I can't make them to sell, and I wouldn't want to because they take so long to make, but I might make one as a gift for my sister. I bought this fabric as a remnant for $3 a yard, and knew immediately what I would make from it.

Isn't she lovely?

susie

The Giving Tree Tote

2006-07-27T23:25:00.000-07:00

I made this quick little tote yesterday for a swap. The theme was Children's Books and the recipient of this bag chose several books including The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. This is the picture from the front cover and the first line of the book (I'm hoping that copyright is kind when it's a gift and only one item!). I drew the image with a pigment marker and coloured it with fabric pastels ( the waxy iron-them-afterwards kind). Hoping like mad that she likes it!
ps Sorry about the photo quality. I'm out of good light now until tomorrow.

A new member intro

2006-07-24T09:42:00.000-07:00

Hello! I'm Vicki and I'm a certified bagaholic. Thanks, Linda, for accepting my request to join. I started with crocheting them cute little bags and purses. I gradually moved to knitting, then felting those bags. I'm hooked.

While sewing cool ties for our troops abroad, I figured, if I can sew a straight line, I might be able to sew something else, right? Then, I came across Autum's and the Bagoramawebsites. From there, I found the others. You all got me so inspired!

I'm just a beginner in sewing but I've learned so much from visiting so many websites and blogs. Here's my BLOG, where you can see my progress. I have some pictures posted of my own attempts. This is one addiction I'm proud of. It's a good thing.

TaDa

2006-07-24T04:55:00.000-07:00

Another quilted bag!

If you click on this picture you can see the details better. I did not quilt it with straight stitches. I chose a leaf stitch and did it free motion. You can also see the great button I found that matches the checks in the material.

This is lined with six big pockets.

Sew Long for Now!

Cindi

I finished another Bag Today

2006-07-20T12:08:00.000-07:00

I finished a tote bag for my friend who is a knitter. The bag is large enough to carry a project or two. Here is a link to my blog for the details.

Kirsty Duncan, Complusive Bag Maker at Your Service!

2006-07-18T18:19:00.000-07:00

Howdy, everyone! Nice to be here! I feel I am among friends and can share with you my own complusion to make yet another bag. ( Yes, darling, I do know how many I already have.) My primary focus is quiltmaking. I've done it for absolutely ages and teach and design patterns. Just love it! Like many other quilters, I also have gone off on the tangent of bag-making because... well, I hardly have to explain why to YOU, now, do I?

My inaugural post here (thanks to an invitation from the lovely lindiepindie, thank you xx) is the product of my first ever felting class. You can see that the basic construction isn't all that exciting. I began the felting class rather reluctantly (like I REALLY need yet ANOTHER crafting obsession to eat into my time!) and fancied making something very cobwebby and Monet-ish. Ended up with a thick wad of stuff with blobs of colour everywhere. Hmmph.

But when I got it home and looked closer, I decided to free-motion stitch over it and define the flowery shapes a bit more. Much happier with the whole thing after that, I cut two bag panels from the felt and covered a little journal with the scraps.

Won't be felting again, but I can't see myself giving up bags anytime soon bags!

Recycled Sweater Bag

2006-07-17T12:08:00.000-07:00

I went to the thrift store looking for wool sweaters to felt to turn them into bags. I found this sweater which was not wool but I thought it would make a cool bag. The lining fabric has shoes and glitter on a black background.

I just cut the sweater into a rectangle and made the lining the same size. I used more of the lining to make the little handle holders as well as the "scarf" accent.

The supplies cost:
Sweater: $2.99
Lining: $1.60
Handle: $2.00

Total: $6.59

Pretty cool!

couldn't wait

2006-07-12T09:53:00.000-07:00

i LOVE sophie bags!
i knit this from cascade 220 that i received in the magicyarnball swap. my partner also made this fabulous flower pin!

i have some chocolate colored fabric that will be it's lining, but i couldn't wait and just had to post :D

Me, Too

2006-07-11T14:19:00.000-07:00

I was thrilled to find a place where fellow Bagaholics can show their bags and I've really enjoyed looking at all the great bags made by all the talented members.

This was my first pieced bag.

It took a bit of tweaking until I had drafted a pattern that I liked but I am pleased with the final results.

