Just like riding a bike

[janetsjunk]

It's been so long since I've had the chance to sew a purse, I had to say it's just like riding a bike...you never forget.     Anyhew, the only thing I don't like is that I forgot to add a closure to the top but since it's kind of a tote/purse, it really isn't that big of a deal.  I want to make a matching wallet as well.  The lining I got from Walmart a couple years ago and only bought like a yard of it but now I wish I had bought more.  It's a denim type material as is the outside too.  There was an extra piece I had cut so I appliqued it to the front and hand sewed matching mini beads on each color strip.  All in all I love the bag and can't wait to make more.  Dimensions are:

11" across top
15" across bottom
12.5" tall
Applique is 8" across x 4" down
Strap is 31" long
*Sorry, no measurements of depth, maybe 1.5 to 2"?

Comments welcome...thanks!

Bag sitting up:


Bag laying down:


Applique:


Close up of lining:

[TAddictedAngelT]

wow what kind of uh needle stich type did you use to appl your applique?

[mebsmommy]

The applique looks like it is the lining trying to 'peek' through the front of the bag to show itself off!  "Look at me!!!! I'm so pretty!"  Love that idea!  Great beadwork, too. 

[janetsjunk]

wow what kind of uh needle stich type did you use to appl your applique?

It's pretty much the button hole zig zag stitch but really wide.  On my sewing machine, I set the length at almost "0" and the width at the highest setting which is "5".  I own a Kenmore which is Sears brand.  First I have the cut shape, then I have some very thick adhesive interfacing that I iron on, I then cut the interfacing to the same shape as the design once ironed on.  Then I put the piece where ever I want it placed, pin it in place and start with the zig zag stitch.  Once I get around to the other side where I started (takes a while because the stitch is so close together), I take the two ends and triple tie them together on the front and back of the fabric.

[janetsjunk]

The applique looks like it is the lining trying to 'peek' through the front of the bag to show itself off!  "Look at me!!!! I'm so pretty!"  Love that idea!  Great beadwork, too. 

I just had to go back and look at the pics again and you are right about it jumping out from the inside or like peeking through a window. 

I'm now thinking of a way to add the magnetic clasp or something of the sort and using a kind of cover up.  I definitely do think it needs a closure.

[runnermom100863]

This is a very nice bag and great applique work.  The lining fabric is funky and pretty...it's Waverly, in case you wanted to buy more (it sounded like you do, and I wasn't sure if you knew the fabric brand ). 
For the closure, you could just stitch on 2 lengths of ribbon which are folded under on both ends (so there wouldn't be fraying) and stitch one on each side of the bag (at the top center), attaching it by stitching a "square".

[janetsjunk]

Thank you for all the information, it is greatly appreciated.  I actually added a closure by seam ripping the middle top part on each side and added the magnetic closure.  Then since it kinda freyed the top edge of the fabric in some places, I used the same stitch I used for the applique and sewed all around the top (zig zag but really tight stitch).  So now it closes.  You can also see the matching wallet I made yesterday (see link below).

http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=144074.0

I'm really bummed out after this weekend though.  I knew one of the Walmart's in my area took out their fabric section to build something else in it's place and I took well advantage of the 50% off on all their fabric BUT now I found out this weekend the other Walmart which I frequent more often did the same thing.  Now I have to pay higher prices elsewhere.  I know the fabric is of better quality elsewhere but it's no as affordable.  Anyone else having their Walmart fabric section closed?