Creative Space: Mobile Edition

[jadesfire]

This is semi-lifted from my craft-blog post, since I realised I didn't make a post about it last week. But then again, that one was all about how I shouldn't be buying more until I've used up what I've got, so it was kind of dull ;)



Like most crafters, I have a project bag. Okay, I have several project bags. Okay, I have lots. So sue me. After trying various variations on a drawstring bag, I’ve found that I actually get on better with the Japanese-style knot bags. Things like this:



By making the outer from denim (from Darn it and Stitch), I don’t need to use interfacing, and the inners of the two I have at the moment are made from bright cotton from The Fabric Loft. I love the contrast of the plain, strong denim and the patterned, soft cotton. This bag pattern came from All People Quilt (search for “knot bag” and there’s a pdf to download), but I’m working on a pattern of my own. The overall design is great, but there are a few things in the construction that make it tricky for the amateur seamstress (no sniggering from the Pratchett fans, please :P). Hopefully I can come up with something that’s just a little easier to put together, plus I can’t bear a bag without pockets, so mine have an extra on the outside. Before you ask, no, I’ve never had anything fall out.

And inside it?



That's 3 crochet projects fighting for space. I like being able to switch between them as the mood takes me, although I've been mostly doing the blue/purple one lately. That's a whole other thing that will be a post if I get to it.

What with my lack of concentration span and large amount of crafting lately, I haven't been doing much proper reading. But I totally forgot that I'd reserved this at the library, so when it came in, I was suprised enough to open it and start reading.



There are some really interesting things in here, some that work for me and some that don't, but I very much got the impression that the author felt like he was writing to intelligent people who knew what they were doing and could figure it out for themselves from his basic principles.. That comes alongside some perceptive observations about human nature, so that there were times when I found myself nodding along and going "How does he know I do that?!" I've already started following some of the principles, and am working on how I can adapt others to suit. November and December are going to be totally, utterly and completely nuts, so it's definitely good timing for me :S

Anyone else done anything interesting this week? Care to share?

Comments

[pwcorgigirl]

What a wonderful bag! The fabrics are so pretty and the design is so clever -- much nicer than an ordinary tote bag. I've been needing a shoulder bag while I'm on crutches, and could probably whip that up this weekend.

Nothing interesting going on here this week. It's a little boring, but the quiet sure is nice. :D

[jadesfire]

I've seen lots of variations on this around teh intarwebs, and you might want to scale the pattern up a little to suit. Mine just about goes over my shoulder, but only just. I do like not fumbling with a clasp/zip when I want to get things out.

I found the part that didn't work so well was at the bottom of the handles, where the body of the bag 'splits' for them. There's a sharp V there that it can be hard to sew around when finishing off. I'm planning on making one where you can sew that bit in a straight line to make life easier! But yes, they're very, very easy to make, instantly customisable and fun to use.

Heh, excitement can be overrated :) Enjoy the peace!

[pwcorgigirl]

I see now where that split is, and it would be hard to make it look neatly sewn. What you have in mind will put less stress on the seam over time along with being easier to sew.

I would definitely scale it up with the length of the carry strap, and I like that it doesn't need to be zipped or fastened. The only shoulder bag I have is one of those ergonomic tear drop-shaped ones (it's khaki nylon and ugly as sin) that I bought when I was having shoulder problems. It has a long zip and I'm always checking it to make sure my belongings aren't slung far and wide while I'm crutching along.

[jadesfire]

That's it exactly. I thought it was me the first time, but then I made the second and nope, it's just as bad. If you'll excuse the terrible 30-seconds-in-ms-paint drawings:

The original outline:



What I think would work better:



Also (and I hope this isn't over-helping!) When you're cutting your pieces, they need to be mirror images or the handles won't work properly. Because the handles go differently to normal totes (over the body instead of both ends of the handle being on the same side), it's too easy to get muxed ip and end up in a handle tangle!

Those little cut-outs should make all the difference to the shaping, although it's untried at present, so if you do have a go, I'd love to hear if it works!

[pwcorgigirl]

It's a lot like making a lined pull-over blouse or vest, which can be tricky because you have to think backwards (if that makes any sense) while sewing the sections together, and then pull the whole thing through itself to get it right-side out.

My stash is fairly depleted at the moment -- the last cool fabric I bought went toward making a big cushion for Rocket Dog's crate -- so there's a fun trip to the fabric store coming on. :)

[jadesfire]

*nodnodnod* Definitely closest to the vest, because of the handles. I just had to keep pinning and checking, pinning and checking. Oh, and pulling pins out of my fingers ;)

Ooh, also, meant to say... The All People Quilt pattern has a sort of long pocket across it, which I decided I didn't like. Instead, I used the cut outs from that scoop between the handles to make them. Much more economical!

Have fun with the fabric :D

[phoenix64]

I shouldn't be buying more until I've used up what I've got

But where would we be without our stashes?

I love that bag.

[jadesfire]

*grin* I'll take a picture of my stash at some point to demonstrate the point... Actually, what I'm finding is that because I don't know what's in it, I'm buying more and not using up the lovely, lovely stuff that I've got. That seems an awful shame, so I'm trying to be good about Getting Stuff Made :)

Thank you!

[phoenix64]

Pssst - when I searched for the pattern it wasn't called a knot bag, just a grab bag. [pdf link]

[jadesfire]

*prods link* It doesn't want to download directly, but thanks :)

[phoenix64]

Well that would be because I borked the html. Here's a link to the search results, with the knot bag pattern pdf on top: [link].