Crafting : The Year Of The Bag

My ::verypurpleperson:: handbag

I haven't been sewing, I've been crafting. 

Dragées bags

Though I sew to craft, in my mind, it's not the same thing. There are no fitting issues, construction is moot,  fabric is easier to work with, it doesn't involve much thinking and I can really knock'em off. It can also be very boring as far as problem solving goes, but they do make nice affordable gifts which is my intention here. 

Another t-shirt re-fashion!

One year, I made Martha Stewart aprons, last year I made faux fur muffs and this is the "Year of The Bag". I started by copying a shopping bag I had with moderate success. I so wanted to copy the original, I French seam curved jean. Don't try this at home as the results will disapoint!

So I started looking for a bag I like and would use, which, took me some time. Here are a few free patterns I found which I might eventually make to break the monotony of making the same thing over and over again. 

Both Butterick Retro Tie Bag and Wrist Bag look cool, all you have to do is give them your e-mail address and you'll be able to download it, Martha's Reversible Purse looks promising...

But for now, my fave of fave and the only one I have been making is verypurpleperson's which I have tested and love. I tweeked the construction method for the bigger bag to ease the pulling part because I added pockets and zippers inside for my phone, wallet and keys. So here is my first tutorial! Basically, I'm bagging the bag if you know what I mean, if you don't, write, I'll try to help.