Thanks so much for the lovely comments! We did have fun at market and all of the new stuff went over very well. There is a lot of eye candy at market...so to those of you who have never been, I hope you get the opportunity to go sometime. It is a great show filled with inspiration!
We have a couple of winners here for the first giveaway, courtesy of random.org. They are:
#9: Sarah
It looks like so much fun!!! I'd love a chance to win! thanks :)
Submitted November 10, 2010 3:27 PM#67: Sarah and Jane
You are one creative, savvy designer whom my daughter and I adore. We just love your designs!!! So far, we are enjoying sewing from your Sew Serendipity book, but look forward to trying our sewing efforts with your new adorable tunics. Thanks.
Submitted November 11, 2010 7:51 AM#9 Sarah, I have your email address, so I will be contacting you. #67 Sarah and Jane....Just use this link with your mailing information and I will get your patterns out to you as soon as possible.
Wow! I guess random.org really likes "Sarahs" this time. Congratulations, winners!
NOW, stay tuned. If you did not win here, you have another opportunity, starting today!
This giveaway is going to be a little different. I am currently in the final stages of submitting the manuscript for my NEXT hard cover book, which will be all about BAGS!! I am looking to gather questions (really good ones) from customers regarding making bags. If you have had a burning question (or questions), now is the time to ask. I will use these submissions as a way to build my tips and techniques throughout the book. I thought this would be a great way to get your feedback.
What do you get out of the deal? Well, the BEST TWO questions (my judgment here) submitted will win a copy of my newest self-published bag book, called Media Frenzy! It is a soft cover 28 page book that is dedicated to bags for digital devices such as eReaders, iPads, cameras, and GPS navigators. There is also a pattern for a snappy wallet and camera strap. It is packed with great photos and illustrations in addition to detailed instructions.
Remember, you have to submit a question (or questions) SPECIFIC to bags......The giveaway starts today and will run until Thursday evening at 11:59 PM CST.
Winners will be announced next weekend.....thanks for participating and Happy Sewing!
UPDATE (11/19/2010): It will be a few more days before I can work on the Q&A so keep the questions coming. As long as you get them in before I post the results, your questions will be considered for the giveaway.
44 comments:
I really enjoy making bags and purses and have made alot of them; but not all of them turn out as well as I'd like. Here are my questions:
1. What is the best way to give the bag "body" without making it too stiff?
2. My inside pockets always seem to be so floppy and the pens, checkbook, etc. always falls out of them. How can I keep them from doing that?
I love the security of a zipper closure. Can this be easily done? It look so complicated. Kathie L in Allentown
How hard is it to line a bag with vinyl or vinyl coated fabric (is this the same thing)?
I have a passion for making bags and have made lots of them. I love the look of pleats and would like to know how to calculate making them in your own designs (i.e. if I want 8 pleats across the top of a bag, how much extra fabric do I add to the width to accommodate them?) is there a simple calculation for this?
Also, I use fusible fleece to add structure to my bags - do you recommend putting this type of stabilizer on the exterior shell or or on the lining of the bag? I have done both but can't decide which is better.
Last question, what do YOU use to reinforce the fabric behind your magnetic snap closures?
Thanks for the chance to win!
I would like to add leather or vinyl accents to the fabric bags I want to make. What are your tips for sewing leather and vinyl to fabric? Should the fabric be treated or reinforced before applying the leather?
Thank you for the opportunity.
I have made a lot of bags and have not paid a whole lot of attention to the detail of the handles. But I was wondering what is the best ideas to consider when making handles? Length? depending on your heigth? or Width? Fat straps opposed to skinny straps... hate them falling off my shoulder! Batting inside of the strap? or is there something better?
Hi Kay! I, too, make a lot of bags. In fact, that's just about the only thing I do make. My question is about zipper closures. I really have a hard time with those. Is there a really good, easy way to attach a zipper closure to the top of a bag that also includes the lining? I don't want to have to hand sew the lining to the zip. (I'm especially interested in how to attach a zip closure to a bag with a curved top, i.e. a hobo bag, and what to do about attaching the straps with that zip in the way?)
Thanks so much.
Cyndi
I'm looking for advice on ways to make the bottom of a bag hold its shape. I don't really like putting a piece of cardboard in the bottom; doesn't seem professional. Do you have another method?
I love creating bags and cannot wait to buy your book!
I have 2 questions:
1. What is the best interfacing formula for a bag? Do you prefer to use a stiffer interfacing such as Decor Bond, or do you prefer to use multiple layers of a lighter weight interfacing?