More of my bags and other crafting can be seen here.

Can't wait to see more bags!!

Wool felt tote

2006-07-06T08:37:00.000-07:00

A wool felt tote embellished with silk fusion.

I love to work with wool felt, it's so nice to stitch on.

You can visit my blog by clicking here

another quilted bag!

2006-07-06T07:51:00.000-07:00

I didn't have measurements when I made this bag, so I just winged it, but I love how it turned out! I used jeans that my kids have outgrown and made a pretty fabric flower using a tutorial I found on wise craft's blog. It was really fun to make and I love the fact that I'm toting around a part of my kids!

I have a shop on etsy that I had, at one time, listed some of my handmade soap in, but thought I'd try some of my handbags too. I just listed one of my bags, if anyone is interested.

Hope everyone is having a productive day!

Thrift store fun!

2006-07-03T09:26:00.000-07:00

Recently I have found a bunch of great linens at the thrift store. All have been in brand-new condition and they have been cheap, cheap, cheap (I love cheap, in case you can't tell!) Here are three purses that I have made from my thrift store finds:

The first one has two small thrifted pieces in it, the second one is made from a sheet and the third one is made from a 3-yard piece of fabric that I bought for $2.00. I definitely intend to keep scouring the fabric bins and the linen tables for great pieces of material!

Happy purse making!

--I can be found blogging here!

Copy Cat Blogger!!!

2006-07-01T15:22:00.000-07:00

Oh LindiePindie!
I LOVE YOUR BAG!!! And the link was PERFECT!!!
So ... Yes ... I must COPY it!!!

My picture's not as good ...
and I didn't follow the tutorial exactly?
BUT.
It's my favorite GREEN.
And TOILE!!!
It's quilted!
It's lined!
It's finished!
And it's MINE!!!

2006-06-30T20:51:00.000-07:00

Just in case someone missed it, Autum posted a tutorial for the quilted bag here. Here's my first attempt using her tutorial. Thanks for sharing all your secrets, Autum!

More on this bag at my site, here.

Experimental Embellishment Bag

2006-06-22T05:19:00.000-07:00

About a month ago I took a felting class offered by a member of our local ASG. The class was on hand felting as well as using the Babylock Embellisher. I immediately learned that I will never be a hand felter and I was the only way to actually felt a finger! Ouch!

The afternoon part of the class was using the Babylock Embellisher, which I loved! I have had my Embellisher since after Christmas and have played with it off and on. This class opened up a lot of potential design elements for me and allowed all of us in the class to play and experiment with different fibers-fabric, wool and silk roving, yarns, lace, silk flowers (minus the plastic fixtures) and more.

We were tasked with making something from our embellished experiments-pillow, purse, tote bag, whatever. I spent several days playing around with my fabric piece, which was leftover from a coat I made. I experiemented to my hearts desire.

Last weekend I decided to turn the experiment into a purse using a McCall's pattern that came with the booklet by Nancy Zieman of Nancy's Notions on embellished purses. This is a great pattern, as it is very simple to make. I used information from her booklet and used duck cloth for the interlining instead of fusible fleece which I am prone to use most. I used fat quarter fabric I have had aging in my stash for a long time for the linining. Here is the finished project. Now that I have played with various fibers and such I am ready to make some more fabric to turn into purses and jackets.

Front view

Back view

Inside of bag.

Full view hanging.

Confessions ....

2006-06-18T12:08:00.000-07:00

As a bonefided member of B.A. (Bagaholics Anonymous)
I feel the need to share.
I have been sewing bags again.
This one was for Emily.

It has zippers in each of the straps -
allowing for nice pockets
to hold - keys, cell, iPod.

The 'base' has an invisible (well sort of invisible ) zipper
that stretches all the way across.

Inside the base are a row of small pockets.

I used Fabric that was a gift of fabric samples! And the zippers
were ones I had! The outer fabric - as you can see was floral.
The lining for the base? Plaid in the same brown colors.

the PURSE.
Well, it holds a few unmentionables and ties closed with a satin
cord bow.

Em wearing her bag ....

the Back of the Bag ....

and here's the Purse!

Blessings! Sunday afternoon Blessings!

