March 28, 2014

Geometric Bucket Bag

Check out my new bag.


I wanted a cinch-top, bucket bag that wasn't too big. I already have a huge shopper/tote/diaper bag, so something smaller was a high priority. To find the size that I wanted I got my wallet, keys, and a few other essentials and put them in a pile. Turns out that my pile fit pretty well on a bread plate.... and that's exactly what I used to draw the bottom piece for my bag. After that I just added sides and played around until I liked how tall it was.

This was the first time that I worked with grommets and I have to admit that I was scared Out Of My Mind to use them. I procrastinated on finishing this and even debated Not finishing because of how apprehensive I was about cutting holes in my canvas. I practiced on some scrap a few times to make sure I knew what I was doing. In reality, I didn't have anything to worry about. The grommets went in perfectly and took about 20 minutes. Silly me! Live and learn. :) (FYI - I used a hammer-set grommet kit from the craft store)

I love little details and there are three on this bag that I am very proud of. The first is that I made the cord out of scrap black linen (from my new skirt). Next, I cut squares from the design and used them for the cinch part (whatever that thing is called). Lol, that is where I fit in some hand stitching. I whip-stitched around the vertical edges and then straight stitched close to the edge, just to make sure it would be secure. Lastly I made a removable wrist strap and put a tab on the backside of the purse to attach it.

I'm not really finished with this bag but I'm going to count it as finished anyway. I am planning on adding 4 more grommets around the top but I need to make a trip to the store to pick them up. The other thing that I omitted was putting self-fabric cording around the bottom. I knew from the start that it would look better that way but for whatever reason, I didn't do it. I'll need to take the bag apart from the inside/bottom lining to do that.

Oh, I almost forgot. The bag is lined with a cute yellow floral. Here are the fabrics that I started with:



This project was featured on:

Judy's Handmade Creations

Threading My Way_Featured

35 comments:

  1. You certainly can't tell it's not finished, Jess! Looks great so far : )

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    1. Thanks Sarah. I'll use it like it is for now but it will get "fixed" very soon. :)

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  2. This is really cool! I love the fabric that you used and it looks fantastic!

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  3. What a great little bag! I love those drawstring bags - secure and compact.

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  4. super cute, i am afraid of grommets too, maybe I shouldn't be, but I am.

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    1. Lol, those little buggers kept me from working on this bag for two days. I was so scared of messing up, I almost didn't finish it. I say, go for it! Don't let those bitty things stand in your way! :)

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  5. That's awesome to know that grommets aren't so scary, and I am so amazed that you designed this yourself, very cool.

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  6. Your post title had me imagining a little cotton drawstring bag, but WOW, your beautiful geometric bag is so professional. I enjoyed your description!

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    1. Wow, thanks Isabella for the amazing compliments! :)

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  7. Such a wonderful bag! Looks like it would go with any type of outfit!

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  8. What a beautiful bag--very interesting fabric, perfect!
    best from Tunisia,
    nadia

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    1. Thanks Nadia. The fabric was just a piece of canvas in my scrap bag. I really have no idea where it came from. I probably picked it up from a fabric store remnant bin years ago. Lol. I do like how it turned out. Thanks again. :)

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  9. Way †o go Jessica! Your bucket bag turned out fabulous! Grommets are a bit scary the first time out,but they add so much to the bag. If you had not mentioned it I would never have guessed that it is not finished :)

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    1. Thanks for the vote of confidence CeLynn. The bag is useable... just not "perfect". :)

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  10. Great job - it looks pro, I'd buy it in a store!

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    1. Wow, thanks Danielle! That's a real compliment! :)

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  11. This is DA-BOMB! LOVE it! You really did a Fabulous job!!!!!

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  12. You have been featured on Monday Handmade Linkup! Thank you for linking up. Have a wonderful week. :)

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    1. Thanks Judy. It was such a great surprise when I jumped over to join your party and saw my bag featured!!! It really made my day. Thanks again. :)

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  13. Love the fabric and the style, Jessica. The tab you've used to cinch the bag is a great idea and looks good, too.

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    1. Thanks Pam. This was a fun project. I'm glad that you like it. :)

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    2. Featured today, Jessica...
      http://www.threadingmyway.com/2014/04/threading-your-way-features_26.html

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    3. Wow, thanks so much for the feature. :)

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  14. Fabulous bag! I'd love to see you join link up with us at the Inspire Us Thursdays! link party at www.theinspiredwren.com.

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  15. Thanks Toodie. I had a lot of fun making it. :)

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Thanks so much for your comments.