26 April 2010
A couple months ago I created a skirt and bag from these lovely fabrics. The skirt was a must and the bag was a plus, so I made the skirt first.
The pattern is a basic A-line skirt with the length landing mid/low-calf. The pattern I made by using a calculation of my measurements (the formula can be found in this book).
The skirt has a white hidden zipper. I have not sewn a normal zipper yet, but I have found the hidden zippers very simple to insert and attach (especially after getting over the intimidation of actually sewing a zipper).
After the skirt was finished, I moved on to designing a pattern for the bag. The bag was to be a tote-style bag that could carry a camera, three lenses, a Bible, and a notepad . . . with a little extra room left over. The completed bag had plenty of room.
At one time the bag was nearly full. It contained twelve medium sized books, a camera, three lenses, notepad, and several other accessories. Oh, and a sweater, too! It seems that this bag is reminiscent of Mary Poppin’s carpet bag — it doesn’t look too big on the outside, but the contents seem to be never-ending!
This was the first actual sample of the pattern . . . and now I know where the pattern needs adjusting and improvement, but the bag still worked well and carried the needed supplies!
There is a divider in the center to separate the technological supplies from the books. The divider has been stiffened with fabric interfacing and wonder-under.
Sewn onto the divider are three pockets of various sizes. One for pens and pencils, the middle one for business cards, and the other for a cell phone.
Attached at top on one side is a long cover made from the inside fabric. The cover drapes from one side to the other hiding the contents of the bag. This adds privacy to the bag without taking away from the tote-bag style and decorative fabric.
The happy spring skirt and very large bag.
(Photos with me in them were taken by my sweet sister.)
Beautiful skirt! I love the print!
lovely, oh so lovely! your choice of fabric is very *spring* and beautiful. :)
I love the fabric you used for the skirt.
Very pretty & cheery! I don’t suppose there is any possibility that you will post a pattern or tutorial to make the bag? I have some skirts waiting to be sewn – you have inspired me to tackle that project. Thanks!
Blessings,
Karen H
They’re both beautiful! Those are lovely fabrics, and your bag looks so professional. I have a pair of flats just like yours that I love to pieces and wear all the time. =)
~Kristin
Such marvelous fabrics!! I am in awe of that bag. :)
Sew PRETTY! ;-)
I love the fabric. What’s it made out of? I’m trying to find good clothing material – I always find that cotton wrinkles too quickly, polyester is too hot, and poly-cotton rarely comes in good prints!
And I’ve heard so many good things about “Sew What Skirts” would you recommend getting it?
Dear Emily,
They turned out wonderfully! Where did you get the fabric?
God Bless,
~Allison
very pretty!
You are SO talented!!!!!!! How lovely! :)
Wow! What a great skirt and bag, I have been waiting for your post on it. Good job!
Those are SO pretty! I love the bag! (I have a lot of totes (;)
Enjoy the sun!
Love & miss you all!
(((HUG)))
Marie :)
What a *lovely* skirt and delightful bag-how nice that you can design a custom bag for all of your needs!
The fabrics are so delightful and I love the design of the bag and skirt! You should add the pattern to your etsy shop for the bag sometime. :)
How beautiful! And lovely photography, Breezy!
Joyfully in Jesus,
Elizabeth
Emily both are truly lovely! I need to learn to sew, that’s for sure.
Oh, Emily! :D Such a beautiful and fun skirt! :D And I LOVE the fabric! :D So beautiful and sweet! :) I have seen that book in our library and taken it out a few times (but not made anything yet)…I’ll have to check it out again! ;)
Your bag is great! :D I can’t believe you could hold all that! :D WOW!!! Since you made it up yourself, I don’t suppose you could share how you did it could you? :) I love bags as much as I love cute skirts and pretty fabrics! ;) Lol! You truly did a wonderful job on it though…love all the added pockets and the divider too! :) You could really find so many uses for it! :D
Thank you for sharing the photos! :D I always enjoy seeing what my friends and fellow Christian young ladies are making. ;) And Breezy, you did a fabulous job on the pictures! :D
Love and Hugs and Blessings! :D
~Rachel~
I love it!!! :D And I have those exact same shoes ~ except in RED. :D
Gorgeous fabrics, excellent design! That bag would be awesome for a diaper bag (I like something pretty that can double as a purse, even though I have a boy).
You did a wonderful job! Such happy fabrics that sing of spring. Isn’t it fun to wear and use things you create with your own hands? Be blessed!
You’re very talented! Thanks for sharing :)
In Christ,
Lisa Marie
I love both the bag and the skirt! I need a bag like that! :-) The skirt looks wonderful! I love the combo of the shirt and skirt you wore!
Amy
I love it! The A-line skirt is a very pretty style, and the colours are so refreshing!
Thanks for sharing – I have been looking forward to seeing your skirt and ‘very big bag’.
So cute!
Very cute. I love your fabric choices and your skirt and bag are darling. So what kind of camera and lenses are you toting in that new bag? I wanted to see if you’ve posted anything about what camera you use, but your links don’t work for me. Really great pictures too.
