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Original poster

Bag making

28 replies

alicecrail · 30/04/2009 10:47

I have recently become very keen on sewing and have just passed my NOCN level 2 dressmaking (for what it is worth ) and i am very interested in making a bag. I wondered if anyone here had any tips/advice on where to start. I have tried my local library but recently all their craft books seem to have disappeared, everytime i go in they have fewer and fewer (how dare people take books from the library )
Are there any good books/websites i should look up, i haven't found much when i have looked.
Thanks

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Housemum · 30/04/2009 12:51

Don't know any books, but if someone comes up with names see if your library has an online reservation service. I look for books I fancy on Amazon, then search online to see if our county has a copy - it costs 50p to reserve it and have it sent to your local library. If it's out on loan, they send it to you when it comes back (and if someone reserves a book, whoever has it has to return rather than renew it when their time is up, so people can't hog books if others are waiting)

I've found this really useful as a lot of the knitting books I've borrowed had great write-ups, but I have sometimes been really disappointed and glad I didn't fork out £10 - £20 for a copy.

Original poster
alicecrail · 30/04/2009 13:24

housemum i have just done that! Have reserved about 6 but a bit unsure how i will know they are in as it didn't ask for email address or anything. They probably have my phone number from library registration though don't they?

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JackBauerkillspigs · 30/04/2009 21:29

Have you had a look here? They have some kits and good stuff on there for learning.

JackBauerkillspigs · 30/04/2009 21:29

Have you had a look here? They have some kits and good stuff on there for learning.

Original poster
alicecrail · 01/05/2009 07:10

ooh, that looks good, thank you

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JackBauerkillspigs · 01/05/2009 13:28

It's addictive though! Be careful

stealthsquiggle · 01/05/2009 13:31

JackB I may regret following that link. To date I have confined myself to make-it-up-as-I-go-along bags for my DC, as party bags, and as presents for DS's friends. I did buy a book but it wasn't great, TBH, so the library route sounds a better option.

JackBauerkillspigs · 01/05/2009 13:38

I have done homemade party bags out of an old sheet, they went down really well!
Some other good tutes here for the basic 'jordy' bag (basically a lined bag with square base) which I use all the time.
And if you feel like losing a few hours, try this list of tutorials!

stealthsquiggle · 01/05/2009 13:42

ooooh I like the shape of that one. I make all bags lined because I am lazy and it is quicker/easier than finishing egdes, but I don't bother turning them inside-out like she does - I just assemble the whole thing and top-stich the two together.

Original poster
alicecrail · 01/05/2009 16:07

I like the look of those links, will have a proper look once i have a whole week a couple of hours to myself

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meltedmarsbars · 06/05/2009 13:40

I made party bags out of Beano pages, folded up origami-style.

a yummy-mummy asked me where I got them....!!!

stealthsquiggle · 11/05/2009 22:48

so - following a perusal of the sites JackB linked to, I have just (in about 1.5 hours) made a mini-messenger bag for one of DS's friends which I am really pleased with. I did opt out of the zip bit but it is really rather lovely (IMHO) and cost me nothing as it was made out of scraps and remnants.

..this could get addictive

Original poster
alicecrail · 18/05/2009 17:17

I spent ages looking at that crafter link and have now made my first purse (took about an hour) and have started on my bag. It is addictive

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frustratedmom · 20/05/2009 01:03

I cheated and got a basic pattern from a shop and customed it with a desgin created by some one else who put it in a card making mag. if interested could try the profile thing and stick a pick up so you can see the end result - not too much like the original pattern and now feeling adventurous enough to head out and design own shapes.

Original poster
alicecrail · 20/05/2009 08:41

Ooh, would like to see it. I am looking for some burgandy velvet ribbon to finish my bag but can't find any.

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frustratedmom · 20/05/2009 15:29

You'll have to bear with as my computer skills are a little lacking (it took and hour to figure out linking stuff) Will try tonight if DS ever goes to bed. bedtime seems non-existant here

frustratedmom · 20/05/2009 15:43

Had five mins and got basic and pickies up. will figure rest profile later. Have you tries John-lewis they sometimes have interesting ribbons? When lived in Cambridgeshire found sewing resources hard to source. There was a little shop I found quite good but it is small and not sure they carried velvet ribbon- have you googled?

Original poster
alicecrail · 20/05/2009 17:26

Wow! That is lovely!! Mine look decidedly shoddy compared to yours. We have a little sewing shop in town that is actually well stocked but not much in the way of velvet ribbon. Will have to go into cambridge instead.

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frustratedmom · 20/05/2009 18:42

Car park nightmare! Don't envy you that! Glad now somewhere is lots of well stocked craft and material shops within easy reach !

PS it was a simple pattern can locate maker and no if interested.

Original poster
alicecrail · 21/05/2009 06:58

That would be good if you could.

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frustratedmom · 21/05/2009 14:10

Cant locate in mad panick to go away for wedding. Will resuce on sun if you can bump or something so thread doesn't disappear will make sure you get it.
Forgot put away as dc thought he would use it to help. And some helpful s**t has put a load of stuff so I can't get to it.

Sorry for delay But hope to sort soon.

Original poster
alicecrail · 21/05/2009 15:13

No hurry, have a good weekend

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frustratedmom · 24/05/2009 16:47

found it - Simplicity pattern no 9963.

need to spring clean sewing area though
and need to finish a few UFO's - there seems to be rather alot

frustratedmom · 24/05/2009 16:48

Oh by the way where did you do your course am thinking about doing a dressmaking course but not sure where to look for such a thing.

Original poster
alicecrail · 27/05/2009 09:46

There is a small college type centre thing in our town, that offered free courses with a free creche. I think some sewing shops also run couses in the evenings.

Spring clean sewing area? I bought a plastic box to put all my stuff in the other day, got it home and realised i needed one twice the size!

I am going to have a look at that pattern now. Have you seen the Amy Butler patterns and fabric? Really lovely, but quite expensive

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