So it has been rather a while since I last posted! That's not to say I haven't been busy, I have, but I also can't say I've been too busy to post. I've just been a little uninspired to post I suppose!
FIRSTLY I hope you like the new look of the blog, I felt like I needed a name change to better represent what this space has become. All the content from the old blog is here but if you were following me through Bloglovin or any other channel, you'll need to add this blog again now the name has changed. Click the Bloglovin button over on the right hand side of the screen to follow me.
To keep things short, in the run up to Christmas I find it difficult to post anything I'm making, crafting or generally pottering with on this here blog because mostly, the things I'm working on are presents and it would certainly ruin Christmas if I gave sneaky peaks at everything!
Since Christmas however I've really no excuse. I've made quite a lot which I will post about soon, but I have no real reason why I haven't posted yet (other than the weather has been rubbish so I can't take pictures of things outside and the house is a mess so I can't take pictures inside!).
HOWEVER. Here I am typing away. I have been busy and I have a little something to show you....
During half term I was very worried I'd be bored/have nothing to do as I hadn't really made many plans so here's a little something I whipped up on the Monday. It was so very simple I really did make it and dye it in a day, which then left me with 5 more days to try and fill...
I've never really done a step-by-step-sort-of-blog-post so bear with me if this is not very good!
First, using a heavy weight canvas cloth, cut out a rectangle measuring 60cm x 50cm (ON THE FOLD) creating two rectangles joined at the lower edge. Along the folded edge of the fabric cut away a square measuring 11cm x 10cm at each end (The horizontal cut needs to be 11cm and the vertical cut 10cm. This allows for the side seam you'll be stitching later).
In the same fabric cut two strips measuring 70cm x 10cm. These will be used to make the straps of the bag.
Fold each strip length ways so that the raw edges meet in the middle of the fabric. Then fold in half again so the raw edges are neatly tucked inside the strap. Then stitch along the open edge sewing the strap closed.
Along the top edge of the fabric (on both top edges) fold the fabric down half an inch (2cm) and press it flat with an iron. Make sure you know which side of the fabric will be the inside of the bag, and ensure you fold inwards on both top edges. Next, fold the top edge over again tucking the raw edge underneath. This leaves a neat edge to the top of your bag, measuring 2.5cm (this should be the same width as the two straps you have already made) and stitch along the lower edge.
Using tailors chalk draw a line 20cm in from both ends of the main bag fabric, along the edge you have just created, on the outside of the bag.
Mark lines in the same place on both of the straps you have created (20cm from the end). Next mark two more lines 17cm from the outer edge of the strap. You should then have a total of 4 lines on each strap, 17cm and 20cm from each end. Match the ends of the straps to the edge of the main bag and pin down until you reach your marks at the 20cm point, match and pin securely.
Sewing the straps to the bag needs to be done slowly and carefully, not only to ensure the strap is securely attached but also to make sure the top stitching is neat and tidy as it will always be on show. Between the 17cm and 20cm marks you will need to sew diagonally between the corners, as well as sewing along the two lines you have marked this will create a box with a cross in it. I suggest sewing around the box two or three times to securely attach the strap as this part will suffer the most stress when you carry the bag. We wouldn't want the strap to fall off and spill all your lovely treasures all over the place....
The next job is to sew up the side seams of the bag, Super simple and quick, just ensure the edges are aligned perfectly and the top and bottom edges match up then stitch! I did a simple straight stitch from top to bottom then neatened up the seam allowance using a zig-zag stitch which adds a little strength to the seams too.
The next step is to sew up the corner seams of the bag giving it its shape and a flat base. To do this you must open the bag at the bottom of the side seam, folding the fabric at the corners and match it to the middle of the base of the bag. It will be clear once you open the bag what you need to do here.
Once you have tied up all of your loose thread ends, pressed open any seams and turned your bag the right way out this is what it should look like!! Using my measurements this bag is big enough to fit my sewing machine in so should give you an idea of the overall size.
I dip-dyed my bag too because I love a little bit of dip-dye! Sadly I didn't use natural dyes, the colours I used did come from a packet (mostly because my crops are still growing and it's not harvest time) but mostly because I was feeling pretty impatient on this particular day. Firstly I washed the bag in cold water, squeezed out as much water as I could, then dipped it in a lovely lilac for around 45 minutes to an hour.
After rinsing the excess lilac off and once again squeezing out as much water as possible, I dipped the bag in an ocean blue colour for another hour. As you can see my dyeing process is highly sophisticated and would be fairly difficult to replicate at home...
Whilst wet, the bag did look blue all over but once it dried the difference between the blue and the lilac became more obvious and the pale pastel shades look really good together. I'm really happy with this quick project and the finished piece. It makes a perfect shopper or beach bag. I just need to go to the beach to test it out...