Gorgeous bag and skirt!!! Please do tell..where is the skirt fabric from?
What marvelous creations, Emily Rose! :)
Isn’t sewing wonderful? *sigh*
You did such a lovely job on
your pattern design and choosing your
glorious fabrics!!!
With Much Love in Christ~
Miss Jen
P.S.
BEAUTIFUL photos, Breezy! :>)
Mrs. Hewett, I’m not sure yet whether or not I will post a tutorial or pattern for the bag – but thank you for asking!
Kyleigh, for the most post part I recommend Sew What Skirts. There are a few immodestly dressed illustrations.
Allison and Alyssa, I purchased the fabrics at JoAnn’s (the green one was in the keepsake calico section and the white in another section).
Anna, that’s what we were thinking, too! It seems like it is a great size for a diaper bag. :)
Renee, yes, sewing one’s own clothing is wonderful!
April, the camera I use is the Nikon D60 and the lenses are the 18-55mm, 55-200mm, and 50mm f1.4. I’m sorry the links aren’t working for you – I plan on fixing that soon, thank you for letting me know! For now, if you’re using Internet Explorer, try clicking “Compatibility View” at the right of the address bar (it looks like a piece of paper torn in half). That should fix it in the meantime!
Miss Jen, yes, I completely agree! Sewing is delightful!
Very lovely! You are very talented, Emily Rose! A bag like that has been on my to-do list, but I haven’t gotten the fabric yet.
Love your fabric choices! We don’t have a JoAnn’s locally here…we used to when I lived in New England. You did a great job on the skirt and bag.
Wow, how adorable! You’ve inspired me to keep plugging away at learning how to sew ;-)
I LOVE the fabric, so springy and cheerful.
4Him,
~Hannah
I love your skirt and the bag! Especially that bag! It looks so nice and roomy and those pockets are just wonderful :D You did a nice job :)
Jessica
I love both the bag and the skirt Miss Emily Rose! Very sweet and fun with the beautiful bright colors! Mmmm… is there any chance you could be selling these on your etsy shop? I would buy one (or the pattern) for my camera!!! :)
It is such a joy to know how to sew, I enjoy it so very much and I can tell by your items it is a love of yours as well! :)
Thank you so very much for sharing, I enjoyed it!
Blessings in Christ,
Miss Antoinette
Aw! those are so pretty! I love how fun the colors and patterns are on the fabric!
Lovely! The bag is my favorite… so practical and cheery. = )
Blessings,
Kate
both of your creations look amazing!!!
Lovely! Fun design for the bag, and I like your fabrics. I’m always too chicken to go for bright fabrics, but I’m working on it. Your photos are very compelling. :)
This is truly beautiful, Emily Rose. Thanks for sharing~I’ve been looking forward to seeing the finished project:)
Blessings!
Where can I get the pattern for your bag?
Amy, thank you for asking about the bag pattern! At this time I do not have the pattern available, and am not sure whether it will be available in the future (whether that be a tutorial or selling the pattern).
Oh, how lovely!! I want a new, happy, spring skirt too!
Have a happy Wednesday!
~Amber
Can you hear me? I am oooohhhhing and awhhhhhhing. Love your skirt and bag…the fabrics are gorgeous!
I love your blog design (and your sister’s too.) amazing. clean. inviting. beautiful. I love it. Wondering if you design for others?
Kimmie
mama to 8
one homemade and 7 adopted!
Emilie! The skirt & bag is beyond adorable! WOW! So very feminine & classic. Very nice. You have a beautiful blog & I am inspired! Many, many blessings ~ Patrizia <3
The bag is very nice!!! I would love it if you would post the pattern!!!
Rachel ~
Oh yes, please post a pattern! I am in need of a great bag like that!! I hope y’all are doing well, have a nice day!
oops! I just now saw that you don’t have the pattern available. Well, if you ever do, I would love to get it! thanks.
I just wanted to pop in and say hi. My sisters and I met you at the 2009 Father Daughter retreat.
Your skirt is beautiful, and *Love* that book! Isn’t it wonderful? And it’s so easy to use!
The bag is wonderful, I love big bags. I wish I was patient enough to make something like that from scratch!
I have those shoes as well!
Blessings,
Kaitlyn
Hi. I really love the fabric that you have used for the bag, and I have been looking for it on-line everywhere. I have managed to work out that it is by Alexander Henry, but I don’t know anything else! I don’t live in the US so JoAnns can’t help either. Is there the name of the print or collection in the selvedge?
Thanks so much!
Both skirt and bag are wonderful. You do such beautiful work. I too would love the pattern for the bag.
I love that fabric!
I checked out the book from the library, and then bought it to use later. I combined the measurement calculations form the book, New Look pattern 6979 and put a sash around to make an empire waist dress. (the shirt pattern was for knit fabrics, but I just made it several sizes larger and it worked just fine with woven).
Where did you get the fabric?
Lauren
Lauren Ashley, thank you! I purchased the fabric at a JoAnn Fabric and Craft Store, but I’m not sure what brand or fabric line it is. I’m so glad the book was of help to you – it sounds like the dress must have turned out lovely! Blessings, Emily Rose