Bea

Cross posted to Proverbs_31 ... a Xanga Blog!
'Cause Xanga has better picture tools!!!!

More bags... ^^

2006-06-17T06:31:00.000-07:00

I must say I'm very intrigued with your quilted bags, I've never tried quilting before so expect my first humble tries soon! ^^

My new bags from last week:

I must admit this is my favourite model so far! It's very spacious, very neatly fits the armpit as well as comfortable while kept in hand. I'll be making one for myself definitely!
For the details and patterns - visit my Friendsheep Bag-o-rama blog! ^^

I also finished another knitted&felted bag, namely Yarn Guard Basket (my own design, pattern available here):

Happy weekend, everyone! ^^

A few tips...

2006-06-14T21:05:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure how helpful this will be, but I thought I could share what works for me!

1) Always press your seams --Not only will it look more professional and neat, it will let you know the "true" measurements. No more nasty surprises when the the lining and the outside don't match and you sew in all those wrinkles.

2) To help match the seams better, I finish the the outside first, and then re-measure the liner to have the right amount of seam allowances.

2) If you want sturdy support (the bag stands on its own) but not the stiffness, try quilting! You can use a pre-quilted liner like this:

Or quilt it yourself -- I use about 3-5 vertical stitch lines on the inside liner like this. I like this SO much better than the stiff interfacing -- it feels great against your body. Also, if you you use the right handles and closure, the bag can be machine washable too. Just check the fit since the extra thickness can distort the liner size.

Which reminds me to try some of those quilted bags everyone has been making!

** Someone was asking about starting a shop on Etsy...it's fairly easy. If you can blog you can set one up. The hard part is promoting it. Though the site is still in its infancy, handbags is one of the most competitive categories. You need to figure how much time you want to devote to it (4hrs/week, 10hr, etc) and set your goals accordingly. But at the very least it is a great way to refer friends and family interested in your wares! If anyone has any questions, feel free to contact me.

For Those Interested in the Quilted Bag

2006-06-14T19:42:00.000-07:00

I followed the directions on the post here. This is a great blog with lots of bag ideas so enjoy!

Cindi

Me,2

2006-06-14T18:53:00.000-07:00

I am really beginning to love this quilted bag. It is amazing all of the combinations of colors and prints I have seen. I want to make one 2. Is there a specific pattern or specific bag making book or booklet. Enquiry minds want to know!!!

The Fabulous Quilted Bag ....

2006-06-14T18:46:00.000-07:00

I LOVE this bag!
And each one is as lovely as the one
before!!!
I must have me one of those.

Is there a pattern?
Or are you all just genious? :o)

Please - someone direct me!

Thanks ....
Bea
http://www.xanga.com/Proverbs_31, too.

2006-06-14T17:42:00.000-07:00

Recently I made a quilted bag for an exchange student who has been with our friends for over a year. She is going home this month.

I added a cloth flower to this bag. To make this flower I used the tutorial found here. I hope some will find this a useful tool!

Sew Long for Now.

Hi I'm Autum and I'm a bagaholic!

2006-06-14T10:45:00.000-07:00

Linda, the sweet Miss Craft Apple gently suggested I visit this site. For some reason she thought I'd feel right at home and mentioned something about me having all the symptoms. Just what are you saying Linda? You think I may have a problem?
Well here's my story. About a year and a half ago my daughter came home with a purse she had bought for me for Christmas. I was so touched by her excitement and thoughtfulness but at the same time was shocked at what she paid for it. It was a purse made from a placemat and had grosgrain ribbon handles. Remember those? No lining, no pockets, nothing to close it. Just a placemat folded in half and sewn together at the sides. Two lengths of grosgrain ribbon were sewn to the top for handles. Cute idea but not practical or sturdy. And what did she pay for this? $18.00! I took a good look at that little bag and said "I can make that". That was the beginning of my spiral down into bagaholism. Most of the purses I made in the beginning were for my daughter. Pretty soon her friends were requesting bags and it snowballed from there. In the picture above are some of the bags I have made since January. Yea, I guess this proves it, I have a problem. Am I going to change? I sure hope not! You can see some of the other things I make at my blog http://www.creativelittledaisy.typepad.com.

