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California Sunshine Bag‏

 
 Pattern testing
 
I’ve been busy pattern testing for Charmed Liebling, this time for a ladies shoulder bag. My gut instinct was that I would be keeping the bag for myself, so I raided my wardrobe, there’s nothing quite like a recycled bag!   I just love this olive green, which goes perfectly with a pair of shoes I have (and I never was realistically ever going to fit into the charity shop skirt!)
Recycled Bag
Cutting the pattern from the skirt presented some challenges due to all the seams in the skirt. To get round this I placed seams down the middle of each pattern piece. Having thought I would never use this pocket at the back of the bag I find it surprisingly useful – a perfect place for keeping picked up leaflets, in fact any bit of paper you would like to keep flat and easily accessible!!
decovil
 
I treated myself to some Decovil interfacing, as one of the interfacing recommended on the pattern to give the bag some good structure. It is not that easy to work with, I found it worked itself loose as I sewed the curved corners. However I will definitely follow the instructions properly next time and ensure I iron it on for the correct number of seconds!!!
 
 
Sewing with thick interfacing means that I have to think and guide the sewing machine carefully due to the bulk. The interfacing has created a great form and structure to the bag, and I will definitely consider using it again (despite the additional cost to a project).
Charmed Liebling
 
I am really delighted with the bag although the finish is not quite perfect (shh I am so keen to use it that I realise that I have been using the bag without sewing up the lining where I turned it right side out!). Having used my new recycled bag all week it’s definitely my current favourite bag – perfect size for my packed lunch and drinks bottle:)
 
 
“I like the strap line nothing like an old …
your things are nothing like their old counterparts as now beautiful and stylish”
A lovely quote, thank you Simone:)
 
 
I’m hoping to whip up some new bags to enter the Purse Palooza 2013 competition – I have a commission I really must resolve, which should be perfect:)
 
 
In other news I am delighted to have been accepted by WOW thank you website for selling my creations:) I am delighted to be using a UK based website as well as Etsy. Anyone else sell via them and have any tips or hints?
 
 
As usual I am stopping by Handmade Harbour to see what other people have been making/creating this week,
Vicky
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Danielle

Sunday 20th of October 2013

I really like this purse! You did a wonderful job! And thanks for the heads up about the Decovil 1. I ordered some for my next purse palooza entry, but I don't think it will be here in time anyway. My favorite interfacing mixture is Pellon woven 101 with canvas for an interlining. But, I was wanting to give Decovil a try.

patricia

Thursday 10th of October 2013

very professional and practical purse :-)

Jill

Wednesday 9th of October 2013

This is such a beautiful bag Vicky! and all the more so since it's upcycled from a skirt! I'm a HUGE fan of upcycling and blog about it lots. I was wondering if I could use a picture from this post to feature your bag in a post I'm putting out in a couple of days about upcycled projects. My blog is Creating my Way to Success (www.jembellish.blogspot.com).

Amylouise5

Wednesday 9th of October 2013

Hi Jill, Thanks for your kind comments would love it for you to include my bag in a blog post - just been to have a snoop at your blog and signed up to follow you:)

Pillows A-La-Mode

Tuesday 8th of October 2013

I just LOVE this bag . . . the color . . . the fabric . . . and the design! And it's perfect for autumn! :)

Amylouise5

Wednesday 9th of October 2013

Cheers - have you noticed the Like button has reappeared?!! Thanks for the prompt:)

Trace

Tuesday 8th of October 2013

Great bag, do like the colour

Amylouise5

Tuesday 8th of October 2013

Cheers:)

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