Well, it was that or make more cakes, bread and binge watch Netflix. Which let’s be honest, I think we all did enough of in the first lock down.
Back in August I’d bought some imitation leather to re-cover a foot stool, which turned out pretty good if I do say so myself. Though I’d been wondering what I could do with the left-over fabric. Having done a quick google search the most obvious choice was a bag, well of course why wouldn’t it be!
I didn’t have a pattern just an idea for a small tote bag, nothing fancy more practical. I’d put my sewing skills to the test to again see if I could replicate something I remember making at school, many many moons ago.
The perfect opportunity arose with a dear friend having a big birthday just before Christmas, and a group of us decided she deserved a little something special. How about an advent of gifts she can open from the 1st December up until her actual birthday and I thought wouldn’t it be a little difference if I could make a bag to put the gifts in. There started my first bag project.
After making the birthday bag, I thought I’d make a few more to put Christmas gifts in. The bags aren’t that big, but (lock down permitting) they work out the perfect size for a lunch or a small tablet or just to throw a few things in that you wouldn’t put in your handbag.
For Christmas my husband bought me a book by Sue Kim called Boutique bags, which I was quite taken with and again thought “oh go on, give it a go” – low and behold (using up some left over fabric) I added to the bag collection. I think most of my friends and family now have a bag made by me in some shape or form.
The book is actually very easy to follow, and comes with a full pattern for each bag which you can trace over to make the size you want so you don’t need to cut the whole thing to pieces.
I even branched out into making coin purses, which were a little tricky at first, and involved glue and hand sewing but I’m quite impressed with them. They work well with the little clutch.
I’m looking forward to an end to lock down so they can be used in the way I have envisaged them. Holding a mobile phone, keys and some money with a glass of wine in each hand whilst dancing the night away with dear friends.
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