I've changed the dimensions on this tutorial so you can make a bag from half a yard of fabric and lining. The bag I made previously, used half a metre, but I know a lot of you gals out there work in feet and inches so I very thoughtfully thought of you and altered it to only use a half a yard of standard 44" wide fabric.
I'm so very kind and lovely like that.
I'll just let you take the blame that I haven't tidied up today because I've been obsessed with doing this.
O,k, you will need a large piece of paper measuring 26" x18" ( I taped a load of A4 pieces together) fold the paper in half so that it measures 13"x18".
Mark out the measurements like so
Cut away the 4" strips on the left for the base and straps like this.
On the right hand side of your main piece, make a little mark 12" up from base. On the left hand side, make a mark 11 and a quarter " up from base, and then scoopity scoop your bag shape something like this.
on the right hand side, flatten out the scoop on the bottom edge so it fits in underneath your arm nicely.
You should end up with something like this.
Keep one of your 4" straps intact for the base, the other, slice in two measuring 18" x "2 for the straps as above.
At this point I have to stop and continue early next week, because it's my eldest boy's 21 st birthday tomorrow and I have to make a chocolate cake.
Although if you saw me, you would never ever believe I looked old enough to have a son that age - contrary to the opinion of my daughter, who once again says it's embarrassing to have the oldest and quite possibly the fattest Mum in the class - one day I'm going to poke her right in the eye.
Hmphh,
I'll be back early next week, (tuesday or wednesday I should think) to show how I put the pieces together.
Bye for now
xxx
fatty.
Part 2.
Sorry for the delay, but it got sunny here and the kids were on half term hols, so needless to say,there was no crafting for me.
Anyhoo, here goes with part two,
cut two straps,1 base and two bag pieces from your main fabric and the same from your lining.
Next, using those scooped out pieces between the handles, make the pockets. Lay two pieces right side together, you can put lining with lining and main with main or mix it up if you like - it's up to you. Pin and stitch together leaving a gap for turning. Turn right side out, and stitch gap closed. For a nice clean finish, machine stitch along the top edge or hand stitch as I did later if preferred.
Stitch pockets in place about 3" down from the top. Let's hope you make a better job of this than I did, mine looks crap to be honest.
Now stitch your straps to the left hand side (as you're looking at it) of the bag pieces like so.
For the lining - stitch the straps to the RIGHT HAND SIDE of the bag pieces, DO NOT I repeat DO NOT forget to do this, or things won't match up when you go to sew them together and you will have a lot of unpicking to do. I'm stressing this point , because I'll give you one guess as to who may or may not have made that very mistake first time around.
Stitch the base to your bag pieces and repeat for the lining.
Place one of your lining and main fabric pieces right sides together, and pin and stitch all along the top of the bag and straps. Repeat.
Now here's the fiddly bit, turn the strap and strap base right side out, and tuck into the pocket so you don't nearly stitch over them later. Cough cough.
Next, with right side together, matching up the seams, pin and stitch your bag together leaving a 4" gap for turning on one side of the lining as shown below.
Next up, flatten all four corners of the bag, and pin and stitch across the previous seam line
It should look something like this. trim excess, turn right side out and stitch lining gap closed.
Ladder stitch the free end of the strap to the bag.
Then machine or hand stitch all around the top and the handles pressing first for a nice crisp edge,
and hand stitch across the top of the pockets if you didn't machine stitch earlier.
Just for a bit of fluffy girliness, I then cut some simple flower shapes from the scraps, made little slits in the middle to thread through some linen tape, knotted the linen tape at the front, did a few anchoring stitches at the back, and then stitched the tape to the pocket.
All done !
Just about the right size for a picnic blanket, some strawberries and a bottle of Champagne.
There are probably easier ways of doing this (there normally are when I do something) but I hope this makes sense to you.
Ta-ra for now,
xxx
Not-so- Fatty.
(I'm on a diet)
Can you direct me to that tutorial with the dimensions in meters and centimeters?
Thanks!! :-D
Posted by: sfer | May 22, 2009 at 07:41 PM
Yes, for me too... please!!! :-)
A Mom from France
Posted by: Cornélie | May 22, 2009 at 07:55 PM
Just repeat to yourself: "Someday I'll have granddaughters...someday I'll have granddaughters..."
