I've realised that there is very little to show for the sewing I've been doing lately. I've been preparing for a class that I'm teaching tonight (aarrgghh!) and a craft show a fortnight today - so, once again, getting folksy up and running has been put onto the back burner.
In the October holidays, though, I set aside some time to work on a wee Adventure Bag. I have long wanted to make a little children's bag - one that is robust and fun. My first attempts, such a long time ago now, just weren't right (although Islay and Katie still play with it a lot). And then quilts and baby blankets and bibs, and actual babies, took over. But I have kept the thought ticking over.
I knew I wanted a bag suited to a boy as well as a girl (although, realistically, it will probably appeal to girls for a longer range of time). I also wanted it to be suitable for a wide age range. And fully lined. And fun. And not too costly. So - a lot of requirements for a little bag. But a sudden idea about how to make the straps adjustable and then realising that portholes would be perfect for giving a peep of colour on a robust linen exterior got me all excited. I really couldn't wait to get it sketched out, planned and sewn.
And here are the first versions of my Adventure Bag. I used a couple of fun fat quarters from The Stitch Gathering. They are lovely but not really me or quite Forest Poppy. The mermaids will be a gift for a wee friend of Islay's and I have plans for the robots too.
The fabric below is set aside for some proper Forest Poppy Adventure Bags. I can't wait to get sewing!
13 comments:
I really like the port hole design on these bags Julie, its a clever idea an very effective in its simplicity :) I can imagine your children will love using them and that the bags would be lovely gifts to give too. I think its a brilliant design and I like the bright colours of the fabric in the lining :) Good luck so much for your workshop and craft show, I'm sure you'll be brilliant! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you, safxxx
Very clever bag, I like!
They look great and I love your design - they'll look even better with your usual styles of fabric!
Very cute, especially with the porthole :o)
Perfect children's bag Julie, especially the adjustable strap.
They look really great.
Every child needs a treasure bag and those are just perfect
These bags are just lovely!
Marianne x
You can't possibly say they're just for children, adults need adventure bags too, well this adult does anyway. I love the robot one. Ace idea Julie :)
But I like the robot fabric! :)
These are great - the window is a brilliant idea, and I am very curious as to how you managed the adjustable strap. (I've been looking for an alternative to D-rings which are so clunky and unreliable.)
Linen is a lovely choice for the exteriors too. :)
What beautiful bags. Love the idea of these bags being tough. I can imagine children taking them on nature walks and using them to hold all their nature finds.
They are utterly gorgeous Julie - beautiful and robust...just what every little girl needs.
Nina x
This is such a clever idea, can't wait to see more versions - you clever thing! I love it when an idea is so 'right' and you can't wait to get on and make a sample up and your porthole idea is certainly that so I can understand why you were keen to get started. Love it! Bethx
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