Updated City Slicker Bag

I wasn't happy with the front pocket flap on the original Ruffled City Slicker Bag I made. HERE is the original post.  So I made a few changes.  

 

I removed the original ruffled front flap.  I didn't like how the ruffles on that flap turned out.  I had to 're-open the turning opening then very carefully sew the new flap on.  

Again, I used the Bow Pattern from Michelle Patterns.  

Ruched Bye Bye Love Bag

Here is another version of the Bye Bye Love Bag. The pattern is designed by Sara at Sew Sweetness.   Here is the other bag I made.  I decided to try something I haven't done before.  I ruched  the fabric.  I guessed on how to do this technique.  I love how it turned out! 

 

Bag Front

Back of bag with zippered pocket

 

I added a rectangle of cross stitch mesh to the base of the bag to make it a little more stable.  I used auto upholstery foam as my interfacing.  I think the size of the bag and the extra sewing (ruching, pockets, flaps) made it a little more floppy.

I, again, added bows from the Bows Pattern by Michelle Patterns.  I can't get enough of these cute bows! 

I was browsing on Pintrest and came across this great idea to print on fabric.  You basically print out your design on wax paper from your printer.  Then iron and then burnish this on your fabric.  Well, it only sort of worked.  I added a text image of a French address on one of the pockets. It is clearer in real life. 

Inside of the bag.  With 4 large slip pockets.

Ruffled City Slicker Bag

Here is another City Slicker Bag.  The pattern is designed by Chris W. Designs. 

Shortly after finishing the last City Slicker Bag I wanted to sew ruffles.  So, I did.  I figured, why not make the City Slicker Bag.  Oh!  All right! Everything was still sitting out, and I started to play. 

Here is the front of the bag.  I added the ruffles to the sides of the bag and I used lace on the front and back panels.   I updated this front.  See this post.

I will include a very rough tutorial on how I added the ruffles on this bag.  So, bear with me.  :)

On the front pocket, I trimmed 3/8" from the outside of the front pocket flap.  I then should have taken a strip of fabric that was 1 1/2" wide by double the length of the outside edge of the flap.  I say should have as my fabric was a little bit wider and I'm not exactly happy with it.  Anywho, place wrong sides together matching the long edge and press.  Then run a basting stitch close to the raw edge.  Pull the bobbin thread and ruffle the strip of fabric.  Pin ruffle around front flap piece starting and stopping 3/8" from the top on each end.  Sew 1/8" from raw edge.    Finish front flap as directed. 

 

Here is the back of the bag.  I think I'm now addicted to welt pockets.  :)

 

To add ruffles to the side pieces, I cut several strips of fabric that were 4 1/2" wide.  The fabric I used is 54" wide.  I **think** I cut (6)  4 1/2" wide strips--yep, I am suffering from a case of CRS.   Take two strips, match short ends and sew together using a 1/4" seam allowance.  Press this seam open.  Add another strip to the other end.  Continue this process until all strips are sewn together.  Then place the long strip right sides together matching long raw edge.  Sew all along the long raw edge using a 1/4" seam allowance.  Turn this right side out and press.  Run a long basting stitch close to the top long edge you sewed together previously.  If you feel the need you could run two basting stitches slightly apart.  I didn't.   You will pull the bobbin thread(s) to make the ruffles in a little bit.   

Now, take one side panel. From the top curved edge, measure and mark a line that is 1 1/2" away from the top edge.  Note: your line will be curved.  Continue marking curved lines 1 1/2" from previous line all the way to the bottom.  Note: there will be less than 1 1/2" from bottom line to bottom of the side panel. 

Take your long strip of fabric and roughly measure along the bottom drawn line on the side panel piece.  Mark this length (I just held it with my thumb) then double this length and cut.  Pull the bobbin thread and ruffle up your strip of fabric so that it is somewhat even.  Pin this piece along the bottom curved line.  Even out ruffles if needed.  Then sew into place along the curved line.  Since there is a lot of fabric hanging down I went ahead and basted the fabric strip in place from the  bottom line, to the bottom corner, along the bottom to the other corner, then up to the line.  I then cut the fabric to match the panel piece.  Continue adding ruffle pieces to all the lines as described above with one exception.  I waited until all ruffle lines were attached before basting along both sides of the side panel piece and trimming the ruffles to match the side panel piece. 

Whew!  I hope that was somewhat clear.  Please ask if you have any questions.   

 

The denim accent fabric I used is from my son's out grown jeans.  I guess the upside of having a still growing 6'2" young man is that I have lots of outgrown denim around.  Although, I have to admit it is just not right that I have to look up to talk to him.  

Enjoy your day! 

The City Slicker by Chris W. Designs

Meet Ms. June from the Bag of the Month Club.  I can't believe that this is the last month!  I'm sad!  When the first of the month rolls around, in a few weeks, (sniff, sniff) there will be no "little bit of happiness" in my e-mail. 

This is the advanced version of the City Slicker Bag designed by Chris W. Designs.  It is the first time I've used a pattern from Chris W. Designs.  WOW!  What a great pattern!  There are so many details to the pattern.  If you don't want all the pictures....NO PROBLEM just go with the included text only version of the pattern.  If you are like me and sometimes would rather measure and cut your square or rectangle pieces instead of using a pattern piece...those dimensions are given, too. 

  

This is the front of the bag.  The brown and raspberry fabric are fabric I've had around for a while.  I've also had the print fabric, which is Blush by Basic Grey, several years.  I've been a HUGE Basic Grey fan from my paper crafting days. 

I wanted to use a darker color for the handles.  After I finished the outside of the bag, I thought it need another touch of the printed fabric for balance.  So, I added a sash that I tied into a bow. 

 

Here is the back of the bag. It  was my first time making a welt pocket.  The instructions on the pattern are clear.  I, however, decided to search for a video. I was having a mental block.  This is the video I watched.    I'd bought an online class to learn how to make welt pockets several months ago.  Do you think I turned to this class for info.?  NOPE!  Oh!  I'll get to it!  Just another thing I need to add to my "To Do" list.   :)

https://www.flickr.com/photos/67486474@N07/14406869722/

Here is the beautiful inside of the bag.  I LOVE all the pockets!  SO GREAT! 

This is also the first time that I've used something similar to  the By Annie's Soft and Stable.  I believe that's the name.   I have not been able to find the By Annie's foam.  I did finally find some auto headliner foam.  WOW!  What a difference!  Normally, I'd use really stiff interfacing that is NEVER easy to sew.  Especially on this bag!  I know my fingers would have been black and blue and scabbed over right now...maybe even invented a few new words.  I also  have to talk nice to my machine to get it to sew through all those thick heavy layers.   It was a dream to sew with this auto headliner foam! 

I LOVED having the "Bag of the Month Club."  I hope there will be another one sometime in the future.  Thank you to everyone that created the club and put it all together and to all the amazing designers that participated!  Through this club, I learned about some fabulous new (to me) bag designers.  I learned several new techniques, as well.  Thank you!

Until next time....