Handmade Bag - Designer Tote - Michael Miller (Nevermore)

This is, to date, my *star* bag. I LOVE it! Michael Miller Fabrics are sooo very beautiful. Many designs, contemporary and traditional. The external fabric used on this bag is from the Nevermore collection, and the lining is called 'script', often associated with the Nevermore collection. As these as light/medium fabrics I also added some padding just to give it a sturdy existence as I like my bags to have substance.

Designer, Michael Miller, Tote bag.

So, unlike the retro tote I posted earlier, this one is made with entirely designer fabric, and the straps are attached by button holes as was originally intended by the original designers, Alicia Thommas and Liz Johnson, thanks to my new sewing machine - so in love (watch this space for a review). The fussy cutting on this was very difficult and the added frill on the original designed external pocket, I decided it was best without.

[caption id="attachment_180" align="aligncenter" width="576"] Designer Fabric, Michael Miller[/caption]

Below you will see a detailed picture timeline for this lovely bag, a little treat for you as to the construction of my bags.

[caption id="attachment_181" align="aligncenter" width="576"] As I would say to my son, 'are you ready, steady, teddy?'[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_182" align="aligncenter" width="576"] Fusible fabric on the back of the lining fabric of the external pocket.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_183" align="aligncenter" width="576"] The external pocket inside out[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_184" align="aligncenter" width="576"] The external pocket the right way round[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_185" align="aligncenter" width="576"] Lining the fussy cut external pocket with the front panel of the tote[/caption]



[caption id="attachment_186" align="aligncenter" width="576"] Preparing the bag for squaring the corners[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_188" align="aligncenter" width="576"] The front of the bag (now attached to the back panel)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_189" align="aligncenter" width="576"] The back panel (now attached to the front panel)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_190" align="aligncenter" width="576"] Preparing the lining for the designer bag[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_192" align="aligncenter" width="576"] Lining up the internal pocket of the bag.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_194" align="aligncenter" width="576"] The magnetic fastener is in place and nearly ready to attach to the outer part of the bag[/caption]



[caption id="attachment_195" align="aligncenter" width="575"] One of the two straps for the bag[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_196" align="aligncenter" width="575"] Lining up the buttons to where the button holes are going to be[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_197" align="aligncenter" width="575"] Side one complete[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_198" align="aligncenter" width="576"] Stitching the button holes using a 1-step button hole stitch[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_199" align="aligncenter" width="575"] Cutting the hole for the button to squeeze[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_202" align="aligncenter" width="576"] The finished bag with the lining attached[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_204" align="aligncenter" width="576"] From the side, look at how those button compliment the bag[/caption]

Handmade Bag - Retro Green Tote

I have recently been pouring over crafting/sewing website looking for new ideas and inspirations. For 2013 I want to expand and have a nice flow of handmade bags to join the dolls and softies. This tote bag was the first bag I made.

[caption id="attachment_159" align="aligncenter" width="576"] The beginnings. Look how the grey/silver taffeta compliments the grey of the fabric on the right.[/caption]

The fabric I used for this was a medium/heavy upholstery weight fabric with a taffeta lining. The buttons on the side were lovely vintage buttons from my late mother-in-law's tin.

[caption id="attachment_160" align="aligncenter" width="583"] The search for the right lining was a long task. I have mixed feelings about taffeta but this just lends itself so well to the design.[/caption]

The original design for this bag is by Alicia Thommas and Liz Johnson (s4h) and was designed to be carried by straps held on by buttons/button holes. Since the sewing machine I used for this was a four stitch machine (so no button hole ability), I stitched the straps on.

[caption id="attachment_162" align="aligncenter" width="608"] Vintage buttons really sells this retro tote bag[/caption]

Upon finishing this bag I have to admit, I was impressed. This bag has to go into the Binky Roo collection. This design is retro and stylish with a double pocket inside and out - the inner pocket stitched to hold a mobile phone and a small notebook/diary.

This is the first of two bags of this design I will be uploading on here. Keep an eye peeled for a detailed post for a designer tote - Nevermore - Michael Miller Fabrics. It's goth, it's lush, it's unique...

[caption id="attachment_163" align="aligncenter" width="583"] The final bag showing the fussy cut detail of the external pocket with handmade frill[/caption]