I make time for sewing more than any other hobby. If I could spend a week off from work sewing all day, I would. There's nothing like the feeling of making something useful from fabric! Sometimes, I create my own design, sometimes I adapt a pattern, and sometimes I work from a purchased pattern. With bags, I prefer to buy a pattern. I feel more confident that the results will hold up if I work from someone's tested idea.
When Penny signed up to take dance classes with a friend, I decided to make each girl a little bag to hold their shoes. I wanted a bag that could stand on its own, would be small enough for the kids to carry, and could fit in a larger bag on occasion.
Jane's Little Boxy Bag Pattern from Projects by Jane was just what I was looking for. I made the two bags at once, one exactly as instructed, and the second bag using thin fusible fleece to underline the exterior.
Both bags came out cute. The shape is the same and the style is the same. The main difference is that the padding makes the bag more sturdy. It's a bit more effort to sew this way, but the result was a more professional feeling bag. Both look great.
I was glad I bought the pattern because it was accurate with clear instructions, doesn't waste fabric, and is a cinch to construct. I made both bags in an evening.
Some ideas to make it special:
- add rhinestones or jewels
- when using a fleece batting, quilt the outer shell with contrasting thread
- use bold, repurposed or store-bought handles
- use dupioni silk for the outside, lined with china silk or cotton batiste
When you're ready to make this bag for your little girl (or perhaps you want it for yourself), check out Jane's Etsy shop to purchase the pattern.
When I get caught up on all my sewing projects, I have a feeling I'll be making a few more of these bags as gifts for family and friends. They are super cute and so easy to make!
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