Ready to go to market and pick up some fresh tomatoes to go with that basil!
I’m so happy to have a finish to share with you on this lovely Friday! My first version of the
Market Street Handbag by
Kenzie Mac & Co. is complete! It came together easily. It only took me three days to finish (not working consistently, mind you), so that says a lot; because I never finish anything that quickly. I used a toile, cotton-duck fabric, which has a linen-like appearance– but feels sturdier — more like a home dec weight. I love the way the natural look of the fabric works with the jute webbing (something I also purchased from Kenzie Mac).
The structure of the bag is created with
ByAnnie’s Soft and Stable. Have you ever worked with it before? I hadn’t and I was concerned that it was going to be thick and difficult to maneuver under the presser foot. In the end, I can say it was pleasantly flexible and the needle moved easily through it. Even when I was sewing the binding on, other than the shape of the bag making it a challenge, getting through the layers was no more difficult than sewing the binding onto a quilt.
This photo gives an accurate representation of the color of the cotton duck fabric.
If you do choose to make this pattern, there are a few tips I can give you. The first is that you should cut your lining to size (including the curve along the top edge of the purse) prior to edge stitching the pocket to the lining. This will save you from chopping the top of your pocket off (as I did!), if you attach it 2″ from the top lining edge per the instructions.
Another thing I am going to try when I make my next version (
using these fabrics) is to use a wider binding. I’m hoping that it will help to cover any stitch lines that stray from the perfect 1/4″ mark when stitching the raw edges of the bag together. Especially since I still consider myself a novice
when it comes to curves, I can really use another 1/4″ inch or so for margin of error.
I love how the variegated thread looks like sunlight streaming through the trees in the right light!
Overall, I’m thrilled with this little tote, and I can’t wait to make another one using the knowledge I’ve gained from having made a practice version! Oh, and it’s way roomier than I expected — large enough to fit a bunch of library books, sewing supplies or even a laptop (if the strap were longer). Once I’ve mastered it, I see this as my go-to gift for the future!
Okay, that’s all for now. Hope you have a great weekend!
And if you have any bag-making tips that you’d like to share with me, I’m all ears!
Linking up with
Finish It Up Friday,
TGIFF, and
Can I Get a WHOOP WHOOP!
What a great little bag! I especially love the jute webbing for the handles.
I’m crazy for this bag! I love the fabric you used for it and how you paired it with the gold binding. Do you remember the ribbon I got as a gift a few months ago (http://www.frombolttobeauty.blogspot.com/2015/06/gifts-for-gift-giver.html)? I’m wondering if I could attach that to something stronger and then use it as the strap. Any thoughts on that front?
What a neat choice of fabric – I’ve never seen a toile I really liked before, but the trees are gorgeious. I also like the color you used on the binding – I can see why you would want more of it to show. I owe a couple of friends some bags, may use this pattern as it’s simple but so fun. Thanks for sharing it! did you like the soft and stable? I’ve never used it…
Congrats! You did a fantastic job! The fabric is amazing, I am so in love with that. And the handle, and the gold binding…guess its a big win! No bag making tips from me! It is not my strong suit by any means!