Wool Plaid Bag
This blog recently got a make over!
I used to write both Japanese and English in one article. It was because when I first started this blog, it seemed too overwhelming to manage a blog that you can select and switch between multiple languages. So I just wrote each article in two languages in one place.
That has been bothering me though, I knew that the articles can sometimes get pretty long, because I had to repeat the same thing twice, in two languages.
I also knew that it wasn’t reader friendly as it could be either—most of you probably had to skip some parts that are not written in your language—and that can be frustrating.
When it was time to update the blogging system to a newer powerful version, I finally decided to make the change. To upgrade the system, I had to manually move each articles anyway (so much work!), so I thought to myself “well, if I’m going to take my time to move everything over, I might as well make it better altogether.”
My blog is now separated by languages—when you first visit, you can choose whether you only want to read everything in English, or Japanese.
As I mentioned it above, I had to move all the articles that I’ve ever written manually and I’m still in the process. If your favourite article is missing, that’s probably why! Send me a quick message, and I’ll try to make that article a priority to re-publish.
In the process, I won’t be able to keep the existing comments unfortunately. Thank you to everyone who left lovely comments in the past—I look forward to hearing from you again!
I hope you enjoy this new style and hopefully it’s much easier to navigate and read for you!
For the last few years, my grey ponte tote bag has been my go-to casual bag. (And this basket bag during summer.)
Before I wear out my favourite grey bag, I wanted to make another fabric bag for everyday use. I went through my fabric stash and lined up three possible purse sewing plans.
The first up is this wool blend tartan-style plaid fabric. There’s something about plaid that looks so adorable in colder weather…especially in wool (blend)!
I used the same pattern as the grey one and the basket one (self-drafted.)
Just like the basket bag, I added the shoulder strap in addition to the regular handles. This shoulder strap is a pretty practical feature, when you need both hands open to carry groceries, etc. It’s not as long as a cross body strap—this bag is a bit too big for me to wear it cross bodied, so the shoulder strap length is enough for me.
It has a bottom reinforcement foam, so it stands firmly on its own!
I chose a dark forest green with mushroom print for the interior fabric. It has one zip pocket and one slip pocket.
I wanted to make this one a bit more special—casual yet chic and polished look. So I tried using some metal finishing parts.
I purchased some strap anchors from Emmaline Bags. I’ve never used something like these, but I’m glad I did! They instantly make the bag look more stylish.
And look at this great zipper! It’s a Sallie Tomato zipper, purchased from Thread Count Fabrics. (Zipper by the yard teeth #5)
These zippers are so amazing!
First, they are sold by the yard, so you can cut them into the exact length you need, no wasting!
Secondly, they look like metal zippers, but they have nylon teeth (zipper pulls are metal.) Meaning, while achieving the look of metal zippers, the nylon teeth make it so much easier to cut and sew.
And, they’re so smooth! I bought them in three colours so far, I’m sure I’ll be using these zippers exclusively for making purses.
Ok, so my print (pattern) matching skill isn’t on point, but let’s look at the purse feet! Another small detail to up my bag sewing game!
I think they do protect the bottom of the purse, but to me, it’s more about the aesthetic. Handmade bags looks so much more polished with these, don’t you think?
Also purchased from Thread Count Fabrics. I believe you can find similar purse feet and the zippers from Emmaline Bags as well.
I’m really happy with how this turned out! I think it’ll go well with my grey and/or black jackets during winter!
Nov 3, 2020