Purse collage

2006-06-13T14:39:00.000-07:00

Since I am not adept with Photo Shop to create those great collages, here is my "organic" one. The first are my felted ones -- we have handbags, lunch bags, clutches, bookbags, and totebags. The button hole bags made sweet birthday presents (my girls enjoyed filling them with stickers, crayons, barrettes and etc).

Here are some of the sewn ones. Most are in my shop -- so instead of obsession, they are called inventory!

It's nice to be with other like-minded individuals!

My First Quilted Bag

2006-06-11T18:39:00.000-07:00

This is my first attemp at a quilted bag. I've seen them all over the place, it seems, but the only places I can think of right now are Creative Little Daisy and Cindi's Sewing. What a fun bag to make - but it really makes me want to head out and buy more fabric to mix and match. Dangerous urges...
I'd like to try one with freemotion quilting instead of just the lines, and maybe wider strips. Has anyone tried the freemotion quilting? I'm wondering how it will look.

My current favorite bag

2006-06-11T15:06:00.000-07:00

Hi! Inaugural post here...First off, I have been inspired by all the great bags here -- wonderful variety in styles and fabric combinations! A little about myself...I'm fairly new to the bag obsession (I spent years carting a Land's End diaper bag before it was ditched recently) having just rediscovered sewing again. But as many of you know, it's addictive! But here is my current favorite bag:
It crafted from mainly from thrift store finds (the quilted velvet was a cast-off from a theatre company -- it was labeled "the Countessa's gown"). The inside has about 7 pockets -- you can never have too much - for pens, cell phone, pocketbook, planner, and etc.

I love this bag because it is roomy,soft, durable and goes with everything. I tend to favor darker, neutral tones and then use embellishments to add some fun and color. The rosette is a doubled up lavendar organza that was hand sewn in a spiral.

I've been resistant to exchanging it for a more summery bag!

Tricks of the Trade???

2006-06-09T11:00:00.000-07:00

So last week Natalie Joy's post asked for people to share their tricks of the trade. I feel not-so-qualified to be posting on the "trade", but I'm going to give it a shot. I'd love to know what YOUR techniques are as well so PLEASE SHARE! I haven't been sewing purses for long, but I sure do wish that someone had been there to guide me through some things along the way. The process I go through is one that I have settled into after making many mistakes, and I'm sure some of you longtime sewers out there are going to laugh at me, but for the sake of the few that may be newer to bag-making than I am, here goes.

* I wash dry and iron my fabric. If I know that all of it is going to be used for purses eventually, I fuse the entire piece with interfacing. My favorite is Amor Suitweight that I can get at WalMart, I honestly haven't found that perfect weight anywhere else. Even other brands of suitweight aren't what I'm looking for. Fusing the entire piece first means that I do waste a small amount of interfacing but it saves me a cutting step later on in the process.

* I cut my pieces, then, if the bag is any larger than an evening bag, I cut fusible fleece for the liner. I cut the fleece 1/2" smaller all the way around so that I don't have bulky seams. Putting the fleece on the liner also gives the pockets something to grip to. Yes, my liner ends up having 2 layers on it - interfacing AND fleece. Fleece alone hasn't seemed to give me the sturdiness I like. If anyone else has a better idea, PLEASE let me know!

* I make my pockets out of 2 layers of already-fused fabric - they seem to be nice and sturdy that way. Can you tell I'm into sturdiness?

* If I make up my own pattern, most of the time I'll box corners. I picked up this trick when trying to copy a friend's purse - it was really eye-opening and means I can cut an exterior out of one piece if the print on the fabric allows.

* On small bags, my straps just have interfacing in them. For large bags with thick straps, I've been known to put a strip of fusible fleece in there. Again, fusible fleece alone results in floppy handles so they are interfaced also.

* I use interlining (available at WalMart or JoAnn's) to stabilize the bottom of the bag so that it doesn't "hang out". This is where the beauty of the boxed corners come in. When you box your corners, you are left with a triangular hem that you can cut off. I leave them on the exterior and sew the interlining to the triangles.

* Interlining can come in handy for a bag that's big and boxy as well. I've seen a pattern that called for slipping interlining between the exterior and liner throughout the whole bag so that it would keep it's box shape. This is what I did for the black and white evening bag in this post.

