The Handbag: Thurs. Nov 5 10am-3:30pm A Field Guide to Bag Making: Project #5

This handbag has been designed to make a sophisticated statement every day. The convenient side pockets give easy access to small essentials, and the roomy interior secured with a zipper closure provides space for larger items. With this project, build skills in fabric preparation, adding shape, creating handles, assembling pleated side pockets, adding an interior slip pocket, installing an interior zipper pocket, attaching a base, assembling a bag with a zipper closure, and adding optional hardware and embellishments.

WHAT TO BRING:

Please bring your sewing machine in good working order.  Since we are only familiar with the machines we use, we may have limited knowledge of other brands, please bring your manual just in case you need to refer to it during class.

Standard sewing supplies including, thread to match your faux leather or cork (poly is better than cotton), zipper foot, sewing clips, chalk or removable pen, 1/8” double sided basting tape, and rotary cutter. A Teflon foot or walking foot will be helpful for sewing on cork or faux leather.  If you have neither, scotch tape on the bottom of your foot will be sufficient.

PRE-CLASS PREPARATION:

Please have all pattern pieces cut and fused. When cutting faux leather straps, test the leather as it has a stretch on one side. Cut straps strips on the NON-STRETCH SIDE.  If you purchased a ½ yd piece of cork or Faux leather, you will be cutting on the short (18”) side. Although the pattern may not call for it, I recommend fusing all lining pieces with a woven fusible. Have the pattern and all hardware at time of class. The supplies are listed below:

Pattern:                                              Field Guide to Bag Making Book by Jessica Barrera

Main Fabric:                                       5/8 yd 42” wide fabric (main & side panels, exterior pockets)

Contrast Fabic:                                  1/3 yd Faux Leather or cork (handles, base, and exterior pocket trim)

Lining Fabric:                                    3/4 yd 42” wide fabric

Foam Interfacing:                              1/3 yd

Fusible Woven Interfacing:              1 yd

Hardware:                                          Metal Zipper End. Optional: Metal Handmade Label, 4 bag feet, small rivets or Chicago screws (optional)

Zipper:                                                1-16”; 1-8” zipper (size #5) with 2 zipper pulls