such a bag lady
I'm lucky enough to be doing a swap with a friend I've made on Flickr- cosymakes. She knitted four beautiful green hats to choose from, (it was hard to choose- I loved them all!) and I've finally finished my half of the deal- three bags for her to choose from.
It was so much fun- the only criteria was that she could carry it easily over her shoulder. I also wanted to make them from 100% 'found' or recycled materials as I know that's her passion. (Check out her wonderful knits- they're almost all recycled!)
So the green and brown bag is on its way to Vancouver next week! I used some brown printed corduroy found at the Sunday morning market for the lining, and part of an old linen (I think) curtain for the outside, printed with leaves and big green flowers. I used my own standard pattern and fastened it with a manuka wood button. There are more pictures of them over at my Flickr page.
Speaking of Flickr, it's really inspired me to try some new bag designs, because I do love making them so much, but I need some fresh ideas! Look how cute this patchwork zip-up tote bag is! It's so cheerful. And this embroidered rocketplane satchel and these super-cute tote bags ... ahh! I need to get off the internet and DO something during the babies' sleep time!!
These are all just gorgeous, I am sure she will just love it when it arrives :)
Posted by: Helen | May 26, 2006 at 10:32 AM
These are fabulous! The design in wonderful as are the fabrics. The middle one is my fave, such lovely colours and pattern :)
MissMeshell xx
Posted by: MissMeshell | May 30, 2006 at 09:35 PM
I love your bags too! Have you made up the pattern youeself or could I find it in a book somewhere?
Posted by: Emma | May 30, 2006 at 10:55 PM
Those are really cute! You should join our tote-along and post them there if you get a chance! http://tote-along.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Jenifer | June 03, 2006 at 07:56 AM
I made it! I love your bag. Its on my flickr page. Thank you for the tutorial.
Posted by: Candlemas | June 07, 2007 at 02:57 AM
I absolutely love them! They are so unique and original...
I have been looking for a pattern for a bag like those. Do you know where I can find that pattern or you can email it to me...
surfergurl53@hotmail.com...
thanks! i know she'll love the bag
Posted by: Patty | July 08, 2007 at 06:59 AM
Thank you-this is so cute!
Posted by: Amy | July 11, 2007 at 03:22 PM
I found your site when looking for handbag patterns online.
I scaled the pattern down to make a purse for a pre-teen girl. It came out really cute. I added a knot on the top because I didn't care for how my strap looked at the top where the two pieces met together. It looks even cuter with the knot (for a pre-teen girl). I think gathering in the strap will help it to stay up on her smaller shoulder as well.
Thanks for posting your instructions.
Posted by: Jody | October 16, 2007 at 03:53 AM
I love your bags and am going to use your pattern, thank you. Several years ago I made myself a lunch sack out of leftover fabric and a piece of stiff plastic cut from a gallon size orange juice container-which I used for the bottom. I have used that lunch sack for at least ten years now. It's time for a new one and I need to make one for my husband too. I also think it might be something you could make and sell! Good luck
Posted by: Connie | January 24, 2008 at 02:05 PM