Tuesday, July 31, 2007

The Birth Of A Bag

I can hardly believe it!! I made a bag! Actually, I made TWO!

The second one is a bit larger than the first. I made it for Rachel to store her floss organizer and her hoop and current project in. I tailored it to fit perfectly. Did I just sound like a "seamstress", or what?! The first bag is so adorable. It is for Charlotte, but she doesn't know it yet. I am making her a simple dress, or skirt out of the same cherry fabric. I KNOW!! Can you believe it? I not only got rid of my bagaphobia, I am talking about making a dress for my daughter!!
Margaret's pattern was actually very simple. The directions with the pattern were definitely meant for the seasoned bag maker, but I had something extra, not included with the directions that Margaret e-mailed me. I had Linda's phone number and made countless calls to Oklahoma and even requested a tutorial with pictures to be e-mailed immediately!! I did the second bag on my own with my daughter-in-law watching as she spun ideas in her head of Christmas gifts for her cousins. While I continued on the bag, she chose an Aunt Martha's pattern for the tea towels she plans to make her Grandmother for Christmas. She will be a busy girl!
I titled this post "The Birth of a Bag", because while flipping that bag right side out, it seemed as if it was being born. I also feel like the proud parent!! There is only one problem...the school table ended up looking worse.
The drink on the ironing board is only ice tea. If I were a drinker, tonight would be the night. I am exhausted!! It is after 10:00 pm and I need to go clean up this mess. I will leave you with a picture of my girls with their bags (Charlotte offered to pose with the bag, though she does not realize it is hers. shhhhhh).


25 comments:

Unknown said...

Well I have to say that's the first sewing lesson I've given over the phone.... You really made this left handed visual person think HARD......lol.... Love the mess on your table, it's a sign of a productive day, you should see mine......
Your bags are adorable, and if you need help with the dress/skirt, I'll be on holiday...lol..... just kidding.... I have a pettern that would be easy for you.

Kim said...

Congrats! Great job! I'm planning to take the plung into bag-making soon, although I have made one tote before. I hope I do as well as you!

atet said...

Congrats! Those bags look great -- and they get easier as you do more of them.

Lynda (Granny K) said...

Good job on the bags! I've got a pattern for one but,like you, i'm a bit reticent, I have a phobia about zips too! One day i'll have a go.

Lily Mulholland said...

Oh well done Bren!!!!! *claps hands madly* - didn't they turn out wonderfully! Good for you!!!!

ann said...

I love the bags! I have just now started to learn how to sew. Cooking has always been my thing, but it is time to tackle a new skill. I have pictures of the porch cushions I made on my blog. I think that is more my speed right now.

Belvie said...

Wow! No more bagophobia at your house! The bags turned out lovely. I really like the one with cherries and I know Charlotte will love it too.

Glad to hear you are venturing into the world of garment sewing. It can be fun.

Rose Johnston said...

Great job Bren, those bags r gorgeous!! How fantastic to have Linda to help as well, shes a sweetie!!! I guess we will be seeing a lot more of them now ur over ur bagaphobia!!!

Joni said...

They look fantastic Bren! My goodness you will have no reason to be bored now with your new hobbies!!

Ila K. said...

Ah, a messy table is a happy table, and your table might be delerious!

The bags are darling, as are the models. Congratulations on meeting your challenge.

Sue said...

Those bags are GREAT! You did a wonderful job!! The more you do, the easier it gets and one can ALWAYS use bags of all different sizes and shapes and colors ;)

I think the green with the cherry fabric is the same green in my cherry quilt! LOL

Darlene said...

Way to go, Bren. The bags are adorable. I'm so jealous - you got over your bagophobia! LOL I need to make a bag or *gulp* two. LOL

A great day, indeed!

Knit-Wit said...

Great bags, Bren! Now you'll have to make yourself one to put your hand quilting in.

Solstitches said...

Congratulations Bren!!!
Well, when you finally conquered your bagaphobia you certainly did it in style!
Not one but TWO beautiful bags and plans afoot for making a skirt LOL. I'm impressed! Linda must have had quite a day of it yesterday because she helped me via email with my stitchery!
Oh, and I forgot to tell you that one bag leads to another and another and.........

Melzie said...

YAY FOR YOU :) Where'd you get the pattern? I want to try! xoxo melzie

Yvonne said...

Wow! Great bags....you go girl! They'll be no stopping you now.

Anonymous said...

Hey Bren!
I just Love the bags! I love that cherry fabric too. I love that you saved your GS sash! That is so cool! I would frame it. Maybe put a pic of you in uniform next to it, that would look so neat!
Hugs to you,
Kate

Kiva said...

The labor pains were so worth it. :) I am so happy that you are over the bagaphobia and just think you are now ready to be a bagaholic.

meggie said...

I love those bags! Lucky girls who are getting them. Charlotte looks so sweet with 'hers'.
I love to see productive mess!!lol.

Andrea said...

Great bags ! Who cares if you made a big mess - lol !

Sweet P said...

Gorgeous, gorgeous bags and the models look wonderful too. Didn't I tell you making bags could be addicting?

Chookyblue...... said...

for someone who was having such a panic about making a bag and now made 2 and planning on making cloths you have advanced in a very quick time........well done........so I guess we will see some more TAILORED bags....

Wendy said...

Great work on the bags, sounds like a lot of effort went in by you and Linda. The girls look wonderful showing off the bags.

Angie said...

What cute, cute bags!! I love bags but I have the darndest time trying to figure out (reading) instructions. Do you think Linda would talk me through it over the phone too??? ROFL Lovely job!

Rose Marie said...

Oh, oh, I can see that you caught the bag fever that is going around. Great bags and models!