For an example of a bag made just like this, click here.

Okay, now stop laughing and tell me what YOU do.

Crochet Vacation Bag

2006-06-07T17:46:00.000-07:00

I am getting ready to go on vacation--to the mountains. And I crocheted this square bag from One Skein to carry around with me while shopping in quaint little towns.

I did it in an evening and then lined it so my keys wouldn't stick out and stuff. I also have Amy Butler's pattern for The Dorothy Bag, but I woun't be able to start that until I get back.

Like shoes one can never have too many bags!

2006-06-06T18:35:00.000-07:00

I have been very impressed to see all the talented sewists here and the lovely bags. So very inspiring. Years ago while living in Lakeland, FL I attended a class by Linda McGhee and from that I started making numerous purses for friends, family and for a consignment shop. I stopped making purses for about five years, why I don't know.

But I am getting back into the swing of it, so here are few photos of those I have made over the past year.

The left one is wool felt in black drafting using directions from one of several Purse Books I have in my sewing library. The second photo, not very good one sorry, is the Ghee Hobo I embroidered designs from A Bit of Stitch plus added decorative stitches using my D1. The right photo is the Loes Hinses Butterfly Bag. This is a tapestry fabric I purchased online.

Thanks for allowing me to share. I am currently working on another purse using a McCall's pattern. This one is from wool cashmere left over from a jacket project. I used the Babylock Embellisher to felt/needle punch roving and other fabrics on it. When complete I will post photo.

Felted Knitting Bag - free pattern

2006-06-04T04:56:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to let you girls know that I've finished another felted bag (my second felted project ever! ^^) - this one is for the Tote Exchange KAL. I call it the Knitting Bag because it's roomy enough for a pair of straight needles and some yarn.
If anyone's interested, here you can find the free pattern for this bag, because I designed it myself. *^-^*

Me too!

2006-06-02T12:37:00.000-07:00

Hi! My name is Elsa and I am a bagaholic, too! Actually I possibly have a multiple addiction syndrom of some kind, as bags is not the only kind if stuff I like making...
Here's a set of bags I've made over the past few years:

Tricks of the Trade

2006-06-01T20:54:00.000-07:00

There are some beautiful and amazing bags being posted. So many of them have such great detail and look so well constructed. Some of them look so sturdy. Every time I see someones pictures, I think "How did they do that?" Would you all be interested in sharing some of your tricks of the trade with a beginner? What are some of the tools you use for cutting out and constructing your bags? Do you use patterns or do they just come from your head? What are the preferred interfacings and linings? Do you use different types of linings for different types of bags? I just gotta know. Rather than having to write a super long comment, maybe some of you more experienced "baggers" could share a post about your favorite tricks of the trade. A step by step of your favorite bags would be great, too.
Looking forward to some great tips,
Natalie Joy

Bagaholic or bagalicious?!!

2006-06-01T12:02:00.000-07:00

Hi, everyone! My name is Cathy and I haven't found too many bags I don't like. I love seeing all the bags you all are making.

Here are some examples of bags I have made:

I rarely make the same bag twice. I love the creativity involved in mixing fabrics and accessories.

Coin purse

2006-06-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

Really this picture does not do this purse justice ! The purse frame is from joggles.com and is truly gorgeous. And it's a nice solid heavy one. The fabric is done with black velvet, soy silk and angelina fibers and the purse is lined in black silk.

Bag-heavy post ^^

2006-06-01T06:35:00.000-07:00

I'm so happy that I'm here among so many talented bag-creators, I enjoy reading about and seeing every bag of yours! ^-^

My husband Robert left for a business trip last evening, so I sat until very late and was finishing some bags for sale, and here are the results of my late night efforts (all patterns are mine, feel free to copy them if you like):

This one has a zipper closure and I'm proud of the way I sewn on the handle - it's attached not on the sides of the bag, but on the front and back upper corners, hidden under the triangles of leather. I have two more bags in this shape from different fabrics ready to sew.

These two have the rectangular shape, but they have elastic in a tunnel . The first one has a wooden button&velvet ribbon clousure.

This one looks a bit like a skirt, because the bottom part is pleated. (Yes, I know, it's the third bag of the same fabric, but now I have no more of this one left! ^^).

