Tuesday 10 July 2012

Multi Pocket Bag


Keyka Lou Pattern
Multi Pocket Bag




I was given a pattern for a  Keyka Lou  multi pocket bag (thank you K. x), which looked fairly easy. I thought it would only take an hour and be ready for a friend's birthday tomorrow. How wrong can you be? The pattern is called "Lots Of Pockets Tote" and can be found at Michelle Patterns. It sure has lots of pockets - each as fiddly as the last!




The pattern and fabrics




After finding some pretty fabrics from my stash I settled on these lovely Japanese prints by Echino. 





This is to be the lining/pockets/flap




The materials needed were -

3/4 yard exterior fabric
3/4 yard lining fabric
1 yard fuseable interfacing
Magnetic snap or button




Trying to make sense of the pieces!





I then had to cut twenty one fiddly pieces and try and make sense of them all, which could have been much easier if I had carefully chosen the fabrics and not used some of the lining fabric for the pockets and tab and handles. A thinner, more distinct lining fabric would also have worked much better. I also had no fuseable stiffener and choose a rather thick wadding, which made for difficulties when sewing the bag together. I also had no magnetic catch so decided to use a button and a buttonhole. After the second attempt at a buttonhole and a second waste of pretty fabric (I am really rubbish at buttonholes even with my friend Janome!) I decided to use a snap closure instead and put a pretty button on the outside. Ah! well -  I shall know next time.




The cut fabric

The first pocket went well

The second pocket also went well

The lining fabric looked great

After a bit of a struggle it began to look like a bag

Now for the mammoth sew

Beginning to go together
Do you like the button?

Working on the pockets in the colourful interior


An almost finished bag - needs some tidying up and the button/clasp sewn on



Pansy from The Button Lady





I must just give you a closer glimpse of the button. Isn't it cute? It came from  The Button Lady whose amazing buttons I just cannot resist.






7 comments:

  1. Wow that looks like such a lot of work but you did a beautiful job...I love the fabrics

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  2. That is an awesome bag - well done you xxx

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  3. Well done, it looks fab! Bags are never quick makes though, so many pieces to cut and fuse even before sewing...

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  4. Well done for sticking with it, it's a lovely bag

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  5. I love your snazzy bag, Annabelle! I could never make something like that ... I will try pillowcases this winter (when gardening season is over). The Japanese prints are so pretty. Vera Bradley bags are popular here, and they have a similar look, but your bag is much prettier, and is more detailed. Love that button too.
    All the best! :-)

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  6. love the bag and the fabrics are lovely well done :))

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