Made it Monday: Reversible bag.

You can't see it but there is an outer pocket!

I found two awesome things recently.  I found a 1/2 yard of cute fabric perfect for one of my friends and a pattern/tutorial for a reversible bag.  Because there was only 1/2 yard available I tried the pattern out on some cheap fabric so I could make sure I would like how it looks.

Second side....probably going to remain the inside most of the time.  

I was most drawn to the shape of the bag.  I love it.  The bottom uses darts as a way to add depth which I had never done before and like the look.  After reading the comments about the tutorial I decided to make the straps a little longer than the pattern.  As for the size of the body of the bag...some people enlarged it but I decided to go with the given size and judge after.  One problem.  Checking the size on me....8+ months pregnant...tells me nothing about what it will look like hanging on my very thin friend.  Yikes.  I will have to wait a few weeks to judge the size or have another friend hold it up.  In the meantime I have decided the fabric is too playful for a bag and have decided to go in a different direction....stay tuned.

I ironed it twice!  It wrinkles so easily!

Incase you decide to make this bag, here are a few notes!  It did not print to the correct size....it ended up a little smaller.  Instead of reprinting I just made the seam allowances smaller.  It worked out fine.  Also, I think the author of the tutorial used a thicker fabric so it gave the bag more structure.  I used two quilting fabrics and, if I make this pattern again, I will be using interfacing.  Oh..and I added pockets.

Here is the tutorial for the bag if you want to make it!

New Book: The Bag Making Bible

A few days ago I received The Bag Making Bible by Lisa Lam of Uhandbag.  I can't remember how I found out about the book but I heard it was great.  Without looking at it I bought it.  Thankfully, it is absolutely perfect for where I am in my sewing skills and exactly what I have been hoping for in a reference book.  I have learned so much already and I am not even a 1/3 of the way through.  I highly recommend it if you are at least a beginner-intermediate bag maker.  It is organized by techniques and features...lining, structure, handles, closures, etc.  Each section is very detailed and informative.  At the end of each section is a how-to for a different type of bag....tote, clutch, messenger, etc.  A pattern is included for each bag...6 total.  The way the book is set up allows you easily customize your bag with the things you have learned.*

The most valuable part of the book for me so far are the multiple sections about and information she offers about interfacing/interlining.  I have a few projects I desperately want to start that involve interfacing...something I have never worked with.  My lack of knowledge and desire to not waste money or materials has kept me from getting started.  There are multiple sections on interfacing which has given me the boost of knowledge I need to get to it.

If nothing else, the pictures are pretty and inspiring beyond bag ideas.

*I updated the description of the book.  My memory failed me while writing and I mixed up the organization of the book!