This post is part of Purse Palooza 2015. For full details and contest rules, check here.
Today’s post is from Lucy of Charm About You.
I have to admit to being more of a 2D stitcher. I like sewing flat things – quilts, cross stitch and embroidery. Recently though I have begun thinking about dress making and I do enjoy sewing a bag from time to time. This month has seen the introduction of a 5p charge for plastic carrier bags in the UK and that was the perfect excuse to make a nice bag I am happy to take to the shops!
The Market Bag by Sharon Holland is a gorgeous shape and the pattern requires just two pieces of fabric. It’s that simple!
I bought this gorgeous Nani Iro double gauze a while ago and hadn’t found a use for it. It was actually a few inches short of the requirements but I had my heart set on it so I just adjusted the size of the rectangle to keep it in proportion. My bag turned out a little smaller but it is deceptively roomy and you can get a lot in these bags!
This is the first time I have sewn with double gauze, it was easy to work with and it has such a lovely fluid texture. You can see the beautiful weave on the back of the fabric:
I read patterns in the same way I was taught to read exams, by reading through twice and then beginning. When I read this pattern my brain couldn’t compute the construction but as soon as I was actually making it then it made total sense. It is clearly written with enough pictures to guide you through.
With no lining, just a simple fold and seams, it is important to get nice neat edges. Once I sewed around the three sides I rolled the seams between my fingers and thumbs to get them laying neatly before pressing. That was the only fiddly bit!
You could easily add details to this bag if you wanted, some stitching, trimmings or other fanciness. The style of the bag lets a special fabric shine though and it would be easy to whip up a few of these as gifts.
The bag is roomy, with enough strength to hold bits and bobs from the shop. The construction is simple but the end result is really stylish. It is nice to have something a little different from a regular tote bag but just as useful.
And of course it is always good to have a little helper!
What a quick, cute shopping bag. Enjoyed the review.
Thank you Judith!
I have looked at this pattern before and my brain exploded! Maybe time to try; thanks for the review x
Yes it looks tricky but I promise it’s not! 🙂
It looks like a great pattern!
It is, very quick too!
Simple and beautiful!
Thank you Jill!
Another fabulous review! I have got to make my choice and create a purse. Thank you for sharing and have a wonderful creative day!
Thanks Brenda! Enjoy your sewing 🙂
Love the spots! And your little helper is super cute!
Thanks Susan!
Love the simplicity of this market bag…would even make a perfect library tote….thank you for the review….
Thanks Lori, I agree! You could use a canvas to make it even stronger for all those books!
I think I’ll try this for gifts.
Perfect for gifts and quick to make!
Thanks for the review Lucy! Interesting bag 🙂
Thanks Maria!
Your bag looks great and your helper is super cute!
Love your bag Lucy! The print is perfect and super cute. I need a helper like you have–she is so sweet!
Love it! I saw your pic on IG <3 "Nani Iro is always spot on". 😉