This one is bigger and has a long handle that can go across the chest. The lining is yellow. I've made a skirt out of this fabric once and then I decided to make the bag out of the rest.

Okay, you've already seen this one on my first bag collage, but I've added the closing buckle.

Last weekend I finally finished the Felted Bowling Bag I've been knitting for the Bag Me KAL.

This was my first ever felted project and it was fun! I changed the idea of the handles - I decided to make a cord using a very simple circular tool (used even in the medieval times! ^^), which resulted in a three-coloured twisted cord that I put through the holes in the sides of the bag and sewn together with red yarn. (If anyone's interested in the cord making, I'll post the tutorial soon). I also knitted and felted the flower which I sewn on the front bottom of the bag, and I also embelished it with some glass beads.

I'm continuing the bag felting experience - I've knitted and felted the bag for the Tote Exchange Pal, but it's still a bit wet, so I cannot show this to you yet. I'm checking on it everyday to see whether it's finally dry to assemble it with a knitted&felted flower I created (and send it to my pal).
Have you got any good ideas for drying the felted bags?
I left it outside in the sun and wind, I used my hair-dryer, it's a pity central heating is off because I could leave the bag near the radiator (note to myself: felting is an Autumn/Winter craft).

Happy bag-making! ^^

one of my addictions...

2006-05-30T18:11:00.000-07:00

...is making bags. I love making purses, tote bags, back packs, diaper bags -- just about anything you can think of . My kids are always telling me that I have enough purses, but I keep making more. I keep some, sell some & give some away as gifts. I am enjoying seeing all your bags, and hope to see many more.

Here are a few bags I've made in the past few months.
I made two more today, but it's dark now, so I can't photograph them until tomorrow. Until then...

Shawna-my new spindle bag

2006-05-30T05:58:00.000-07:00

Well, here is my new spindle bag, Shawna. She’s a real sweetheart. Do you see those big innocent eyes?

I wanted to make her all white, but t I don’t like things looking dirty fast so I thought better of it and put some brown on the bottom. She’s sat in the mud! I tried to make a splash coming up but I’m not sure if it’s that obvious. Green would also be good as she also likes to sit on the grass and chew her cud.

There's more over at my blog.

Hi

2006-05-30T02:07:00.000-07:00

Just to say hi, I am a baga-holic indeed, though not ready to admit yet that is a problem - problem, what problem, I still got closet space! Though possibly not for that much longer. I only seriously started making handbags, apart from teen experiments, about a year ago, I still have not made any knitted handbag something I got to change next winter.

The bag on the photo was an improvisation for a swap, it´s a recycled bandana, and I started doing it with no idea of how to go on, and the process was not helped by the fabric having gone all twisty after being washed ( note: drying it flat might have helped). But it was fun figuring out how to make something I would be happy with, and I think I want to try more of these bandana bags, the size turned out to be just right and they look great filled out.

Hello fellow bag lovers...

2006-05-29T10:24:00.000-07:00

How fun that a bunch of bag nuts can get together online and post pictures of our bags. I love making bags in fact I am making one right now..

This is my KTC project for Pride and Prejudice. It struck while reading the book that there was an awful lot of talk about money. I though Lizzie needed a bag to carry the ton of money she would get by marrying Mr. Darcy, not to mention the books she wants to read. So I started to make a large tote for the gal. Now you all know how I love Toile fabric. It was this scene that reminded me of P&P...

I am sewing this by hand and I am making good progress I just started it Sunday Night!

It will make a fine bag to add to my created collection...

In addition to my P&P bag I am planning on making a log cabin bag.

Happy Bag Making...
Amanda

Sorry, I lied

2006-05-27T20:15:00.000-07:00

Sorry, gals, I lied. The little strawberry print bag was not my first bag. I actually made this bag last fall, but the "bag bug" hadn't bitten quite yet, so I had forgotten about it. It is made out of leftover kool-aid pouches. After the kids drink them, slit the bottom with a knife, wash it out with soapy water, and let them dry. Stitch them together with regular thread and needle on a regular sewing machine. Sometimes the needle gets a little gunky from the adhesive used to hold the seams of the pouch together. Cut pouches in half lengthwise then folded in half and sewn toghether to make the long straps. I used three total pouches for the straps, so that is three halves of a pouch to make each strap. There are approximately 22 pouches. With 10 pouches per box, I decided to go ahead and make them out of three different colors. I had seen them around and have heard that they sell on ebay for about $20 to $25. It has been a really fun purse.

