I’ve eased myself in slowly.

The style was was limited by my fabric choice (just one flour sack). 

The bag is lined for strength.  I had a bit of fun with the raw edges and the stray threads & an Op Shopped suede belt was hacked into & fashioned into a bag strap.

Slouchy & casual & fun.

Another of my perfect bags made for a lovely mate.

I was determined to get the zip right this time. I went super slow, used HEAPS of pins & checked & double checked all the way along.

I’m really chuffed with the wonky outline stitchery.  I think it gives the already special vintage fabric just a little lift.

Everything used in the construction of the bag was purchased from op shops/thrift stores along the way.

I promised myself that the next time I made this bag it would be for me.  I’m determined but on delay.  I have quite a few “must finishes” on the list before I’ll get to it.

Did you guess?

You might remember last year I made the perfect bag for a friend. Well, this is my perfect bag but it’s also for a friend. I plan to make myself one over the weekend! I based the bag on one I already owned…a very nasty op shopped piece of rubbish but with great bones.

I love the way the embroidery finished up & I’ve added the bright red zip to keep things interesting.

Everything came together really well except the flaming zip! That thing drove me nuts. I’ve got a “can do” attitude & I’m pretty confident with zips but really sewing a zip into a curve (& then trying to top stitch) proved impossible.

I ended up unpicking the top stitching. You know that rule about cooking something new for a dinner party? Well it’s the same for gifts for friends, I’ve discovered. I’m pretty sure that she won’t mind though.

Just a peek of the vintage sheet lining.

worn across the body, single strap, slouchy, soft
tick, tick, tick, tick
(with the added bonus of being machine washable)

I hope she likes it too.

for a friend.

We caught up for coffee last week & spent a lazy hour discussing The Sartorialist & the merits of the perfect handbag.

For me..
worn across the body, single strap, slouchy, soft

For her…
sacky, bright, wide straps, big enough to fit lunch, gusseted

It was her birthday yesterday so I made “the perfect bag” for her.

It’s fully lined & made from thrifted everything.

As I finished it all I could think of was the iconic Country Road bag. This baby is “vintage” circa 1989. My sack bag has a similar capacity but with perhaps a nicer shape…

I’ve sat on this one far too long. It was begun so long ago it’s embarassing.I finally had a reason to finish it off & it’s been gifted.
I intended for it to be a “colouring in” bag so have included a set of acrylic paints & some fabric fixative.
But I think she likes it just as it is.
Made from thrifted curtain fabric, button & belt. The lining is a thrifted sheet.