Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Fall/Winter Handbag

I made a bag for the Pattern Review "Handbag" contest.





This was my inspiration:



 



I used this pattern.  It's a free PDF download.

























I wanted a  zippered pocket on the back like this:



























I started with the free Kennedy bag pattern from Sew Sweetness. This is a great pattern.  It prints out good and the instructions are very through.   Her bag's finished size is 11 x 14  with a 5 inch bottom.  That was little bigger than I wanted plus I wanted mine to be more of a square shape, so I made mine 10.5 x 12.5 with a 4.5 inch bottom.  Even though I like a fairly large handbag, this is still a little bigger than I like.

I used 7 different upholstery samples.  These came from a local fabric store and were given to me by my niece that works there. When they replace them and toss the old ones, she passes some of them on to me.

For the lining, I used a medium weight brown cotton piece that was left over from another project.

I added feet to the bottom;  used split rings for the zipper pulls; and a magnetic snap for the closure.

 


I added a large outside zippered pocket on the back
















 
 


Underneath the flap, I added a 5 x 8 inch lined pocket that I use for my cell phone



























There's also an inside zippered pocket.






















Feet on the bottom





















Side panel

















Saturday, November 8, 2014

My new sewing machine - a Bernina 1130

Look what I found at the Goodwill:  a Bernina 1130!




in a Horn cabinet






They were both pretty dirty and musty smelling.  But after cleaning and oiling the machine, and a little tension adjustment, it sews perfectly!  The pneumatic lift system isn't working, I think there's a missing part or two.  Hopefully I'll be able to repair that.  They are both scratched and well-used, but I love it.  And I only paid $38.00!!

The manual was with it, and 15 feet and a few bobbins and needles.   I also found the receipt showing the lady bought it in 1986.

I don't have room for it in my tiny sewing room, but I'm sure I'll find some place for it.