Posted by: Carrie | May 22, 2009 at 07:57 PM
oh, don't you just love kids?
21st birthday? Crikey! That's a proper grown up boy, isn't it?!!!
Posted by: katy | May 22, 2009 at 08:00 PM
this is just the coolest pattern. It's so satisfing to see it all fit together like that, I can imagine it was satifing as hell to come up with it. Now go poke that girl in the eye.
Posted by: meg | May 22, 2009 at 08:10 PM
i can beat that 'kid comment' my youngest every night says 'poo your breath stinks' when i sing her a lullaby and kiss her blessed cheeks! my husband assures me that my breath is acceptable :)
the bag looks great so far and so does your new banner!
%*_*% rosey
Posted by: icantsew | May 22, 2009 at 11:26 PM
OMG, you made me laugh out loud. I had my first daughter at age 22 so was a normal Mom. Then at age 40 I had the last son. All the kids would tell him how nice it was that his "grandma" came to school for him. LOL I finally covered the gray, but it didn't seem to help any...
Great tute for the bag. I have the perfect fabric... and will start it on Sunday...
Posted by: Nancy | May 23, 2009 at 12:01 AM
My darling 4 y.o. son asks, "Mommy, why do you have a big fat tummy?" The first time he asked, I valiantly choked back shocked tears, reminded myself that he's young and didn't mean to hurt my feelings, yada yada yada.
Now I tell him it's because I was very old (41) when I had him so he broke me. I figure I'm losing ground against him every day, so I'd best get in my best shots now because he's going to win in the end.
Love the bag, thank you!
Posted by: Jen | May 23, 2009 at 05:40 AM
what a wonderful tute thanks so much can't wait for the rest!!!
Posted by: Linda | May 23, 2009 at 12:34 PM
That is very kind of you to provide a pattern and do the math for us readers.
My child makes all sorts of remarks about my body too, and everyone elses. I can't seem to shush her. I'm so sorry that it's going around.
Posted by: Christine | May 24, 2009 at 01:10 AM
Thank you so much for the very clear tutorial. I'll come back for more next week :)
Kids can be quite blunt sometimes, can't they ?! Sigh.
Posted by: Flo - mycraftyways | May 24, 2009 at 06:15 AM
i had twins
and 2 other monsters in there ...
i need ironing ... or some darts, maybe?
cat xxxx
Posted by: raggyrat | May 24, 2009 at 07:51 AM
Thanks for free bag pattern, I'll make it when I get some time!!!
Posted by: Mrs Bizzie | May 24, 2009 at 10:05 AM
Look forward to part 2...very clever how you get all the pieces from such little fabric.
Posted by: Jane Weston | May 24, 2009 at 10:25 AM
Dear Fatty,
Your bird rocks.
Posted by: shula | May 24, 2009 at 12:35 PM
Oof, the CHEEK! I'm guessing the 21-year-old is the extraordinarily viewable boy you posted pictures of before? XD
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MASTER MOLLYCHICKEN. And as for Miss Mollychicken, I should say she should be grateful for a poke in the eye and nowt worse.
Posted by: KittyJJ | May 24, 2009 at 10:32 PM
How kind and lovely you are.
Kids, eh? Before them I had no grey hairs, a flat tummy and no one stole all the apples before I got a chance to eat a single bloody one...
Posted by: UK lass in US | May 25, 2009 at 04:54 PM
When I was 24 , my small daughter asked me , "Mummy , are you very , very old ? " . She's given up mentioning it now we're both nearly 40 years older .
Posted by: SmitoniusAndSonata | May 25, 2009 at 05:58 PM
All of you with younger children, need to teach them the following mantra: I am not responsible for my parents actions; I am not responsible for my parents actions. My daughter, now 26, came up with this all on her own for reasons I won't go into. I will say she has won more "my family is crazier than your family" contests than anyone I know. She would mock your daughter's embarassment.
Posted by: Winnie | May 26, 2009 at 02:36 AM
Oh yes, I agree with the granddaughter comment! Besides your granddaughters will adore you and think you are perfect...it's worth the wait!
