Just Call Me Goldilocks

As mentioned before, my first attempt at a Floral Bag by Sue Kim was too big. So I went ahead and made the smaller version … only to find it fits my laptop, and not much else. Too small! On the plus side, I still love this bag pattern.

I didn’t put any pockets in, both to speed up construction and because a gathered interior encourages pockets to tip over, spilling everything out of them. But for my intended usage, pockets are really a necessity. I could always wear one of those new-fangled cross body bags which are coming into vogue, but I like my bag to be my purse as well.

Nonetheless, I’m going to make another Floral Bag, in a size halfway between the large and the small, and I’m going to figure out a way to make effective interior pockets, too. And maybe some subtle exterior ones, too! I’m envisioning something country and rustic, like little blue flowers on a red and white gingham background. Maybe with a cheerful yellow lining? We shall see.

Floral Bag, or Who’s Laughing Now?

Say hello to the Floral Bag from Sue Kim’s fabulous book, Bags: the Modern Classics!

I made the large size, and it is HUUUUUGE! I’m embarrassed to wear it in public, because it is so big. It reminds me of the trend of giant bags a few years back, do you remember that one? I secretly used to laugh at women carrying bags large enough to stash a two-year old baby in. But who’s laughing now, hmmm?

However, the good thing about the size is that the scale of the print on the fabric matches the vastness of the bag perfectly, so it’s actually looks and feels appropriate and intentional. With it’s size and light weight, this bag is perfect for travel, whether as a carry on for a flight or as a weekender for a short getaway.

And from a personal standpoint, this bag neatly fits into my complement of purple travel bags – I just realized that all of my luggage is purple!

Fail to Plan

Ah, planning. A good plan is a wonderful thing, but I (rather stubbornly) try to do everything without one. I’ve been getting by, paying lip service to this important practice, but I think my days of living by the seat of my pants are numbered!

Thanks to the wonderful book by Sue Kim I recently discovered, I decided to make myself a new bag, to replace this one:

The above is Butterick pattern B5622 in the large size, and it was a total cinch. I don’t think bag patterns get any easier! But my beloved tote is showing serious wear and tear, and won’t last much longer. I decided to replace it with the Chic Hobo Bag from Ms. Kim’s book. Two hours of reading directions, tracing a pattern, and drafting a new pattern later, I realized the fabric and pattern didn’t match.

Ugh….

If only I had analyzed the fabric before doing all that work, I could have scrapped the project or used a different fabric! The more I sew and make and alter patterns, the more I am forced to accept the importance of planning.

Planning goes beyond simply buying enough fabric for the project at hand. It includes analyzing the fabric appearance, fiber, and drape for suitability to the project; assembling all materials needed and checking that they work together aesthetically and functionally, and are present in sufficient quantity; reviewing project directions, pattern pieces, and dimensions; and more.

But most importantly, the starting point of any successful sewing plan is considering how exactly the project will be used when it is finished. Had I done that step only, I wouldn’t have bothered making the Chic Hobo Bag at all! I would have recognized it is too small, and attempted the Urban Carryall or the Floral Bag.

Well, tomorrow’s another day. And I’ve (finally) got a plan!

Bags, For the Uninitiated

I’ve got another book review for you today! I just got Bags: the Modern Classics, by Sue Kim, from my local library, and I am in love. I am going to start making a bag right away, the Chic Hobo Bag. AND I’m going to trace all the pattern pieces to play with after I return the book, AND I’m going to buy this book!!! It’s that good.

Buy the book online: Amazon

Check it out from your local library: WorldCat

Really, if you like the idea of sewing your own bags but feel that the time (and money) spent on acquiring and wrangling bag hardware make the exercise not worth it, this is the book for you. Most of the bags Ms. Kim designed require only fabric, thread, and sewing machine, especially the bigger bags. I absolutely love that! I don’t want to buy expensive hardware, and frankly, I love simple, cloth bags – you can throw them in the washer when they get grody. Amirite?

Anyway, this is the fabric I’m going to use for the CHB – isn’t it spectacular? As a first generation American (US) of Nigerian extraction, I am sensitive to the bland interpretation of all things ‘African’ according to American sensibilities. When I saw this fabric, though, it spoke to me. Not only is it my signature color palette (red-black-white), it also has that faux-African thing going on in a much less obnoxious, plastic way. Yay for interpreted heritage! (And speaking of heritage, I do actually have fabrics purchased in Nigeria, some of which I will soon be sewing with. Exciting!)

I expect this bag will only take an afternoon, so stick around to see my version of Ms. Kim’s lovely design – and also my review on the quality of her instructions. Yay!