Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Bag Making

With a decrease in budget and an increase in high street shops, it can be difficult to get anything unique.  With this in mind when I saw the bag making course in An Grianán, I decided to be brave and try to make my own bag.

When the class began, we were given our pick of bag shape and fabric kit. Since I hadn’t touched a sewing machine in a very long time, I chose a basic shape and fabric with a toile print because I fell in love with its characters and colour.


The Kit contained, fabric for the straps, outer bag, lining, pocket and bag base. It also contained Vilene, wadding and a magnetic clasp. Written and picture instructions were also given.
 
Due to my beginner status I was delighted that the sewing machine allowed me to choose a speed setting. I chose the slowest. My teacher, Mary Coonan, also made me aware of this incredible device called a magnetic seam guide witch became my best friend throughout the process helping me to keep my stitches straight.

Here’s how I got on

Despite having little experience with a sowing machine and no experience at bag making, I managed to complete my very own in one day. The only difficulty I came across was manoeuvring the thick layers of fabric trough the machine. The step by step instructions were easy to follow when combined with the pictures and when I came across any difficulty’s Mary was there to help. 
I already have pick out the fabric for my next bag.              

Have you made a bag before? Comment and share  :D

For more information contact An Grianán at admin@an-grianan.ie

8 comments:

  1. Hi Anne, I am enjoying your Blog.
    I would love to try this.
    I think it would be helpful if you also included the cost of the materials and completing the courses.....

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    1. Thank you! This course was for three days but I only went for one, the cost of that was 55 Euro which included tea coffee and scones as well as a three course lunch and the tuition. Each course is different and some require kits, the cost of the kit for the bag I made was 25 euro but there were cheaper options there. Hope this helps.

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  2. Loving the designs! Is that for me? :P

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    1. Thank you Simon, You'll have to do the course :D.

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  3. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  4. Keep saying i'm going to go and do one but never get around to it. Might have to go now for definite

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