2. When creating a bag with more body, what is the best way to decrease bulk in the seams?
I have made several lined bags now and I am not happy with how the lining and outside fabric come together, especially when wanting to topstitch. Often pattern directions will say to iron the bag and then topstitch around the top, what is the best way to achieve a good iron? I always feel like my lining wants to show through and I don't have a crisp edge between the bag fabric and the lining fabric.
I've been making/selling all sorts of bags for a year now but I always make this mistake regarding stabilizers. I never know how stiff/flexible they should be. I know it depends on the bag I'm making but they just never turn out the way I picture in my head. What's the best brand to use, and should you ever use more than one layer? My other question is about inserting a full zipper across the top. I know how to put a zipper in a bag with two handles but how do you do it with just one strap without the ends of the strap bunching? I ADORE your book Sew Serendipity and can't wait for more!!!
Love the instructions on zippers. This beast gets the best of me everytime.
I make a lot of bags but have never really understood the options and use of pellon and other padding or stiffeners. A beginner's guide in your book would be great.
Just starting in the bag making project area. I like your ipad bag. What is the best product to use to stiffen the bag to protect your electronics?
Kay, you are a whirlwind! But we knew that. My question re bags: inserting a zipper isn't so hard, but the "flaps" or "tabs" on each end that cover the zipper opening and closure and provide that finished look are tricky. I'd like to know how to do that more easily! Keep up the good work!
I love to experiment with reclaimed fabrics in bag making. Do you have any unique ideas for incorporating recycled materials such as vintage linens, burlap, khaki, denim or courderoy from clothing, maybe even commercial plastic packaging?
I love bags and i have so many questions but there are few imp i need help with.
1. What kind of interfacing should i use where i use metal findings like rivets etc
2. How important is to mark fabric pieces like pockets or handles.
Lastly i see in many patterns the main outer bag measurements are same as the lining.Would sewing a same size lining better then slightly smaller(which i generally prefer).
Oh gosh, I love the camera bag...I put your book on my wishlist because I have to have that one as well!!
I have sewn several bags, and I like the bags that have heavy interfacing (I use Pellon Peltex) the best. When I use a heavy interfacing, I have such a hard time getting it sewn. It's hard to maneuver through my machine. I dread it. Is there another interfacing you could suggest that would make a bag sturdier, or is there a technique that you use to make the going a little easier? Thank you!
I have only made a couple of bags, but would really like to try more. Do you have any good tips on machine adjustments (tensions, needle type, etc) for sewing through all the thicknesses needed to make a sturdy bag that will hold its shape? And I always have trouble getting a nice even look for my topstitching. Any advice? Good luck with the book!
I didn't read all of the other comments yet, so hopefully these questions aren't a repeat.
1) What are good materials to use to give a bag a sturdy, flat base if that's the look you're going for?
2) Handles - what are good resources for leather ones? I was just in Taipei and saw some at a fabric market, but they were quite expensive. Having not priced them before, maybe that was the going rate for them everywhere!
3) Protection - what do you recommend using to protect the exterior fabric of our bags?
Thanks, Kay!
Jamie
1. A lot of our media toys have rechargers and usb cords - do your bags have specific pockets for these items?
2. Is there somewhere to put headphones/earbuds?
I love bags with pockets..cell phone, ipod, checkbooks, etc. What is the best way to reinforce those pockets? And how do you make a divider in the liner to create two sides within?
How do you put in grommets?
What is the best way to add body to the bag without a lot of bulk?
I really like the magnetic closures, but how do you stabilize this area so they do not tear out, but are stable enough to use?
For me, there is nothing like creating my own bag that reflects my personality and interests. However, I have always shied away from making bags for my digital devices out of concern of protecting my investments. How can I insure that the bags I make for digital devices will be protected from accidental bumps?
Edrie Cross
Pennsylvania
I'd love to see suggestions for customizing the interior. I usually find that I love a bag exterior but the inside is lacking. How do I add pockets, or a divider, or maybe a zipper compartment, a place for my keys? Or can I transform this bag easily into a laptop bag? Or with a few changes can it become a diaper bag?
Most bag patterns have a zip or button closure on the top. I would like to put a drawstring closure (using cord and a stopper) where the fabric comes out from the sides and the opening is in the centre. My question is: is there a way of using the measurements of the top of the bag to draw a pattern piece for a drawstring closure? I tried this on the "Day in the Park Backpack/tote" on Flickr, but I would love to see it done correctly.
Thanks!
What are the best types of fabrics to use? You need something sturdy yet pretty.
I love all of your designs and enjoy making bags. My questions is; "when making bags, what is the best technique you've tried that reduces the bulk from all the layers?"
