Applique Squares Tote Bag

Posted by Som Tue, 17 Jan 2006 17:20:00 GMT

Well, I scrapped the applique snakes idea for this bag when I discovered that turning 1/4" hems on stretchy kimono fabric is an exercise in fruitless masochism. Instead, I opted for a 4x4 zigzag stitch grid with random fabric squares. Ari "innocently" sidled on into the picture:

The interior is a satin brocade, and this project has cured me of ever wanting to work with that stuff again. Ugh. I had problems from the get-go, first with cutting a straight line, then with fraying edges, then with feeding it into the sewing machine. I do like the effect, though. I think putting a red staing brocade interior into a black purse is like wearing expensive lingerie under an old t-shirt and a pair of ripped jeans: nobody else knows it's there, but it makes you feel special nonetheless.

The tote bag pattern is from Sashiko, and the idea for the applique is from Machine Made Patchworks (it's Japanese, ISBN457911020X.) The squares are all vintage kimono scraps, and the straps are cotton webbing. I was surprised how easily the webbing went through my sewing machine, given my previous horrible experience with nylon webbing (IMPOSSIBLE. I'm telling you, that stuff is IMPOSSIBLE to work with.)