The Sewing Room

Justamum

Wow Looby_Lou - they are fantastic!

sethsgran

I agree keep the old singer machine. I had my machine serviced a couple of years ago, had it about 35yrs this was 1st service! Its not Singer but a good solid machine. Guy at the shop said to hang on to it as he had someone come in with a 12 month old machine when it had snapped clean in half!

The sweet pea fabric is so pretty

hart44

PootleFlump wrote: »

Im going mad!!! Help!!

Im in the process of cutting out all my fabric for this sewing bag I want to make (the dreaded one with the boxed corners!) Anyway I want to make it with a zip and conceal the ends of my handles in between lining and main fabric. Im fine doing this normally but have never done it with a zipped bag before.

Am I correct in thinking that I would do this "sandwich" configuration:

Lining right side up
Zip right side up
Handle facing downwards (so handle edges on top of zip and looped part same direction as lining)
Main fabric wrong side up

(Then stitch, fold main fabric over and top stitch.)

I think this is right and looks ok when I put it together on floor but want a second opinion please! I also cant figure out how to do this and also get boxed corners to work as the lining and fabric will have already been stitched together. Despite trawling internet for hours this morning I cant find a tutorial.....

(told you I was going mad!)

Did you sort the prob pootle? sorry I cann't help (not much good unless its in front of me ) if you can get a pic of what you are doing I might be able to see if I can help

hart44

Hi again Pootle

I found this and wasnt quite sure if anything from this tutorial could be of any help?

http://www.hookedonneedles.com/2009/01/tote-bag-tutorial-index.html

[Deleted User]

Pootleflump

I too am having difficulty visualising this but this tutorial might help
http://www.prudentbaby.com/2010/03/quick-pretty-makeup-bag.html

Although it is for a make up bag the general principle is the same.

I have a concern that when you are stitching over the handles it might be difficult because of the thickness of all the layers.

Anyway if you have doubts tack the bag up and see how it goes.

On the subject of tacking (I have just bought another reel of tacking thread0 does no-one tack any more? I often just pin but although it seems a waste of time tacking can save unpicking a seam when the fabric slips or you cannot really pin accurately.

[Deleted User]

Shadowsfall. I don't know where you live in Surrey

I use Woking sewing machines in New Haw. I was told there is a sewing machine shop in Guildford that do repairs. I suspect it is Sewmaster as I have seen the shop there but never been in.

PootleFlump_3

hart44 wrote: »

Hi again Pootle

I found this and wasnt quite sure if anything from this tutorial could be of any help?

http://www.hookedonneedles.com/2009/01/tote-bag-tutorial-index.html

Thanks Hart. I think this may just do the trick. Fab! I hadnt thought about a zip extension! Ill give it a shot. Glad to hear your outfit and bag went down well. Hope the head wasnt too sore on Saturday!! Thanks again. x

Thanks as well Onewom. Great tutorial. I think I will tack it all first and see what happens. Good advice!

If it doesnt look like its working I might take the easy route and put in magnetic snaps instead!!!

[Deleted User]

Pootleflump

I am glad you are going to try the extension. I didn't like to say before but I do think it is the best way and I would put in a zip in a similar way. Expect you are nearly finished now.

If you do have trouble instead of a snap why not use a tab and stud or velcro. A tab gives a little more space at the top of the bag

Shadowsfall

onewom wrote: »

Shadowsfall. I don't know where you live in Surrey

I use Woking sewing machines in New Haw. I was told there is a sewing machine shop in Guildford that do repairs. I suspect it is Sewmaster as I have seen the shop there but never been in.

Guildford is doable. Thank you - I shall have a Google..!

sethsgran wrote: »

I agree keep the old singer machine. I had my machine serviced a couple of years ago, had it about 35yrs this was 1st service! Its not Singer but a good solid machine. Guy at the shop said to hang on to it as he had someone come in with a 12 month old machine when it had snapped clean in half!

Oh my! That's worrying. I do love the old thing, it's very cool. I'm glad that my nanny kept it, and kept it so well - but she's like that. The whole make do and mend motto is something she firmly believes in!

Thanks for your responses, guys - I'll get looking for a store.

craftlady

Shadowsfall wrote: »

Ah thanks for the double confirmation! Really nice to know that the old stuff is still the great stuff! I'm really pleased to keep it in the family. I just need to find a place to service it that I can trust. I don't know any. Does anybody happen to know one to recommend in the Surrey area?

Thanks muchly in advance

Where abouts in Surrey are you?