A couple of weeks ago (for I am suffering from something of a blogging backlog) I made this bag, hot on the heels of my other mustard adventures. A wonderful-looking Melly & Me Sherbet bag pattern has been in my cupboard since March, but as any regular reader will know, irrespective of simplicity and clearness of instructions (which I have no doubt that Melly's would have been both), I am not inclined to follow patterns, so using the photograph on the front for inspiration, I set about making my own version.What I really loved about the Melly & Me bag is the use of the three fabrics across the front and the unstructured, relaxed feel of the bag. However, I prefer my bags to have a single handle, rather than two, so I incorporated one similar to that of the bags that I usually make. I then added some little ribbon ties to fasten it. The other reason that justifies not using a pattern (rather than just my cowardly fear of them) is that at 5ft 1, I like my sizing to be a little smaller than most bags so that it's in proportion with my frame.
Inside is this lovely sea-coloured blue polka dot fabric that I have quite fallen in love with...so often I find the opening of the bag to reveal the lining inside to be far more pleasing than looking at the exterior (but I must not spend life with my head in a bag, for I believe that the delight comes from restricted exposure!).
It took me an awfully long time of fiddling with concertinaed pieces of paper to work out how much bigger your original piece of fabric must be in order to incorporate the desired number of pleats, but once I'd finally cracked it, I realised that they are the most satisfying things to create...so crisp.
So I now have two mustard bags...which seems a little excessive...but as someone commented on my first mustard venture, it will work so well with jeans...
Oh, that bag is lovely! I'm going to check out that pattern, but also wondered if there was any chance of you doing a tutorial for your other bag? I've been struggling to come up with a pattern for something similar but just can't seem to get it right - mental block I think - but your bag looks perfect!
ReplyDeleteRachelx
I love it. The fabrics and the design are great.
ReplyDeleteI have some of that mustard wallflower fabric (who am I kidding when I say "some", I have several yards of it) but I don't know what to do with it quite yet. Thanks for the mustard inspiration.
Love the bag - I am also vertically challenged so hear you about making bags more in proportion! I love the polks dotted lining - nice contrast to the mustard!
ReplyDeletethe bag is beautiful. I have this pattern,,, and indeed the fabric too.. summer is here though and its hard to sew when the pool calls to you.
ReplyDeleteFantastic color choices - I love the mustard and the light blue together - that works really well.
ReplyDeleteIndeed it will! And by the way, Melly and Me are some of the easiest patterns in the world so if you ever need to make a taller friend a bag then I would give that pattern a go. Yours is, of course, lovely!!
ReplyDeleteNow that is a very lovely bag indeed - and it looks perfectly sized. It's been so long since I sat down and made up a bag from start to finish but this makes me want to do it again. And maybe I'll reappropriate some of the cherry wallflower I bought for an apron into a bag - I really do love that print.
ReplyDeleteI'm also aware that I am slacking on the communication front. Do excuse me - I've had a heady few days of wine and cosmopolitans and am now rather dessicated...
Oh I have spent most of this afternoon faffing with bits of paper and then just going for it because a certain bag shape won't leave my head - argh!!! Your bag is lovely Florence and beautiful mix of fabrics too xx
ReplyDeleteYour bag is great. I think your sewing skills are phenominal. I've been making Charlie bags with my own modifications...so fun.
ReplyDeleteOh I love that one, once again as I always say, you are so clever
ReplyDeletex
gorgeous! love the contrast between the mustard and the blue polkadot interior - something very 30s about it...beautiful
ReplyDeleteVery lovely! I can see why you love the lining fabric too - it looks like it has a lovely drape from the photos. Hope you've had a good weekend!
ReplyDeletep.s I meant to say I know what you mean about endlessly folding pieces of paper to make the pleated bit match up with the un-pleated lining (or interlining!). I was drafting a pleated pattern myself the other day. How nice it is when it all comes together and fits perfectly!
ReplyDeleteI love your bag - well done - it is gorgeous - love your colour choices and I love the lining especially. I am vertically blessed so have quite the opposite problems that you do. I need to make the straps longer sometimes.
ReplyDeleteOh how I wish it were summer here and I could throw that bag over my shoulder! Its lovely : )
ReplyDeleteit's lovely! those colours work so well together too. pleats that please...this bag has got it all : )
ReplyDeleteYour bag is gorgeous. I adore the mustard with grey. Oh, this is a bag that I really covet...
ReplyDeleteI wanted to tell you that I am having a little give away on my blog!
You are such a ray of sunshine - stopping by here is always full of delight and awe at your skills.
~Emily xx
The combination of fabric is really lovely - great contrast choice. I've got a fab pattern for a bag too that has been in my cupbord since February, Oops !
ReplyDeletei hope you have two pairs of jeans then!
ReplyDeleteginny x
Oh my goodness, such a pretty bag I just love it!
ReplyDeletelove Alison x
That is such a gorgeous bag - I wouldn't normally go for that colour but now I want a mustard number too! Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous colour combinations. Love the polka dot lining, gives it a vintage feel.
ReplyDeleteThat bag is gorgeous. Those fabrics go so well together.
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