Posted by: Roseanna | May 26, 2009 at 03:10 AM
Oh my - this is what I have to look forward to, with a little girl growing right in my belly at the moment and me creeping closer and closer to 40!
I do think a little poke isn't such a bad idea (he he he...)
Thank you for the wonderful pattern! You are so creative!!!
Posted by: PS | May 26, 2009 at 08:56 PM
Hello, I was surfing the internet looking for japanese crafts and I discovered your blog! I have been missing out. I love your ideas! Can't wait to get a moment by myself (probably after midnight when the kido's are asleep) and look it over more closely.
Estela
Posted by: Estela | May 26, 2009 at 09:38 PM
so cheeky - just like my twins, we're not alone! Thank God you can make fun of it!
Posted by: Christine | May 28, 2009 at 09:00 AM
Welcome back! I had missed your comments on everyday life. Please remember us continental women who prefer cm to yards. Thanks! Looking forward to your completed tutorial.
Posted by: Claudia | May 29, 2009 at 08:14 AM
I'm excited to try this!
Can't wait for the rest!
Posted by: Frizz | June 01, 2009 at 12:47 AM
Thanks for the second part - can get started. Brilliant. And how's your daughter's eye!
Posted by: Cal | June 05, 2009 at 03:29 PM
Thank you thank you for translating to yards and inches! It's so satisfying to use fabric that efficiently and it's cute to boot.
Well, I just came from an unnerving experience with some children that I pick up for carpooling...still shaking.
I'd much rather think of pretty fabric and bags to sew and Mollychicken and other moms who are nice.
Posted by: Vicki K. | June 05, 2009 at 04:23 PM
Oooo lovely! Thank you for sharing such a fun bag. Also, love the little chickens.
Posted by: Verena Poole | June 05, 2009 at 10:03 PM
this is a gorgeous bag & i can't begin to imagine the work you have put into this tutorial, i tried one for a simple hairclip once & it all went pearshape after 3 steps. You are a legend & the bag is so good damn lovely to boot.
Posted by: Jenni | June 06, 2009 at 12:54 AM
Thank you for the tutorial. I love your blog, sometimes make's me laugh and realize I not the only one with outspoken children! Nice to know it's not only my 7 year old who thinks he has the fattest oldest silliest Mum at school!
Louise
Posted by: Louise | June 06, 2009 at 02:12 AM
Thank you so very much for such a nice tutorial and pattern. I'm such a fan of your stuff! Hugs!
Posted by: Marcia | June 06, 2009 at 01:58 PM
I vote for centimeters, too.
Strawberry and champagne - sounds like a fantastic diet;)
Posted by: Lis | June 06, 2009 at 04:49 PM
Wow, I'm a first time visitor and I love the tutorial. You did a beautiful job and the fabric is lovely
Posted by: Tora | June 07, 2009 at 03:14 AM
Great tutorial! love your post!
Posted by: heleen | June 07, 2009 at 12:02 PM
I love your style of writing. It is very entertaining and I can relate to everything you wrote. Thanks for the tutorial.
Nikki/Texas
Posted by: Nikki Gould | June 07, 2009 at 06:14 PM
your tutorials are just the best! thank you! Mx
Posted by: margaret | June 08, 2009 at 09:45 AM
Hi! I'm new to your blog and the first thing that I saw I loved!! The birds are adorable!! and now I can't wait to make the bag!! I am addicted to fabric and purchasing it but never have an clever cute ideas! NOW I do!! YOU'RE AWESOME!!
www.betterthannormal.org
Posted by: Melanie | June 09, 2009 at 03:06 PM
What a beautiful blog you have, thanks so much for sharing your creativity! Niki xxx
Posted by: Niki | June 09, 2009 at 03:14 PM
Thanks so much for the update! I've been slowly digging out my Reader so I may be linking to this a little late, lol.
Posted by: Rachel | June 09, 2009 at 07:08 PM
I loved this so much I made two of them yesterday! I cut it several inches shorter all the way around, and made the straps shorter, too! You can see the results over on www.misspinks.blogspot.com I put your link to show where I got the pattern! It's awesome!
