Bag #2 - Corduroy

So I finished my second home made bag.

This one was for a birthday present for Maaike. It's black corduroy with a lovely blue/greyish cotton lining. I tried to make sure the straps were as strong as possible as I know she seems to carry around half her possessions all the time, so we'll have to see if it holds.

I did discover that my lovely Jones Deluxe sewing machine is probably not great for thicker fabrics (3 or 4 layers of cord seemed to break the needle a few times) but I got there in the end.

She was pretty happy with it when I presented it to her at Knit Nite yesterday (I think) and so am I.

(These photos aren't the greatest as previously mentioned our old little canon is breaking somewhat, I hope to have that rectified soon with an early birthday present, hint hint)

it's in the bag

I finally plucked up the courage to make something exciting on the sewing machine. I don't know why I was a bit scared about it, I guess it's just about tackling new things... So I made a bag, and I'm pretty happy with it, considering I've never made one before, and I didn't have a pattern. I based it on this excellent bag we got in Stockholm last Xmas, and it seems to have turned out alright.

The fabric I used was from Paris, just off cuts that I purchased for a few euros at "Les Coupon de Saint Pierre" (amazing fabric shop on a street with loads of other fabric shops).

I like how I made the straps the two different types of fabrics, matching the lining.


When I was down at Broadway Market on Saturday I got given a I heart hackney badge.. people around these parts sure do love it. I know I do.

First attempt at sewing

I've been getting to know my Jones Deluxe 1970 vintage sewing machine by making this not-so-cubey cube, and a pin cushion which for some reason turned out like a bowling pin (which was not my intention at all, but i think it looks cute).

I popped into Mermaid Fabrics in the Narrow Way near Hackney Central and picked up this pile of scrapes for a quid.

My New Love - 1970 vintage sewing machine

I've been popping into the Bric'n'Brac store at Hackney Downs every now and then to keep an eye out for a sewing machine, and last Tuesday was my lucky day! I know it's taken me nearly a week to finally put some photos up of it, but I've been a bit distracted by it. I do really love it!

It's a Jones Deluxe (it doesn't matter that not many people have heard of it). It comes with the original purchase warranty (1970), original manual, all sorts of presser feet, bobbins and looks like it has hardly been used.

Obviously I have a lot to learn about sewing and what not, but I feel like I am completely crafty now! L even made some space in his studio for me to set up my crafty camp which was very nice of him.