09 March 2009

My First Solo-Sew

I was going to Disney World in 3 days, and I didn't have a purse that was quite the right size. So I decided to make one out of some fabric that had been in the running for my bridesmaids' favors (purses filled with lots of little goodies). That means I've had this sweet canvas fabric just sitting around for over a year and a half, just waiting for the perfect little project to be brought to life. And here it is.
It's just a basic canvas messenger bag. I lined the inside with some muslin and used that fabric to add a little applique bird to the front, sewed on with my impeccable hand-stitching. For the strap, I bought some canvas webbing and wrapped it with my pretty little canvas fabric, folding the edge under and sewing a neat little line down the center of the strap.

If I made this bag again, there are a few things I would do differently. The proportions are a little off. And it definitely needs some interior pockets. But in the end, the bag was all I needed it to be and more.
Here is a picture of me and Jason and my little messenger bag in front of the Muppets fountain in Disney's MGM Studios, which has recently been renamed Disney's Hollywood Studios. (What's with that? I was somewhat comforted when all of the bus drivers still called it MGM.) Jason and I had a magical week in Disney World, as you would expect. It was so wonderful to be able to just enjoy spending some time together shirking responsibility, having fun, and remembering why we fell in love in the first place. My purse was just a small token in the context of such a grand and glorious week. But it was nice to have the little reminder that I would be coming home to more creativity and imagination at work. Just like Figment tells us, "Imagination, imagination...a dream can be a dream come true with just that spark from me and you." And yes, now that song will be in my head for the rest of the day.
So there you have my first Weekly Make. That was almost 4 weeks ago, and I've been going strong so far. But that means that I have a lot of catch-up posts to do. I figure I'll try to space them out a bit...just to keep you guessing. :o) In the mean time, happy making!!

5 comments:

  1. awesome.
    And yeah for making the comment form right on here. It makes me much more likely to comment.

    Very cool bag. I wish I could sew.

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  2. Hey, Ariah. I'm not sure what I did to the comment form, but I'm glad it works out. :o) And anybody can sew! It's all about following directions. If you can cook, you can sew.

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  3. But the question is... can you sew without a sewing machine, and still come up with a good bag? Or is this something that should become a girls project next time we come visit? (The boys can have a theology discussion.) I'd love to make something like this, because I love how yours turned out and I love the one from your wedding... but I wouldn't even know where to start! Help!

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  4. hmm...a sewing machine is definitely helpful. I've never made a bag without one. It's definitely possible, but it would take a lot longer. We can/will totally make a bag for you next time you come and visit! The boys can make stuff too if they want. Maybe pillows or something not quite so girly as a purse. I'll see if I can come up with some cross-gender sewing projects for them. Or they can just talk theology. :o)

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  5. Robin, you are an inspiration, for sure. I love your "makes" and I love your discussion surrounding them...thanks for posting your blog.

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