May 22, 2006
Nappy bag complete
I finished the nappy bag on Saturday, despite running out of the perfect shade of green thread and substituting with mint green thread from the craft store around the block. This ghetto craft store could deal with more inventory.. the shelves are half empty and their thread selection is dismal. Its only advantage was being located about 3 blocks from the half-finished nappy bag in my apartment. Gold and mint green were the closest matches, and neither was perfect. The craft store woman actually recommended gold, which totally didn't match. Luckily, the mint green was close enough.
Specs:
Pattern: Nappy Bag by Amy Butler
Fabric: Free Spirit fabric (D1346-431 and D1353-431) from Purl Patchwork
On the quest for print-matching perfection, I initially wanted identical interior pockets and sides. There wasn't quite enough interior fabric to make this happen, but I managed to match up each pocket to the lining by flipping the print on one side upside down. This fabric has a large print repeat, so it was tricky. and in the end, it really doesn't matter a great deal whether the interior matches. but if anyone is looking, it does match!
A couple modifications: I put the cell phone pocket on the interior.. check out that print-matching! I had to redo the cell phone pocket flap, and forgot to match up the print the second time, oops. For the key hook, I cut a 2" by 20" piece of fabric, followed the instructions for the drawstring, then sewed it in when stitching the sides of the lining. I also added a magnetic snap to the interior.
Sam's favorite part is the key hook.
I am happy with the finished product. I found the sewing very engaging, and Amy Butler's pattern is straightforward. The bag is very comfortable to wear too. It actually reminds me of those large canvas ESPRIT bags from the late 80s - remember??
What's next in my pursuit of sewing? Well, I'd like to make another nappy bag, in different colors, and maybe also modify the pattern to make it smaller and add details like piping around the handles and an interior zip pocket. There are a couple sewing books en route to my house at this moment... once I get my skills up to spec and sew a couple more things, its on to the weekender bag.
Comments (29)
Congrats on a beautiful bag! I love the interior pattern, and I'm impressed at the great print-matching! Yes, I remember the Esprit bags from the late 80s. I totally wanted one back then. =)
Posted by caitlyn | May 22, 2006 1:14 PM
Posted on May 22, 2006 13:14
good idea to put that cell phone pocket on the inside. i simply don't understand bags that have it on the outside! that's just asking for your phone to be stolen :(
i love the stripes vs the the print. a great combo.
Posted by gleek | May 22, 2006 1:21 PM
Posted on May 22, 2006 13:21
I am not sure what I love more the bag or the color, heck I love it all.
I can't wait to get all moved in, I need to get my sewing machine out and ready for action!!!
Posted by Joelene | May 22, 2006 1:36 PM
Posted on May 22, 2006 13:36
that is super cute! lovely colours and prints. love how you lined up the pattern on the pockets!
Posted by kris | May 22, 2006 2:23 PM
Posted on May 22, 2006 14:23
ooo I love those fabrics, it turned out great. and the colors are perfectly you!
Posted by yahaira | May 22, 2006 2:27 PM
Posted on May 22, 2006 14:27
The pattern matching makes me weak in the knees. Great job!
Posted by grumperina | May 22, 2006 2:55 PM
Posted on May 22, 2006 14:55
It looks fabulous. You did a wonderful job and I love that the print matches.
Posted by Stephanie | May 22, 2006 3:21 PM
Posted on May 22, 2006 15:21
What a cute bag! I love it and I love the color! Great job!
Posted by Erica B. | May 22, 2006 3:24 PM
Posted on May 22, 2006 15:24
Still lovin the bag. So cute!
Posted by Sarah | May 22, 2006 3:50 PM
Posted on May 22, 2006 15:50
what a cute bag for the summer! you did it beautifully!!! just that much closer to the weekender bag now.
Posted by blossom | May 22, 2006 4:06 PM
Posted on May 22, 2006 16:06
Super cute bag! You did such a great job matching the print in the inside, wow.
Posted by Ginger | May 22, 2006 4:30 PM
Posted on May 22, 2006 16:30
Nice details. You did a great job! Fun colours too.
Posted by Miss Twiss | May 22, 2006 4:39 PM
Posted on May 22, 2006 16:39
Love the interior fabric, actually love all the inside details in the bag!
Posted by erin | May 22, 2006 6:01 PM
Posted on May 22, 2006 18:01
What a great bag and you did an amazing job. I love the fabric.
Posted by Steph | May 22, 2006 7:38 PM
Posted on May 22, 2006 19:38
Great job on the bag...I love how you matched the pockets!
Posted by quenna | May 22, 2006 8:03 PM
Posted on May 22, 2006 20:03
What a fabulous job! Love the colour.
Posted by Nichola | May 22, 2006 8:07 PM
Posted on May 22, 2006 20:07
Love it! The inside fabric is gorgeous...and it's that much better knowing that it all matches up :)
Posted by Elli | May 22, 2006 8:52 PM
Posted on May 22, 2006 20:52
Gorgeous! You did a fabulous job on the bag. Can't wait to see what other bags you sew in time.
Posted by Maritza | May 22, 2006 8:57 PM
Posted on May 22, 2006 20:57
So cute! In my limited sewing experience, I know what a pain and an accomplishment it is to line up patterns/stripes. amazing job. Enjoy your new bag!
Posted by christie | May 22, 2006 10:02 PM
Posted on May 22, 2006 22:02
you did a really nice job! kudos on matching up the print! i'm so missing sewing right now!
Posted by melissa | May 22, 2006 10:52 PM
Posted on May 22, 2006 22:52
Oh no! You've crossed over to the other side! (OK, the beautiful bag is worth it, but still...).
Posted by Veronique | May 22, 2006 11:03 PM
Posted on May 22, 2006 23:03
Awesome bag and great job on the print matching! You're a pro already!
Posted by Angela | May 23, 2006 2:38 AM
Posted on May 23, 2006 02:38
There are NO nappies in my life but I adore this bag! I'd carry it as a purse, it's wonderful!
Posted by Debi | May 23, 2006 2:57 AM
Posted on May 23, 2006 02:57
Those bags really came out cute. Nice eye for fabric.
Posted by Barb | May 23, 2006 4:30 AM
Posted on May 23, 2006 04:30
Wow, I am so impressed with it. All the matching up of the pattern makes it look very professional. It looks like it will be really useful too and I love all the bits like the key hook and phone pocket. A job well done.
Posted by Rain | May 23, 2006 7:36 AM
Posted on May 23, 2006 07:36
It looks great! My favorite part is Sam playing with the key hook. :)
Posted by Chris | May 23, 2006 10:38 AM
Posted on May 23, 2006 10:38
How can I find the pattern for the nappy bag?
Posted by Shirley | May 23, 2006 4:04 PM
Posted on May 23, 2006 16:04
d,
your bag is beautiful, I'm really jealous of your skills (and finished product!). so cute!
Posted by Nancy | May 29, 2006 1:24 PM
Posted on May 29, 2006 13:24
It came out great. The fabrics for both sides are fun and summery. You obviously excel in mathcing. As to the 80's, not a single memory re: purses! However, many memories of what to fill a nappy bag with. Love you
Posted by Mom | May 29, 2006 5:24 PM
Posted on May 29, 2006 17:24