Posted by: Karla | June 11, 2009 at 05:33 PM
The bag is beautiful. Don't let that little one bully you. ;)
Posted by: Christine Sews | June 12, 2009 at 02:19 PM
I am so glad I found your blog! I am enjoying both your creativity and your personality. Please tell your daughter she needs to realize how lucky she is to have such a wonderful Mom.
Posted by: Cindy | June 15, 2009 at 09:36 PM
I am so glad I stumbled on this blog...just beautiful and loved this post! Thank you ;)
Posted by: M.Kate | June 17, 2009 at 06:51 AM
Well she might call you fatty but I call you the Tutorial Queen.
Posted by: Rebecca | June 18, 2009 at 08:35 PM
What a gorgeous bag, love the material. May have to give this a go. Thanks for the tutorial!!
Vanessa
Posted by: Vanessa Gray | June 19, 2009 at 01:00 PM
Gosh that's a cheery little bag! Love it!
Have a wonderful week...
Blessings,
Spencer
Posted by: Spencer | June 29, 2009 at 09:56 PM
I finally got around to making a bag from your tutorial yesterday and have to tell you that your tutorial is absolutely brilliant. I've never whipped up any bag this fast or easily. Would have been even faster if I hadn't sewn the wrong strap pieces together (that's one you didn't cover) and if I hadn't gone off to procrastinate (paint toenails, fold laundry). My bag has a bottom because I have this thing about bags with bottoms.
I am off today to look for more suitable fabric (the stuffed closet upstairs doesn't seem to hold anything suitable).
Thank you so very much for this tutorial!!!!!
Posted by: Doris | July 05, 2009 at 04:58 PM
I had to laugh - my youngest so kindly informed me that not only am I the oldest Mom in his fourth grade class, I am the WAY oldest.
Posted by: Susan | July 06, 2009 at 04:07 AM
that bag is totally gorgeous - thanks for sharing :o) And I just love love love your little birdie card - it's adorable! Michelle :o)
Posted by: michelle | July 31, 2009 at 11:06 PM
I am loving this bag. Thanks for sharing your pattern and instructions, I think i will try and make one soon!
Posted by: Yummy Lavender | August 21, 2009 at 10:00 AM
I got a phone call from a friend for a last minute birthday party tomorrow and decided to google sewing crafts and found you. What a find! Can't wait to come back and drool over your fantastic critters and discover new accronyms (CRAP totally applies to me here in Portland, Oregon, USA in about two months).
Posted by: mary | August 26, 2009 at 04:16 AM
Thnx for this wonderful tutorial.
i list it in my blog if u dont mind.
thanks
Posted by: DIYBagLover | September 08, 2009 at 04:25 PM
Tahnks for the tutorial.
Would you mind adding the measurementin cm/meters for us europeans?
thanks a lot
hugs from Italy
Antonella
Posted by: Antonella | October 13, 2009 at 06:14 PM
A great, easy to follow pattern !!
Thanks a lot !!
Posted by: Tanpopo | October 25, 2009 at 08:47 AM
Just love the softness of the bag and the detail you look after.
Posted by: blankets | November 20, 2009 at 03:52 AM
now I see it!
Posted by: coseMicy | December 12, 2009 at 02:58 PM
I love your bag, and I am vowing to follow your pattern and make one myself...or at least make the flower embellishment, which is so cute! Thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: Mitzi Curi | January 07, 2010 at 11:07 AM
A million thanks for sharing these inspiring creations! Cheers to you!
Posted by: Banana Bread | January 26, 2010 at 11:54 PM
You are laugh out loud funny! I really enjoyed the tutorial as well. It was very well done and I hope to use your instruction very soon in the future.--THANKS
Posted by: Kathy N. | June 13, 2010 at 02:46 AM
I made your wonderful pattern and blogged about it today. Thank you for sharing the pattern. I'll share on Flickr too!
Posted by: Lallee | August 06, 2010 at 11:55 AM
UPDATED - Half yard bag Parts 1&2 <-- That's exactly what I was looking for!
Posted by: Truth about Abs | August 30, 2010 at 01:02 PM