Tuesday, August 23, 2011

I'm having a bagathon

I'm stuck in some sort of twilight zone where only sewing bags exist. I've turned into some sort of  bag maniac as I try variations on the same theme.

I'm still playing around with fine tuning to get the sewing case just the way I want it. This isn't it.
I thought I'd make it 10" x 8" to fit patchwork units but the downside is that I want to work with a 24" zip and it's just not working for me.
I had to bring the back gusset around the sides and that means that the lid won't open back nicely.
The pocket is not going to keep anything too secure being so wide and don't like the top lip above the zip.
I can fix all that by making a zippered pocket, doing away with that top lip on the lid and reducing the size of the bag to 10" x 7" not great for traditional patchwork blocks but I'll have to work around that.
After mulling it over for the last few days, my brain started to dry up and I was told working it that hard was like going for a five kilometer run, it gets tired.

I was browsing around for ideas on the Internet (as you do) and came across some pouches on etsy. I'm a bit scared I might get  a slap over the hand for being a copycat. I found some "oh so cute you could puke" (inside joke with DD) appliques using felts that I could incorporate on the bags.
Adorable! I drew the one below for the back.  The little girl is having a lovely time with her Panda outfit and her special friend in the spring sunshine.
If friend Chris O likes it, I'll be sending this one to her.
I've been such a bad blogger and very slack in visiting my friends. I've been involved with family so I know you'll relate to that and understand.
Until next time, Janet

42 comments:

Cathy @ CabbageQuilts said...

I love your bagathon Janet, this is just too cute, I love the tape measure trim and handles and those half square triangles are divine. Gorgeous stitchery too. Keep up the bag work, and enjoy your family!!! xo

Pokey said...

drawing and bag-too cute! I like the quilty bag,and that precious tape measure ribbon(?) is adorable.
:-}pokey

Dawn said...

Oh Wow I can so relate to the getting it the way I want but it don't work...I usually chuck it in the BIN...ooops corner...LOL... you'll perfect it...the best way is with a wine in the hand... he he... love the drawing with the umrella... so sweet ( or cute you could......use it)
Hugs Dawn x x x

Michelle said...

That's just gorgeous, love it! And love the colours. Michelle xx

Dan R said...

I covet this bag. I've never said that before.

Cille said...

Cute, cute bag! Just love everything about it but especially the pocket inside. I wish I knew how to make bags. Really do....

Nat Palaskas said...

I have been enjoying your bagathon with you Janet. I love how it looks inside too. Very neat - Hugs Nat

antique quilter said...

cute bag! love the patchwork but really love the hanldes how cute is that fabric and well yellow binding...nothing better!

cute drawing!
Kathie

Miriam said...

I love your drawing! Very cute!

I am enjoying your bagathon!

wendywoo63 said...

Just love the bag, tape a cute touch What is the fabric inside? love that too.

Solstitches said...

I love the bag and it looks good to me.
The tape measure handles are so cute.
Margaret

Rachaeldaisy said...

Janet, your bags are amazing!! It's a great twilight zone you're in if you're creating stunning bags like that. The applique is the cutest thing I've seen in ages!!

Jess @ Scrappy n Happy said...

I love the new bag!
The drawing is very cute too!

Andi said...

I think your bag is fabulous!!!!

Oops-Lah said...

How about using two zippers which meet in the middle instead of one. You would have more flexibility with the size of your bag. Love the little drawing, can't wait to see it in fabric.

Crispy said...

The bag is gorgeous and kudos for taking the time to figure out how to make it even better. Love those cute little designs you have planned for the bags. They make me smile :0)

Crispy

Thimbleanna said...

Well, whatever this obsession is, I'm sure enjoying it! I LOVE those little half square triangles with the hand stitching -- Love Love LOVE them!!!

Kristen said...

No worries! Keep making those bag without guilt. They are fantastic! Love the HST varigated quilting thread.

Nifty Quilts said...

You have courage and determination to even TRY to figure out the perfect bag! I don't do 3-D--too mind bending. I think what you've go so far is very nice. The panda suit is adorable!

Rosa said...

I ove your bag is awesome!!

Barb said...

How fun - I love the appliques' they would make anyone smile. I like So cute you could Puke. I'll have to try that on my daughter, she loves a funny turn of phrase.
Hope the bagathon continues!

Janet said...

I think your bag is beautiful! I love the stitched accents and the yellow binding is perfect! The panda picture is very cute. (My little daughter has been wild about pandas all summer)

Doris said...

Those pouches are so adorable (and I like your inside joke!)... And if you need a home for your unsatisfactory sewing bag, I could make good use of it!

Take care,
D

Pinkadot Quilts said...

Janet the bag is adorable, I can see why you are hooked...

Joan said...

Now I really admire anyone who makes bags. I think I have make about 3 and I hated every moment...yours is lovely and looks like a lot of work... no wonder you get tired :)

Terry said...

Your bag may not be right, but it's awfully cute!! Love the girl with the bear too! I think yours is cuter! :0)

Lori said...

You will have it just as you want it- keep making adjustments. It sure is adorable!!

Ann Champion said...

I love your experiments with making the perfect bag. I don't even attempt such difficult projects!
Your drawing is really cute. I look forward to seeing that design worked up. :)

Browndirtcottage said...

Well, your bag is cute anyway...keep trying, I know you'll get it right!
Ohhhh, cute Panda's!

Christine said...

How could your friend not love it ... the panda suit is adorable!

Quilts And Pieces said...

Feel free to get that bag just right and then send it my way! I just love the things you make!!!! :)

Sewjournal said...

That bag is really lovely. Well done!

Anonymous said...

Cute bag, I love your applique.

Lurline said...

You are just wonderful, Girlfriend! Lov e your drawing, too - please get busy and teach us, lol! Best wishes to all your loved ones!
Hugs - Lurline♥

Lurline said...

You are just wonderful, Girlfriend! Lov e your drawing, too - please get busy and teach us, lol! Best wishes to all your loved ones!
Hugs - Lurline♥

*karendianne. said...

Janet, this is fun + effort I see. I dig these though. I like the fabrics and the stitches and all that. Goodness and I enjoyed the laugh with "Oh so cute you could puke" ~ thanks for sharing that little phrase. It makes me smile cuz she is soooo cute! Another enjoyable post.

Judy said...

I enjoy seeing your bags. I haven't made one myself, and it's fun to see how creative yours are!

em's scrapbag said...

What a cute little bag.

SewWhatsNew said...

Gorgeous work as always. Just think of this phase as your "bag series." All the artists work on series. Isn't that great?

Cardygirl said...

Love the bag Janet...but you are too hard on yourself...you are improvising and improving. That applique is really cute...doing a lovely job.

Robin said...

Very cute bag! It may not be exactly what you hoped for, but it is still a wonderful creation. And, oh my, panda girl is so CUTE! Such a fun and whimsical design.

Sonja♥ said...

So so cute appliqué:)
and I love your bags!!!!!!!!!!
If only I was capable of doing this... I think I would craft some not only for my Sweetie but also for me:)