It looks like I first blogged about this one back in September of 2010 right after I'd purchased this lovely Japanese fabric. It was one of those situations where I had cut out the pattern and begun some of the sewing only to realize that I wasn't going to be happy with the finished product. So, I stuck it in my in-progress basket and left it there. And left it there. And left it there.
This is the Izzy & Ivy Lola Goes Shoppin' pattern—sans bow around the bag.
Doesn't really look like it, does it?Believe me, leaving off that bow kills me. But the construction of the bag didn't really allow for it.
I had added some fusible interfacing to the interior of the bag because I didn't want it to be slouchy and when it came time to add the tabs around the body of the bag for the bow to slide through, I just knew there was no way that the bow was going to look right. So, I left it off. Regrettably.
One of my favorite parts of the bag is the exterior zipper pocket. It was my first time adding one of these to a bag (or anything for that matter) and I not only love how it functions but am really pleased with how it turned out and how easy it was to install.
May this serve as my reminder to not be afraid of trying new things!
I also really love how this gold fabric from Jo-Ann works on the inside and contrasts so well in color and scale with the Isso Ecco Japanese exterior print.
A bag this size, especially without the exterior bow to help hold things together, probably needed a stronger magnetic snap—or maybe just more than one. I don't think it's a big deal but something to consider if I make this pattern again.
The one thing that really bugs me about my construction on this bag is the binding that goes around the entire opening and handles. it is just so incredibly puckery and I really don't understand it. I used exactly the method the instructions specified. Exactly the product they suggested. I don't know how they made it look so good in their product shots, but I am really not happy with how that worked out on mine. I think if I do this again, I will very likely make my own bias tape binding from a washed fabric so that it is softer and more pliable than this prepackaged bias tape binding (which, I really have no problem with normally and use on quilts all the time).
So, now that this one is done and I wasn't feeling the connection, I allowed my mother to adopt it. Maybe once she wears it in a bit and it gets that slouchy quality back I'll steal it, add the bow, and tote it around for the fall. Maybe.
4 comments:
You are on a roll! I appreciated your honesty in this post, Alecia. I can see why you were disappointed, but there are certainly good things about it too. That zipper pocket looks fab and I also loved the yellow fabric. Thanks for sharing about the snap issue as well.
haha....so glad mom can enjoy it! Guess where my zip organizer went for basically the same reason! Anyway, darling bag, and personally I like it best sans bow. Beautiful fabric. Congrats on your finish!
What a fabulous bag, I love it the way it is. The yellow pocket lining really works. Can I be honest? It's MUCH better without the bow.
Really pretty! Even though you were not super happy with it, it turned out great. I love your fabric choices.
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