The Sewing Room

whitesatin

whitesatin wrote: »

Sorry if this is in the wrong place but I am looking for ideas/advice.

I managed to make a few of my Christmas gifts using felt and fabrics. I got quite into it and now would like to make a handbag liner, i.e. one that can be moved from handbag to handbag so that you don't leave behind important things like your mobile/diary etc.

Anyway, just wondered if anyone has made one or knows of an easy pattern to make one. I am envisaging a few little compartments to help keen things organised.

I bought some cheap Cath Kidston napkins and tea towels the other day and thought they might be cut up and put to such use but I am just not sure where to start.

Any help appreciated. Thanks.

Just to say that I did get on and make 4 such bag liners. I have kept the first (not so well finished) for myself and have given the other 3 as gifts. I used two napkins per bag so it was economical. Sorry I can't do phots but it really was very easy, taking around one hour each one. I used the iron a lot to save tacking etc. I did French seams on the inside of those given for gifts (easier than I thought) although the sewing machine struggled a bit with the thickness. I am no expert on my machine, I have to say.

Anyway, the gifts have been well received and I will continue to look out for CK napkins when there is next a sale.

rufusdog52

Blimey Pennib, it looks like its printed fabric. Thats really clever. I have quite a lot of felt in different colours but can never think of what to make out of it.

rufusdog52

The bag liners sound lovely Whitesatin, shame you cant get some photos up, I would love to see them xx

pennib

Whitesatin; Glad that you could get your problem sorted out. Sorry I couldn't help you. Sounds lovely what you have done and I bet your friends were thrilled with their presents. It's amazing what you can do with things when you think outside the circle!

Rufus; I do like felt as it doesn't fray and comes in some delicious colours. I'm attempting to re-do the roof as it's not how it should be:o

pennib

Here is the updated version of the toadstool house. As I wasn't happy with the roof it had to be re-done.

linni

It looks so much better with the new roof. It's lovely.

Tamster150

Rufus - fab cushions, for some reason I cant leave comments on your blog, will try again in a bit.

pennib

I cant leave a comment either Rufus.:(

Bobbykins

Hi all, I have been following this thread since the beginning and have dragged out my old sewing machine and gradually am improving my very rusty skills.

Thanks to you, I've plucked up my courage made a few small things like tissue holder and matching make-up bag sets for Christmas and then got very daring and recently made the Amelie bag that someone on here put up a link to. I made it as a "carry baby stuff" bag for my DD - she was really pleased with it and asked me to make one for her friend - blimey, I must be getting better!:D

Anyway, enough drivel, the reason for posting is I would like to ask for some advice please. I haven't made a dress for about 25 years and have decided to give it a whirl.

I've bought a pattern but am very nervous about the sizing on it and was thinking of making a sort of "mock up" thing first (I know there's a special name for that but can't remember what it is). I was thinking of just buying the cheapest possible fabric to make it in, maybe that shiny satin that is used for linings as it's very cheap in our local shop. My worry is that the pattern calls for lightweight linens, cotton or cotton blends. Should I stick to cotton to make the mock up or would it be safe to make it in the cheap stuff, will it fit/hang the same? Sorry if I'm being dumb, I honestly am scared to death of making a muck up of it!

I would be very grateful for any help you guys can give. Thanks ever so much.

Bobby

spicyprawn

Hi all just thought I would let you know that after a week of hand stitching I have finally finished a pouch bag! I am actually really pleased with it which surprised me, as I was sewing it by hand and it was inside out I was really nervous. I do want to make another one using the flex frame this time. I do enjoy hand sewing but sometimes I think about how much quicker it could be on a machine hehe

my pouch http://www.flickr.com/photos/71117320@N04/?hide_photostream_welcome=1

tutorial from this fab blog http://ayumills.blogspot.com/2010/01/tutorial-puffy-pouch.html

Happy sewing