I would have shared this in my earlier post, but the picture down-loader wasn’t cooperating with me. I couldn’t seem to get the pictures placed where I wanted them.
Last night I put together my version of the Oriental Grab Bag. Small bags have little or no use to me so I made mine extra large. No bag is a “Judy bag” without a shoulder strap, and pockets so I lengthened the “long” strap and added a couple pockets to both the inside and exterior of the bag. I’m pleased with the outcome, but I doubt I’ll make another one any time soon. I found the outside edge around the short handle to be a little tedious. I imagine it is really a pistol on the smaller version.
I used a dark denim fabric for one side and a blue paisley print for the other side. I used contrasting fabric for the pockets on each side. The denim is plenty stiff and heavy so I opted not to interface it, but did interface the print fabric.
The pattern I started with is a free pattern from Martha Stewart’s website. (The link to her site is on the sidebar under Cyber Gems. The pattern can be found under “Reversible Bag”.) The body is five inches wider at all points than the pattern. I lengthened the strap and redrew it in proportion to the enlarged body.
small cell phone pocket…an absolute must for me. I’m forever missing calls.
a larger sectioned pocket for check book, pen, etc. very nice to have…
fully reversible…
bag closed…
Until next time…
Always do right – this will gratify some and astonish the rest. ~ Mark Twain ~
What a cute idea
I like how you enlarged the bag so that it suits you and your life style. I luv handmade bags, they just looks so stylish and unique.
Thank you, and it’s good to see you.
I’ve got the bag hanging from the handlebar of my exercise bike so I can catch a glimpse of it when I pass by. At first the contrasting pockets were a little homely looking to me, but the more I look at it the better I like it. It’s got an unassuming, relaxed look about it. It will make a great, light load, casual bag.
I made a similiar bag as my first sewing project. I think I enlarged mine a little tooo much….300%. It turned out to be a BIG bag. I didn’t add pockets either….that would have been a nice touch.
It turned out great!
Hi Suprina!
Glad to see you. The template I downloaded from Martha’s site wouldn’t enlarge for me. It recommended an enlargement of 200%. I’m not sure what percent mine turned out…LOL. Math has never been my strongest point. I’ve got to have pockets or I’d never find anything. I’ve wished every time I’ve looked at the pictures of the bag that I had squared off the cell phone pocket. It looks kind of dorky rounded at the bottom…but then…it looks more like my bag that way, too. LOL.
Thank you for your comments.