I love making bags and I definitely have a few trouble spots.
1. I love how your bags have such stiff sides (timtex perhaps?) but how do you install the zipper so beautifully with that much bulk going under the presser foot?
2. When boxing the corners, do you have any tips for making the bottom perfectly square? (Sometimes I am just a scosh off and have to start over)
Hi Kay, You have lots of good questions in your comment section. Although my question probably won't win the giveaway, I hope I can still get an answer to them.
#1) I can pick out great fabric any day for the body of the bag, but if the strap binds my shoulder or curls up on itself it reads "handmade" or worse "poorly executed". How do I make a variety of straps so that I can get that "hold-up-forever" factor without looking bulky?
#2) I like the look of combining fabric and leather, will your book have a good leather source in the source section? Ditto for all the buckles/D-rings/quality Zippers/etc.? If these finishing touches are your run of the mill fabric store stock, the bag will not get to that level I am after.
#3) Is there any chance I can be a tester for the bag patterns and instructions in the upcoming book? It sounds like the book is well underway, but it is worth a shot to ask.
Good luck with your project. Carolina
Do you have a great tip for ironing those hard to get to areas when making a handbag? I hate the ironing process, especially when you can't get to that certain spot!
I made a bag that has a gusset. I didn't understand it, so I just put it under the sewing needle and hoped for the best. (Not a good idea)
Can you give tips on bag construction with a gusset?
Does scotchguard (or simular product) extend the life of the bag? Or does it destroy the fabric?
What kind of feet would you suggest to keep the bottom of the bag clean? And how would you attach them?
I enjoy making bags and look forward to your new book! My question is related to bag handles. No matter what I've tried, there is usually "pulling" where the handle meets the bag. I carry lots of "stuff" so the bags can get heavy. What is the best way to reinforce the handles so that they don't pull away from the bag? I also look forward to seeing the answers to some of the other great questions.
Love your designs!
While I LOVE making bags and purses, I'm always disappointed with patterns and how the lining fits into the bag and sags. Do you have a solution for this problem?
Hi Kay,
I am looking foward to your bag book. I have the same question as a few others I think.
1) What do you use for a stablizer, in Australia we have a product called "Bag Batting", it isn't fusible, it's like a compressed batting.Should you use a fusible product?
2) Bag Fett...What is the best way to put these in? I have a pattern that uses bag feet and it looks difficult, any suggestions?
3( Handles... Do you put batting in them?
There are probably more questions, I just can't think of them at present.
Sorry that should have been Bag Feet.
I saw a lot of comments and even my sister-in-law has her questions here.I had a simple questions i am looking answer for.
1. What tips you would give to bag maker's if they want to use their own ideas/ patterns for making bags. i have so many ideas for making bags of my own patterns but can never found any information how to go about.
2.While sewing through thick layers/areas do you recommend any special needle.
3. How important is top-stitching and would you recommend it doing from the main side of fabric or from lining side.
I have just began sewing learning from my sister-in-law and planning to do some more when i visit her for thanksgiving and christmas.
Thanks,
Martha
Is there an easy (i.e. no-brainer) way to put a zipper in a bag? And what to you prefer to use to give "structure" to a bag? Stabilizer? Interfacing? Is one better than the other, or should I use something else entirely?
I am new to bag making and was wondering what would be the best material to use for the bottom when making a flat-bottomed bag. In other words, what material provides the stiffness necessary to hold the shape?
I love to make bags, and I like the sides to have a bit of stiffness so the sides aren't floppy. When I add fusible fleece to my lining,the lining doesn't fit smoothly inside the bag. The lining seems to be too big for the bag. Do I need to make the lining a bit smaller than the bag?
I just recently started putting zippers in the purses I make, a huge step since I have been deathly afraid of zippers!
My questions: How do you put fabric around the zipper so that the zipper blends with the purse fabric and it has strength? I have tried, but the fabric around the zipper always comes out flimsy.
I would love to know how to do an inside zippered pocket in the lining of a bag
This comment is coming from a beginner.
What's the number 1 rule in sewing bags? The most important to know.
Thank you,
~ Eliana ~
Fun2knit@gmail.com
Hello, thanks for the chance. My question is what is your best way to give body to a bag so it'll hold itself up well without being too hard or bulky, especially at the seams.
I am interested in using iron on vinyl to protect my bag since I have never used it I need info on applying it and what foot is best to use on my sewing machine when sewing on vinyl? Do you use regular sewing thread or a quilting thread on heavy seams like handles or quilted fabric?
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