Bag Lady

Just call me the Bag Lady.  I have become fascinated with sewing various shapes and forms of bags, totes and purses.  It started with the Sonoma Swing Bag and Drawstring Lunch Bags I wrote about last month.  

Then I moved on to the Hexi Tote from Sleepy Owl Studio.  I love this finished bag - so many different fabrics, so many pockets!  If I make another one, I will make two slight changes.  One, I will make the bottom circular instead of hexagonal.  I know, it ruins the name, but it would be much simpler and the hexi adds nothing as far as looks or convenience.  Secondly, I would research the grommets a little better - or at all.  I didn't know you had to have special grommet-installing tools - and, in my own defense, it wasn't mentioned on the grommet package, as would seem logical.  Dave came up with some creative substitutes and we got them put in - but they aren't as neat as they should/could be.

Similar to the Hexi bag is the Bucket Bag from Elvie Studio.   This version has stiff sides so it stands up on it's own.  The person who pinned it on Pinterest commented that it would make a great "gift basket", and I agree. Fill it with some favorite bath products; a paperback book, tea cup and tea bags; or sewing supplies - add a little tissue and you have a beautiful gift.  Both the hexi bag and the bucket bag are great ways to show off a border print.

Amanda requested a bag to transport her yoga mat to class, so I tried the Nigella Yoga Bag from Amy Butler Design.  It's a simple, lined tube with wide strap for comfort on the shoulder, and an outside pocket for keys, phone, etc.

The fabric doesn't show well in the picture, but I want you to see my great find - purple (Amanda's favorite color) batik with elephants (her favorite design).

Amanda also requested a bag for carrying clothes, shoes and shower supplies, since she often goes to class after work.  She selected the Updated Classic Duffle.  I forgot to get a picture of her finished bag, but the pattern features a wonderful simplified method for installing a zipper in a lined bag.  You can see the original at All Things That Are Good.

I have an entire Pinterest board of bag patterns I still want to try, so stay tuned.  Yesterday I visited an upholstery store to see about recovering a couple chairs and, lo and behold, there's a fabric store in the same building.  Who would have guessed?  Of course a few fabrics followed me home, so I imagine you'll see these in upcoming projects: