Look! I made a bag and it’s not a tote!
Around three birthdays ago, I was fortuitously gifted a bag that ticked all my bag-needing boxes. It was simple in design, there was no visible branding, it went with just about everything I wore, it had the perfect amount of pockets, it was sturdy, it felt comfortable, it was relatively trans-seasonal and it was big enough to carry all my crap as well as children and partner’s assorted crap on random (though increasingly frequent) occasions.
Yep, this was one awesome bag. Towards the end, I think I took it (her?) for granted because it wasn’t ’til I saw the wear and tear that I realised how much I was going to miss her (yes, definitely ‘her’) when she was gone. And then one night where alcohol may or may not have been involved, I grabbed my seam ripper and just pulled her apart. And when I saw her lying there in a myriad of parts and pieces, I knew my plan to sew up her reincarnated self was going to be more complicated than I’d thought. And I felt a little sad. And scared.
Now let it be known that beyond the odd library book bag, I have zero experience in bag making and if you’re making the real deal, there is definitely a lot more to it than your average tote. I worked on mine over numerous sewing classes, with much supportive guidance, and I don’t mind admitting to more than a few moments of wanting to chuck that towel right in. But as is so often the sewing case, I’m VERY glad I didn’t. Because she’s done now and I LOVE her and I learnt a hell of a lot during the process. And isn’t that what this sewing thing is all about?
The main outer fabric is our PVC coated cotton canvas Spotted Rows – it’s sold out online and in Sydney but there’s a wee bit left in Melbourne. I had originally planned on getting some black leather to replicate the pocket details until I had one of those forehead-slapping moments where I realised I could re-use the existing ones. The beautifully worn, thick, brown leather straps are also recycled from the original and were applied with new rivets by my local shoe repairer.
The bag lining is our 100% polyester Night Grid (available Surry Hills and Melbourne only). Sewing both leather and PVC coated fabric meant I gave my teflon foot a damn good workout and I’m very pleased to say it passed with flying colours.
What a gorgeous creation – if only the pattern was available. And I love that you recycle the leather fittings – brilliant.
Really fabulous! Great job!
seriously well done! Very professional finish and great fabric colour combinations
Please please…pattern please!!
Great work you old Bag / Lady ! 😉
That is amazing Lisa. If only I had half as much patience.
Yours in admiration…. Marina 🙂
Amazing! I always feel like a bag lady. At least you can be a stylish bag lady now!!
It looks awesome. I still haven't quite found my perfect bag yet, but I think external pockets are a must and yours look fab. I really hope you at least drafted yourself a pattern for when this one starts to get worn out.
That is gorgeous Lisa – I am thoroughly jealous. You do such beautiful sewing – it really looks amazing.
shit hot
Yay … Well done Lisa … We hope you traced off a pattern before you sewed it up!
Jo verity
LOVE IT!!!! – absolutely gorgeous!!!! Good on you for sticking it out and aren't you glad you did – with that result, you much be so proud – I would be.
Nice work Lisa! A fantastic job recreating your favorite bag. Xx
Wow, amazing, fabulous. I imagine it is even better than the original!
I think I recognise the original! tan canvas + black leather country road bag? My best friend has the same bag and it's about to also fall apart! Looks great.
Thanks Jenna, and yes – it was (is?) a CR bag! Except mine was khaki canvas. Best bag ever.
amazing!
Oh Dear, a brand has been mentioned. I was hoping you would be so chuffed at creating such a gorgeous bag that there might be a pattern in the works!!
It is beautiful. Jane
Great Job! sometimes we should buy things in duplicate , right? i know how it feels! 🙂
Lisa, I would be interested in the pattern for this bag. Is this something you're thinking of? Jo
Being fashionable and artistic is always at work for making you look decent.
i love this bag! Please do post the pattern! Or show us a pic of the original bag. 😀
Hello! I've been looking for some PVC coated fabric for mon5hs with no luck!! Can you tell me the manufacturer of the spotted fabric so I can continue my search?! Thank you, and great job on the bag!
Hi Dale. We picked up this fabric as a local designer end so unfortunately don't have any manufacturer details. Sorry!