And, here is a photo of my latest bag. It is a soft sided tote. I used blanket binding to make the straps. I threaded each end through a button hole and tied a knot to secure it. This is a gift for a friend with a real casual look, but several children and all their stuff to tote around.

Out of a Japanese Craft Book...

2006-05-26T20:29:00.000-07:00

In my quest to improve my purse-making skills, I tried a new pattern out of a Japanese craft book. Let me just say that this particular book is challenging, not just because it is in a foreign language, but also because I think they assume a LOT more sewing knowledge than most patterns that I use. This purse had 6 steps. Not the 20 steps that I'm used to following when using a new pattern. Suffice it to say, I had to make some adaptations due to the language barrier, and some adaptations just because I'm not yet the sewing whiz I aspire to be. I really like the way the trim on the front and the handles turned out. This has opened up a whole new facet to purse-making for me.
I did make one other purse from the book using a purse frame. Maybe when I get better at purse frames, I'll post one here, but for the time being, my first purse-frame purse is posted here.

Me, too! Me, too!

2006-05-26T10:24:00.000-07:00

Hi, my name is Natalie Joy and I am so excited to be able to share my new found craft and get some fun new ideas. Hubby calls me "crafty crafterson" since I have been such a busy bee lately. I'm sure I don't have too much to share that others don't already know, but I know I'll get lots of good tips from you all.
Here is a picture of the very first bag I ever made just a couple months ago. I decided to practice by making something for my little girl. I liked the strawberries and she thinks it is "Strawberry Shortcake" (like the little dolls). Now, I'll show you the purse I made for my mom and mother-in-law for mother's day. It's a little more complicated than this first one. Thank goodness I am a fast learner (and good at faking the stuff I don't know).
Thanks for letting me a part of Bagaholics Anonymous! I need it!

Hi, my name is...

2006-05-26T06:53:00.000-07:00

Hi, my name is Joanna and I'm a bagaholic! (*^-^*)
I've been buying nad making bags as long as I remember, sewing them at least for 15 years now (but not taking photos of all of them unfortunately...). I love changing bags very often, I like different shapes, sizes and fabrics, I make bags for myself, for exchange and for sale. I sew them using sewing machine and also by hand, when I need a bag for the medieval events I attend, this year I also started to knit bags.
Here are some examples of some last and this year creations, more to come soon (because I have a pile of freshly made unphotographed bags next to me! ^^)

Enjoy and see you soon! ^^

Beach bags

2006-05-25T12:10:00.000-07:00

I just thought I'd show the two beach bags I made out of my favorite flip flop material, one is for my mom and one for me.I put a tape measure in the picture so you can see the size of these monsters. If you look closely you’ll see my little sewing helper Alida’s hand and two paws and a nose from Pip, the tape-measure-chasing cat.

I made a large pocket for the inside and sewed down the middle of it which makes two great deep pockets for the little things I have to tote around with me. The handles are long, 40 inches long to be exact, which is the way I love them. I just hope my mom likes them too. I’m pretty sure she will. We're ready for the beach now.

Oh! Finally - a Place I Belong! :o)

2006-05-25T06:25:00.000-07:00

Hi. My name is Betty. Or Bea. Or Betty Bea.
And, yes, I too am a bagaholic! And just so
I can jump in? I thought I would show you the
little pocket purse I designed and KNIT!

I've sewn a number of bags recently.
However? I am neglectful in taking pictures!

I'll get back with you on that one! :o)

Thanks for being here for me!

BettyBea - at The Knitting Bea and at Proverbs_31

2006-05-24T19:01:00.000-07:00

Since I mentioned my bag made of jeans in my introduction post I thought you may like to see pictures of it. It is a little wrinkled where it has been put away in my closet, so please excuse that.

I used children's jeans. I tried using ladies, but, it made the bag way too big.

I used a regular bandana through the belt loops. I put it on before stitching the lining in.

