William Morris Messenger bag

You really can't beat curtain fabric for making bags with.  Not only is it substantial, but it also comes in such a fabulous range of prints - and this William Morris print is no exception!

On looking through my fabric stash, I realised I already had the perfect fabric to go with it - a beautifully coloured preloved sheet!

There is a magnetic snap on the tab underneath the decorative buckle.

An internal pocket was added for that all important mobile/cell phone/pen!  I centred the pocket on a flower.

And added a label.

 

I was really pleased with the result.

Next...

Beautifully different fabric with potential

Do you remember the satchel I made recently?

Well, luckily for me there was some of the Hawaiian skirt left over - enough to have a play with at any rate.

As I thought that the skirt and the sheet went so well together, I combined the two again and created a book cover.

You see, THIS is why I love using preloved fabric so much

THIS is why I get so much enjoyment out of sewing

Because each item is unique.  You won't come across fabric like this on a bolt in a fabric shop, no sireeeeeee. 

So by constantly being on the look-out for beautifully different fabric with potential, it's surprising what you can conjour up.  And I love every minute of it!

Next...

 

The Hope chocolate lime bag

Take one belt, some oilcloth, a sheet and a little leatherette...

...and you get a Hope handbag in chocolate/lime.  Almost good enough to eat!

The interior has a magnetic snap fastening and a phone pocket too.

This lime oilcloth was used in the lime shopper and the sheet was used in the satchel.  I always love to think about my creations being connected through their fabric; perhaps around the world. 

I thought the preloved belt went nicely with the leatherette patches.

I do love a good bit of top-stitching so the Hope bag is topstitched throughout - I always find it gives it a nice, neat finish.

Ta-dah!

 

I'm still playing around with the design so watch this space as there will be more on the way...

 

Next...

 

 



 

 

Skirt + Sheet = Satchel (obviously!)

I discovered a skirt with the most amazing Hawaiian print on it.  As you do.  It's just one of those gut instinct things - see it/love it/know that it will come in handy.

I already had a blue/teal coloured sheet that I wanted to use and thought it would go perfectly with the skirt.

I found a satchel pattern.  Jolly handy that.

And bingo - I created a satchel!

 

I'm really rather chuffed with the way it turned out. 

There was enough skirt fabric to make the front pocket, the front and back/flap out of.  I think I even have enough left over to make something else!  For the rest of the satchel, I used the sheet.

The outside of the bag is quite structured thanks to a new-to-me extra super duper solid interfacing.  I didn't know that existed - it's surprising what you discover!

All of the metalwork was brand new - I might see if I can find some preloved clips/rings etc for the next version. 

I always like to follow the pattern to the letter when I first sew something to see what happens.  Next time I might tinker with it slightly.  I love having a play with the pattern!

It's expandable in every which way.  Perfect for school maybe?

And I've just found the picture of the original skirt so thought I would add that to the post too to keep it all in one place :)

 

 

Already onto the next project!