Monthly Archive for July, 2009

It’s amazing how a simple task can become a project.

I had finished up with one project today and thought I’d finish up another rather than starting something new. (I have a new rule.)  So, looking around I saw this stitch out from a couple weeks ago. I had used a scrap of flannel backed duck to stitch out a monogram created with 4D Express Monogram Wizard.  I stitched the monogram with a RA twist  that gave the monogram a less formal look. I know my son would like to have it made into a bag.  He spends a lot of time in the wilderness and it could be a  bag to hold some special tools or treasures.

I had already matched up a fabric to use as the top band and liner.  It complemented the RA twist and had an earthy look.  I had acquired the fabric from a girlfriend in a fat quarter swap.  (Thanks Brenda, I am putting your fabric to good use.)

I cut down the size of the duck and measured and cut the lining and top band.  I sewed the bag and lining sides and bottom and the side seam for the top band.  I inserted the lining into the bag and began pinning everything together.

Next, I new I wanted to use a draw string for the top and wanted more than a seam or a button hole to draw cording through.  I looked at my stash of grommets and selected a medium silver.  Now, I don’t know about you but every time I do grommets or snaps I get nervous.  The last time I did grommets I did have success.  Of course I did a couple practice ones first. That was for a belt that needed six or seven ‘holes’.  My anxiety wasn’t as overwhelming as in the past so I went ahead and stabilized the area, marked the specific spot and cut open an X to insert the grommet.  I slid the grommet in place and made the necessary adjustments to the hole.  Next to stamp down the edges.  This is the tricky part.  I’ve learned to start the ‘rolling’ of the edges slowly rather than just trying to smash the grommet into place.  The crimping went easily and the finished look was good. Now the band was done.

As I looked into the bag to start putting the band in place, I noticed the fabric inside the bag was very dark.  Duh, well the fabrics is dark.  One of the things I dislike is looking into a bag, any bag, and not being able to see what’s inside.  I like light bright linings.  So, I pulled the lining out and found a simple muslin to use for the lining.  I cut the size and stitched the sides.

Now I was back to putting the band on.  I pinned and stitched to ensure everything would line up nicely.  Oops.  I’m not sure what I checked but I found that the grommets were on the inside of the bag.  The draw string won’t work very well that way.  I pulled out the stitches and turned the band right side up.  I stitched the first seam and checked the construction.  This would work much better.  I matched up the edges and butted the fold against the top edge of the duck and top stitched the band in place.

I wanted a nice decorative stitch to tack down the top edge of the duck .  I didn’t want anything that would take away from the monogram.  I stitched a sample of heirloom stitch 41 and a couple others on the SE .  The heirloom stitch was the best of the sampling. I’m pleased with the look.

The only thing the bag still needs is a nice cording.

So, a bag that should have taken 1/2 hour to whip together took a bit more.  I do have a nicely finished bag and I did enjoy my time in my studio. I hope my son will enjoy the finished project.

Sew soon.

LIN