I lined it with bandana fabric that you buy by the yard. These bags are extremely had to sew due to the thickness of the denim and when you line them you sew across the belt loops. I also made some with fabric straps instead of the hard handles.

I hope this gives you some inspiration. Sew Long for Now.

Basket Bag

2006-05-24T09:40:00.000-07:00

I made this basket bag for a friend from church this weekend. Most of my bags just have an open top, but I used a magnetic closure on this one. I haven't mastered zippers yet, but hope to one day. I've purchased magnetic closures for around $4 locally, but found that I could buy a package of 25 from this ebay store for around $16 plus shipping from Hong Kong (around $7). What a deal! And the quality seems just as nice. I also bought some purse frames from this store for around $3 per frame. Hopefully my next post will include a purse made using a purse frame. We'll see...

2006-05-23T19:09:00.000-07:00

My turn! My name is Cindi. A couple of years ago I saw a handbag I liked in my local sewing shop. I looked it over and decided I could copy it. I came home and made a pattern out of freezer paper and made the bag. A friend saw it and ask me to make several for her for family members. Then another friend saw it and ask me to make one, etc. Finally, some one suggested I make them and sell them at craft shows. I did and and have been selling that particular bag for 4 years. The next year the lady who suggested I make the bags and sell them at craft shows brought me a picture of a bag she thought would be a good seller. It was a bag made out of the top part of a pair of jeans. I made and sold over 100 of those. Since then my friends have come to know me as the bag lady. I have tried all kinds of bags and love to make new ones. I don't often use patterns, I just see something I like and try to figure it out. My latest passion is making quilted bags similar to one I saw on a blog. Here's one I completed recently. Sew Long for Now!

2006-05-23T14:53:00.000-07:00

Hi, my name is Randi! I made my first handbag six months ago and I have been going strong ever since. It is so fun to take a few pieces of fabric and transform it into something beautiful and useful. Since I don't know how to make a nifty collage like all the other gals have, I have to settle for showing you my most recent creation that I made with thrifted curtains:

For more details about the making of this bag, click here.

My blog is called I Have To Say...

Hi my name is...

2006-05-23T04:10:00.000-07:00

Hi my name is Sue and I too am a bagaholic. Here's a few examples of bags that I've created lately and you can see more of my work on my blog.

I have been a sewer for over 25 years now and one of my favorite things to sew are purses and bags. I have a closet full of bags and yet I still have to make more! I think bags are the perfect canvas to showcase surface design techniques. Wearing your creation over your shoulder or carrying your supplies in a bag to work or to a class that you’ve created with your embellished original fabric is a perfect way to show it off for all the world to see! And because you typically don’t need a lot of fabric to create a bag it's an ideal canvas for experimenting with different techniques without having to create yards and yards of fabric to sew with. Right now on my sewing table I have a pile of linen and cotton fabrics dyed with walnut ink that are waiting to be turned into a bag. What's on your sewing table waiting to be turned into a bag?

Hi my name is...

2006-05-20T09:43:00.000-07:00

Hi there. My name is Kimberly and I'm a bagaholic. Here are a few of the many bags I've made over the past year.
I admit I have a problem and I'm certainly not willing to stop. You can see more over at my blog- The Giving Flower .
I'm glad Linda and I can be here to help others through such a tough time. I can't wait to see what you have to share. Now I must get back to my next bag project.

Hi. My name is...

2006-05-14T09:25:00.000-07:00

Hi. My name is Linda and I'm a bagaholic. Above are just a few of the purses that I've made in the last year. After making my first nappy bag (bottom left photo) I couldn't stop. I am of the belief that a girl can NOT make too many purses. I've sold a few, given away more than a few, and kept many for myself. I post my new creations on my blog, Craft Apple. I look forward to meeting you and seeing your creations in the coming weeks and months!

I used to buy fabric that I love and make purses out of it, however my last purse has sent me off in a new direction.

This purse was made out of a tank top and now I can't stop looking at old clothing and wondering what kind of bag I could make out of it... same disease, bagaholism, just a new direction. To see the tank top, go here.

Welcome

2006-04-30T22:31:00.000-07:00

The first step to any addiction is admiting the problem and that's why we're here.