Bag Crazy - Part 1

Have you ever made something, and liked it so much, it started a landslide of similar projects? That's what is happening here. We've gone a bit bag crazy.We've made so many I can't cover them all in one post! I didn't even mange to get them all in the photo. Don't worry I'll talk about them all, but not today.

Today, let's talk about the fabric basket. I think almost everyone could use one, or two, or ten of these.

When the sample came in, I immediately wanted to make some of my own for my daughter's bookshelves to help her organize her treasures. This pattern would work equally well holding remotes on your coffee table, scarves in your closet, or as the most amazing gift basket ever. The possibilities are endless. 

We made ours up in Sevenberry Slate Dot Canvas, with Grunge handle covers and Grunge Cream lining. The result is classic good looks, with a bit of whimsy from the dots and the pop of orange from the handle covers.

The pattern calls for leather handles, but we made ours from cork fabric. It's amazing stuff if you haven't used it. Looks like cork, but is soft and flexible, as well as quite durable.

To make our handles: Cut a 16" x 1 1/2" strip of cork fabric. Fold the strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and sew a 1/8" seam down each long side of the strip. Cut strip into two pieces, each 3/4" x 8". Cork fabric won't fray, so no need to fold under the edges. 

The basket pattern comes from Handmade Style, by Anna Graham of Noodlehead. I love her style, and I'm pleased and impressed by her pattern writing. Her instructions are clear and detailed. As bonus Anna also includes style and technique tips. Three of the bag patterns we've made recently came from this book, and there are at least a half a dozen more things in the book I'd like to make. This is a must have book on my shelf!

I love the grey, white and orange combo of our original basket, but there are so many ways you could make this. I put together some alternative fabric combinations that I think would work great together. 

Which is your favorite? 

The basket pattern comes from Handmade Style by Anna Graham of Noodlehead. I love her style and I'm pleased, and impressed by her pattern writing. Her instructions are clear and detailed. As bonus Anna also includes style and technique tips. Three of the bag patterns we've made recently came from this book, and there are at least a half a dozen more things in the book I'd like to make. This is a must have book on my shelf!

Watch the blog for upcoming posts on more of the bags shown. 

Cheers!

Samantha