Getting Ready for the Dance!

I wanted to add a new bag to my line.  I knew that I wanted a bag that was very functional, and I knew it had to be beautiful. But how about a bag that could do double duty? And that's how Devon was born. Definitely a handbag, sometimes a small tote, Devon is designed with today's modern woman in mind. Devon features a center padded zipper pocket sized specifically for tablet computers. Two large flat interior pockets hold the rest of your necessities:  your cell phone keys, anything else you carry every day. But sometimes you just need a little more room. Devon is deep almost 4 inches deep, and the padded center pocket is removable with heavy duty snaps that keep it in place when you need it and make it easy to remove when you don't. But don't think Devon is all work and no play. An innovative bead-and-ring closure is functional and fun. Devon also has the features you've come to expect from a Bucklebee bag.  It has enough structure to retain its sleek shape next to the body and stays trim no matter what you put inside. And of course, sumptuous fabrics, unexpected prints and happy pops of color that have become the Bucklebee hallmark are there as well. Devon is ideal for travel.

Look for this great new addition to our line at bucklebee.etsy.com on Friday!

Devon's center padded pocket fits all iPads, the Kindle Fire, all popular eReaders, and most other tablet computers less than 11 inches in length.

Up and Running!

I announced the opening of my Etsy shop "Bucklebee" today! I have 7 bags listed; please stop by and take a look around. There's a link on the bottom of this page right to the shop--a few thumbnail photos of my listings are down there, as well.

Why Bucklebee bags? They're sleek, and designed to remain that way. The interior pockets expand toward the inside of the bag so they always look fresh and crisp. They're fashionable. Up-to-the-minute colors, styles and details keep you in step. They're unique! I design and construct every bag myself. Each bag is one of a kind. They're fun! Unexpected detailing will make you smile.

Yes, I will custom-make bags. If you have a special request, just let me know and we'll get to work!

Disaster Averted!

I made a custom Sally totebag for a friend. She picked the fabrics--a nice trio of rich fall browns and golds. When I got the bag outside, heading for delivery, I saw a big scorch mark on the upper cuff. Oh my. My heart sank.
Twenty-four hours later, the bag was delivered, and my friend was thrilled. How did I get the scorch out? Easy!
Back to our old friend peroxide. I used a white dishtowel, got it good and damp with 1.5% peroxide, and blotted the scorch. Then I left the damp towel over the stain for a full hour. I removed the towel and let the bag dry overnight. Stain gone.
If the actual fibers are burned, this won't work. But if the scorch is just on the fabric finish, you have a very good chance of rescuing your project.

I wanted to make some accessories, so I did!   Weekender-sized tote bag  (20" x 15"), iPad cover with interior padding and elastic closure, wallet with interior zip coin pocket and bill pocket, steel-frame coin purse and box-shaped cosmetic bag (and a composition-book cover, not pictured) were all made from 2 yards of "Patricia" by Linda Swensson for IKEA, and 1 3/4 yards of lining fabric.  The telling yardage, however, is the interfacing.   I used 4 yards of Pellon Decor Bond, and just over a yard of Pellon Craft Bond.  Everything looks crisp and professional. 

It's What's Underneath that Counts

I'm back from vacation with a head full of new ideas and itchy fingers ready to sew.  One of my favorite things to make are bags--any size, any function, any style, any technique is fine with me.  I only insist on a few things:  precision sewing, high-quality hardware, and attention to construction details.
This weekend, my daughter came home to visit and brought a couple of yards of fabric with her.  She asked me to make her a large bag that could serve as a bookbag during the week, or an overnight bag for a weekend trip.  We had a pattern drafted in no time.  Total time from conception to finish:  about 5 hours. 
The fashion fabric for the bag is a home-dec weight cotton from Linda Svensson's "Patricia" collection from IKEA.  ($7.99/yd.)  We used a fabulous cotton print for the lining--I can't find a selvedge to get the designer and collection, but I'll check and get that posted for you.  I'll post some photos, as well.

The bag is 16 inches high, 18 inches wide and 5 inches deep, give or take.  Inside, there's a zipper pocket and two flat pockets.  The bag has two self-fabric strap/handles attached with steel squared-off rings and swivel hooks.  (The jury is still out on the swivels.  I may eliminate them.)

Tips for successful bag-making:

1. Interface!  I use Pellon's Decor Bond on the fashion fabric and the lining, too.  This gives a structured finish that is well supported but not stiff.  I fuse the interfacing to the fabric before cutting, which eliminates a cutting step and helps insure a smooth, tight adhesive bond as well.  Remember that your lining has a whole lot to support.  You can interface your pockets as well, but dress-weight fusible will work just fine in that application.
2. Sew and furnish the lining first.  There's a lot going on in a lining if you inset pockets, add magnetic closures, or install any number of useful features.  Mark your lining carefully.  I use a fine Sharpie to label each piece on the interfacing side.  Bag sides and bag bottoms can look a lot alike.
3. Take your time.  Precision cutting means your pieces will almost sew themselves together.  Precision sewing is the difference between a nice homemade bag and a handmade masterpiece.  Baste rather than pin when you can.
4. Keep your iron hot and use lots of steam.  The more you press, the better your bag will look.  A wooden spoon handle or dowel rod can help press inside seams.  Consider edge-stitching where appropriate to maintain a crisp edge.
5. Add a detail that's a signature.  I like an eyepopping zipper color.  Find a little something to add that will be your designer detail.