Sewing Vloggers

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Original inspiration:
Very fancy, metal frame, crystal kiss closure, log cabin with rose  in the middle, asymmetrical folding, pleating
My interpretation for the real world I live in: 
 Pattern is Butt 5576, again. My interpretation uses wool, silk herringbone suiting, faux tooled leather, and silk dupioni for the red rose. The design is also an assymetrical log cabin with a rose center. It has soft pleats too.
The lining is dark red silk dupioni.
The construction is the same but I thought I would share with you a bit of how I did the interfacing.  I have been using Peltex for the interfacing. The pattern specifies a woven non fusible. I don't think that is firm enough, unless you want a mushy clutch. I do think that when I use a hard fabric like this again, I will use fusible fleece to give it a bit of softness and help fill it out, but that's next time. The deal with Peltex is that it is hard and not easy or desirable to turn inside out so I don't interface the bag from the beginning if I am using Peltex. Once the outer bag is complete I start with the Peltex, first attacking the gusset at the bottom of the bag. 

First I cut a strip of the Peltex the size of the bottom gusset minus a quarter inch. I fuse it to a strip of muslin about an inch or so longer but the same width. The extra bits on the end are your "handles". Pin them to the gusset seam allowances on the sides. Stitch then within the seam allowance, not on the bag. Trim. Turn the bag right side out, which is now easy to do because of the free floating nature of the interfacing. I suggest this technique for any bag needing a hard bottom.
Now cut two Peltex pieces for the front and back. These have no seam allowances and are 1/4 inch shorter on the width and length. This does not include the side, just front and back.  Slide it into the completed bag, glue side to the shell,  and make sure the seam allowances are under the Peltex toward the inside of the bag. Place and put on a sleeve board and fuse.In the pic it is not all fused in yet.


One of the things I love about  bag making is re interpreting the same style in distinct ways. Each time I learn something about how to best interpret the fabric and style. This time I learned that I am not totally crazy about working with the hard fabric, the herringbone wool, and would use it again but soften it with some fusible fleece. FWIW... I do think this is a cute bag in the end and love the colors. I will do more as I have decided this will be the  gift of choice for me this Christmas. I think something with bows will be up next, maybe...

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Isn't this yummy? Yesterday I discovered a new fabric shop, quilting and yarns, up here in the North Country, called Fiber Options. It had the usual cottons but some fabulous yarns. I will go back. I purchased this border print and coordinate for Sophie's Christmas dress. I think it will be so elegant . I am thinking classic little smocked dress with the silk dupioni sash. This one is still marinating in the mind.......Bunny

11 comments:

  1. Really nice, Bunny! I like the "trapped flower". It's such an interesting juxtaposition. I have a couple purses planned, but you are the master of purses!

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  2. Nice ironing board cover, lovely bag and love the fabrics for the Christmas dress...thanks for taking the time to share it with us.

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  3. Genius! I can't wait to try out your "delayed fusing" technique! Thanks for the wonderful tips.

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  4. I like both the inspiration purse and your interpretation. What a great way to use up scraps of favorite fabrics and have a purse that coordinates with your wardrobe.

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  5. wow. I'm so glad I found your site. These are beautiful. !

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  6. That is a very way to get Peltex into a bag without struggling (and cursing it)! I tell you, I love that LogCabin/flower bag. It looks Victorian.

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  7. LOVE the combination of wool tweeds and silk. A very pretty bag!

    I'm not a fan of Peltex...for the very reasons you've detailed here. Your solution is very clever...I would never have thought of that!

    Kathy

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  8. A beautiful interpretation! I love the wool fabrics with the sweet red rose popping out of the middle.

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  9. You are the hand bag queen. Thank you for continuing to share every new hint and technique you develop.

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  10. Love it! I think it is such a great interpretation of the inspiration.

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