Saturday, August 11, 2012

A bag to match the shoes...

I have a lovely pair of shoes that are comfortable and cute but hard to match to the wardrobe.  I decided if I had a bag that went with them there would be more chance of them being worn.  I am not sure how I found it as I don't shop Etsy much but I came across a lovely bag pattern from a 'shop' called Charlies Aunt. 

It is a pdf download so the pattern was easy to get, but then I needed to assemble the requirements.  I wanted a cream coloured bag and I would have liked one in a nice textured fabric like a wool as pictured on the pattern, but did not have much luck finding that so I ended up with a really heavyweight calico for the bag outer.  I also needed to get a magnetic bag closure and the interfacings.  I used a stash quilting cotton for the lining fabric.


They recommend a quilted calico to interface the main body of the bag, but do offer alternatives.  I was lucky enough to find some at Spotlight and I also bought some heavy interfacing to put behind the magnetic closures.

I found the instructions pretty helpful.  They have a general section on bag making basics, like attaching the magnetic closures and using sew-in interfacing.  It took a few weeks of hunting about to get the bits and pieces but only an afternoon to sew.  I think this is a good pattern for a bag making beginner.

They recommend a leather hole punch to make the holes in all the layers to attach the magnetic bag closures, but I used my new Clover buttonhole chisel and found it worked really well.  I have to say if you don't have a buttonhole chisel, consider getting one.  My buttonholes have never looked so good!


This is the finished bag complete with bow.  


They use fusible interfacing on the bag flap and I only had a lightweight one, but I ironed on two layers and it has provided the stability needed.


The inside of the bag has one pocket which is probably enough for a clutch.


A closeup of my label in the bag...


And finally a shot with the shoes.  What do you think?  Do they work together?


I would love to use this pattern again and I have some scraps of black wool I am considering using to make a bag but without the bow and with some other embellishment.

I am entering this bag in the August challenge contest and the review is here for those interested.

Ciao...

19 comments:

  1. It's gorgeous and goes perfectly with the shoes. It's a great pattern.

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  2. Great work Sue - it really is gorgeous, perfect with those shoes and beautifully constructed.

    Thank goodness we can vote for more than one bag, eh ;)

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  3. Love your bag and a perfect match for your shoes. Hope you get more wear out of the shoes now.

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  4. Lovely bag and gorgeous shoes. Is the bag a clutch or does it have a handle? I'm only asking because I would be worried about holding it with grubby hands. Or is just me that seems to forever have grubby hands, mostly from eating on the run. I think a black version without the bow would be very chic indeed.

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  5. Lovely. Great shoes too.
    -sewingelle

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  6. What a great bag! It goes perfectly with those super cute shoes.

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  7. I think they work great together. Fun, fun!

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  8. Yes - they work wonderfully together.

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  9. Gorgeous bag and a great way to tie your shoes to an outfit.

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  10. Lovely bag and a great match for the shoes! Great job.

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  11. Love the clutch - matches the shoes perfectly

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  12. Oh, it is beautiful, and a perfect match for your shoes :)

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  13. Beautifully made and the bow sits perfectly!

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  14. Lovely bag & I love those shoes.

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  15. Sue, that bag is great,and yes, maybe a chocolate bag for a winter outfit with those shoes???

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  16. Shoes and bag together - so nice!

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Love to hear what you think...