Tuesday 27 May 2014

Another exclusive bag, hot from the sewing machine

It's been a rainy old day here so I've got on with some sewing. Remember this, sewing crisscrosses onto a piece of denim using a wire mesh tray as a grid. I used plain red wool. 
Now the bag is finished. It measures 16 inches across at the widest point, and 16.5 inches top to bottom. It has a red cotton lining with a pocket. I made the two halves separately then sewed them together from the outside. The denim bag I made before I stitched together by hand with red cotton, but this one I have machined all the seams for quickness. 
 I bought a pack of beads for £1, from The Works, a book shop that sells art and craft items. There are 149, all sewn on by hand. I did look for some beads at a car boot sale and charity shops but couldn't find enough of the same kind, and the right size.

Having trouble taking clear photo's with the colour red in them.


The lining is cut from a double bed size cotton sheet that I got for £1 from the Age UK charity shop. I bought it specifically for sewing projects.

There are two rows of machining around the top edge to keep the handles in place.

I always forget to add my name until the item is finished, then I have to sew it on without leaving any stitches showing on the inside. One day I'll remember to do it during the sewing together stage.  
I am very pleased with the way it has turned out. Another exclusive Ilona bag, there isn't another one like it in the whole wide world. It's a very strong heavy duty bag which would be suitable for carrying heavy items about. I think it would look good on our Chat and Craft stand in the church. By the way, the red crisscross design looks far better in the flesh.

Thank you for your suggestions of what to do with the old spoons, I will try sanding them and see what happens. Still not sure if I want to use the silicone one though. Perhaps I can make something crafty with it, ha ha.

I reckon it's time for dinner, I am fancying pasta tonight. I've got a few of the cheap mushrooms left, so I'll make a garlic sauce with some cream cheese. Yummmmmmmm.
Toodle pip.

17 comments:

  1. Hi Ilona,
    Your bag came out very well. I'm sure someone will snap it up at the Chat & Craft table for a sturdy and attractive tote.

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    1. Hi Gail. Our craft items will not be for sale. The exhibits are for show only, to advertise the Crafty Club and hopefully recruit more members. Although if someone likes something enough to purchase it they could possibly do a deal with the person who made it, but no money will be taken on the day.

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  2. Love the bag - my favourite so far (not that I did not love the others)

    Let us know what you do with the garlic and cream cheese, please! I always have cream cheese left over that goes to waste (hangs head in shame) need some super easily ideas for it! I'm only new and learning :(

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    Replies
    1. Hi Veronica. I had five largish mushrooms left, cut them into quarters and cooked them in a small pan with a knob of Flora margarine. I added a splash of oil as well but you can use either or both. I added a shake of garlic powder. When mushrooms are cooked, only a couple of minutes, I add a scoop of cream cheese with garlic. You can add plain cream cheese if you like because the garlic is already added. Stir it in over a low heat. Add a splash of lemon juice, I use bottled. Add a splash of water if the sauce is too thick. Quick easy way to make garlic mushrooms. If you don't have any cream cheese stir in a couple of spoons of plain yogurt just before serving.

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  3. Lovely!! The design looks great!
    Supper sounds delicious too!

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  4. I recognise that style bag! It look fabulous hun. I will get round to posting a few more pics of mine on its travels.

    I have some beads etc that may be of use to you hun. Can you email me your address hun?

    X x

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, you are very kind. Have sent you an email.

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  5. I think this is my favorite Bag By Ilona to date! Beautiful job, and looks like it will be very serviceable indeed as well as nice to look at.

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  6. wonderful bag!
    I like this one even better than some of your other designs!
    well done!

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    1. Hi annie. Thanks for your comment. My bags do seem to be getting better with practice. Same as everything I suppose, practice makes perfect.

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  7. Youve become a bag lady !! but in an ever improving way , love this one ...

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  8. Wow your bag is lovely and your red stitching is so neat. Great.
    Carolx

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  9. Love the bag :) Really beautiful :)

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  10. I'm with the others - best bag so far. I don't think I've had cream cheese so I'll look forward to what you make with it. Natalie

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  11. That looks great Ilona, ideal library book bag.
    Twiggy

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  12. Love the bag to bits well done

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