Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Island Batik in 3-D

Hi and welcome to this month's Island Batik Ambassador Challenge! 
We're going 3-D.  Not Dark Dreary December (today was really rainy and dreary), but 3 dimensional.  Some of the Ambassadors are doing things that puff or stick up from a quilt, like fish tails, some are doing 3-D illusions (it looks like 3-D but it's actually flat), and others are doing things like this.  I decided a first project would be a purse.  I may do more, depending on the rest of the month.
Thanks to the Sacred Heart Academy student who modeled for me! I'm class of guess, lol, (don't want to admit my age, lol)
I've been doing craft fairs lately, and enjoy making purses, and had some great fabric for them.  Which I didn't find right away, but I did have scraps from another 3-D thing I made last year.  I'll make the other one soon.
Here, Hannah Hedgehog from Funky Friends featured this fabric collection, but I can't find the name of the fabric (this may change, lol).  **It's Soul Song by Bella Nonna Designs.  I  plan to make more purses, and probably will also use a different design, as well.  

Anyway, back to the 3-D purse.  I used the Pink Sands Beach designs Barbados Bag, which is a cross body style with lots of great pockets.  I've made quite a few of these in other fabrics, and thought it would sell well at the high school fair I did last weekend (it didn't sell yet, it's in my Etsy shop if you happen to love it, or know someone who will).   I used the beige and navy swirl dots as the main part, and Basics navy for the outside and lining, and the yellow mini dot for the pocket accent on the front.  I had silver tone hardware, so used that for the strap buckle, clip and D ring.  For the inside of the bag, I used Pellon Fusible Fleece.  I also had navy zippers on hand.  I purchase bag supplies when I see them on sale, and like the challenge of making bags.  This one measures about 9 by 11", and about 1 inch high at the bottom.  The front has an outside zip pocket, and then a second pocket that's the full width and depth, and large enough to hold a tablet or small notebook.  The back has 2 deep pockets, perfect for a passport, small camera, or assortment of pencils.  The inside has 2 smaller pockets, perfect for cards or coupons, and it's nice and deep to hold other necessary items.  The strap is about 48" long and adjustable (used the Basics Navy).  I used Aurifil 40wt in navy for all the stitching.  I like using the heavier weight for bags.  It is just a bit stronger than 50wt, and looks great in the topstitching.  


 I do sew my label into the bags I make! 
Back has 2 pockets. 
 That's my tablet in there!  Plenty of room!

I do find the pattern easy and well written, but with so many layers, with the fleece, pocket and base fabric, I increase the seam allowance to 1/2".  I think it calls for 1/4".  It's okay to just make the bag a little smaller, but if I do remember before cutting the fabric, I'll cut it 1/2" larger.  

So, have you made a purse, or other thing that's 3-D?  I do hope you try.  There are tons of great patterns available, including many free ones.  It's always good to add a challenge into your skill set.  It makes you grow as a maker!  
Please also visit the other Island Batik Ambassadors to see their 3-D items.  

I do hope you're taking time to enjoy the season's festivities and making sweet memories with your favorite people.  Happy Holidays!  I may have another project or 2 done before the end of the month.  Thanks so much for visiting! 

Maryellen



7 comments:

Carla said...

I love this bag and your model must want to keep it because it fits her well. Great fabric choice as well. I love making bags of all shapes and sizes. It's a fun project for sure.

Gene Black said...

The purse looks great. I love those fabrics.

Anita said...

Great-looking bag!

Denise said...

Very nice finish, I love that fabric.

beaquilter said...

Very cute!

Kathleen said...

Great project! I better get moving on mine!

Barb said...

Love the porcupine