I Made Bags Instead of Sewing The Dress

Aren't I irresponsible? 

Also avoidant.

And, now, panicking slightly. 

I made three bags - one,

two,

three.

They're roomier than they look and are great for toting towels and things to the beach or pool. At least, that's what I'd use them for. And shopping. And, were I still a mother of very small children, a babyphernalia transportation receptacle. The straps are tubular in the middle so they feel comfortable on, and don't slide off, one's shoulder. 

I'll post more photos later when I'm ready to list them in the shop. Yes, you can buy all three of them, since I'm obviously not keeping them for myself. But for now, I'll just give you the quick tour. 

They have four pockets - two side pockets

one lapped zippered pocket on the back for your ipad (or whatever)

and one zippered welt pocket on the inside. This is the orange bag turned inside out.

Well, yes, technically, they are reversible

but only because I am fanatical about there being no raw or serged edges in my bags anywhere. You could, if you wanted, use it inside-out, but there's no piping on the inside, and the lining fabric is lining-ish, and the cute giant button is only on the outside.

These were also unusual bags for me to make because they're very girly. And I'm not girly. For instance, they have elasticized gathers. And I'm not a gathers-person. But for some reason, these bags work and I really like them (or I wouldn't have made three, and in verrrrrrry expensive fabric, besides). I think sometimes one needs to take a huge leap out of one's comfort -or preference - zone and try something different, don't you?


Here's something else interesting about these bags: there's practically zero interfacing because, as you know, I don't think much of interfacing a bag if you can use the right-weight fabric for it. There are only three places where there's interfacing in this bag:

1. the straps
2. the trim on the side pockets
3. around the welt opening for the inside zipper.

How then does it hold its shape?
Answer: the piping. And you thought I liked piping only because I had an addiction problem ;)

I think there's also going to be a sewing pattern for it. I took all the photos.  Do you want the sewing pattern? If so, hold me accountable, okay? Because heaven only knows I might procrastinate again and suddenly feel like making .... I dunno....wooden toys or.... a dress for a wedding. Now wouldn't that be ironic?