The Koos Bag, First Steps

Here are my fabric choices for the "Koos" Bag. The inspiration was the home dec tapestry you see in the middle. I have two different faux leathers, a chocolate stretch velvet that will be fused to further stabilize, and two home dec taffetas. There may be a few other odds and ends added in before it's all over.

"Koos" Van Den Akker is a designer of very colorful, uniquely shaped clothing and accessories. He has been designing for Vogue Patterns for some time now. While I find his garment patterns very visually enticing with their assertive blend of color and pattern, I just can't visualize the shape/design lines on my five foot frame. But a great bag, I can do!

This bag,  Vogue 1311, is shaped like a drum with a zipper on the very top "circle" and straps coming out of some great "buttonholes" on top as well. I think many of us have been inspired by Sham's version. It sure lit a fire under me! From what I have read if the straps are put around the shoulders this will also work as a back pack. The drum will be fused to fusible fleece and therefore result in a soft, collapsible shape as seen on the pattern cover. I am so excited to finally be starting a new project.

This piece of silk crepe de chine was going to be the lining.  It still may be. When I unwrapped it from it's folds I realized it was over two yards so I hesitate cutting into it for just this lining. I think it might even be enough for my winter coat project and that would make me happy.

Several have mentioned to me that they are also itching to make this bag. If so, follow along. The first step you see here is my "legend". You need to take a good long look at the pattern pieces needed. Then label each yardage with the numbers of the pieces you need to cut. I have a feeling this may change as the project evolves but without these labels, I think the process could be overwhelming.

I am looking forward to starting to cut. That I have to do in the kitchen upstairs so will be moving my cutting mats upstairs shortly. Where there's a will there's a way. We are looking for completion of the restoration in about a week and a half and then it will be fine tuning the room, moving furniture back in, reorganizing all the mess that has been made of my sewing, etc. That light at the end of the tunnel is looking brighter all the time. ...Bunny