Bags

Tonight I'm working on finishing up a few bags. I took my first class while living in Texas on how to make a bag. After that first bag, I was hooked. This was back in 2003. I vividly remember coming back to Iowa carrying this my first purse.

My family was not impressed at all, and couldn't believe I was carrying a bag with beads on it. Needless to say, they were not asking me to make them any purses. I, however, LOVE my first purse. In Texas carrying homemade bags was a BIG deal in 2003. It wasn't until I showed my family my bag, that homemade bags started appearing more and more in Iowa. And after moving back here in 2005, and having made probably upwards of 50 bags while living in Texas, I was making bags for my family. And with that, came word of mouth and I've continued to make bags for those that request them. The possiblities are endless!! The hardest part in making a bag, is the choosing of the fabrics that suite your tastes. I don't have a hard time choosing fabrics I love, but we all have such different styles. I started out making bags using quilt shop cottons, and now I'm making most of my bags using the Home Decor fabrics (those BIG rolls of upholstry fabric you can find at Hancocks, and other fabric shops). The Home Decor fabrics tend to wear a little better and are just that much more sturdy (even though I do put interfacing in all my bags). I have so much fun picking out the fabrics and trims and putting them together. Its fun to see plain fabric combined with something with a little 'punch' turn into a beautiful bag.

This is the latest bag I've completed. It was made for my sister, Darcy. She chose the fabrics and the size. The only thing she didn't choose was the ribbon, but did tell me to do whatever I wanted to do for the 'trim'. I really like how ribbon sets it apart, yet lets it flow smoothly and doesn't stand out.

When choosing a lining, alot of people think it has to match perfectly, but they don't realize how little you really see of the lining while carrying the bag.

You like my little 'tag' that was designed by my Aunt LeaAnn? I Love the tag!!

Most of my bags are made using the above style. I have, however, made a few of another style (I'll save those pictures for another blog entry). I'm always looking for new bag patterns and styles. So if you see a pattern you like, share it with me.