A little bag.... having a bit of a name crisis

...the fabric is Tapestry from Valori Wells' Del Hi fabric collection... I'm waiting for a few more fabrics from that range to arrive....

I've called it the Drop-in Bag because you can drop in your keys, you credit/store cards, your shopping list (Does anyone actually write those and remember to take them with them?), drop into town, and drop in for a coffee whilst you're there. Dear daughter however is adamant that it should be called the 'Purdy'! (Perhaps I should spell it 'Perdie' as she says it's short for Perdita.) I wonder which one of us will win. Only time will tell.

I love the soft shape of the Drop-In/Purdy. It's not a large bag, just a useful size to pop things into and go, whether it's into town or hurrying off to pick the children up from school on time. It's got a zipped pocket for keeping things securely tucked away from unwanted, prying hands and a slip pocket behind that, making it quite an organised little bag. There's simply nowhere for anything to hide!

..the lining is a pretty polka dot from the Crazy Eight range by Sandy Gervaise in a gorgeous 'berry' red.

As it's a bit of a prototype I took it out with me on Saturday, just to see if it works 'practically'. So, now I have a couple of ideas for modifications. I think the interlining needs modifying a little. I used Vilene H630, fusible fleece which is quite a low loft fleece which worked really well with the gathering of the fabric onto the top band because it didn't give too much bulk. I may however, achieve a better effect if I use the H630 and a medium weight sew-in. This should give it just a little more structure but not interfere with the softness of the gathers. I'll have to see what the next version turns out like.

The pockets you ask? They're a bit of a success story. I'm really pleased with the pockets. No more will the children manage to up-end my bag as they get into the car at the end of the school day and manage to tip everything everywhere. So, they're definately staying as a feature in the next version. The handle could probably do being a little longer, as I like to carry bags on my shoulder and it wasn't quite long enough to be comfortable. Otherwise, with a few embellishments I'm happy with it. What do you think?

Comments

[Thahera]

Thats a beautiful bag, Julia. Especially love the polka dot fabric, its so fun.

[Andrea]

The polka dot fabric was a surprise! I like the shape. What plans do you have for the bag? i like the name the drop-in or the "chuck-in and dash! bag.
x
Fancy making a Christmas stocking? pop over and see.

[Craft Matters]

I love this bag! How gorgeous. And I like that Valori Wells fabric too - will be interested to see more of those.

[Agnes Nz]

What a beautiful bag! I love the two different fabrics mixed together!

[Christine]

Pretty bag and I like the drop in. Says what it means. Handles/straps are always a bit of a problem for me. I like short handles (handbag style) for the look, but for comfort and ease of use I also like shoulder straps.