I Learned a Lesson About Tools from Sewing a New Purse
November 19, 2008
Yesterday was very frustrating. I wanted to finish up a new handbag for me before I started work on the craft fair this Saturday. My old one was totally trashed. It just seemed like it took me forever to finish my purse. I really struggled with the sewing pattern. I’ve never been very fond of sewing patterns which is why I often sew bags without a pattern.
I used a See & Sew fabric for the purse. The pattern is B4271. I was very unhappy with the instructions that came with the pattern. The pattern was inexpensive and had a red box on the front that read, “YES! It’s easy” (HAH!). I found some sections incomprehensible and incomplete. Perhaps if I had bought a more expensive pattern, I would have had better instructions.
I didn’t like the length of the strap either, so I decided to make my own. I wanted to be able to carry my purse “hands-free”. We go to the swimming pool often. When I put on their swim caps, I don’t want to have to hold my purse between my knees to avoid placing my purse in a puddle of water. My strap is not nearly as nice as the one shown in the photo, but at least it’s long enough to go across my chest.
I used a few pieces of scrap fabric from my stash including a lovely tapestry. A few years ago, I had the opportunity to buy upholstery scraps at $1 a bag. I bought a few bags and I’m still working my way through them. They were a great bargain. The only problem I have the material is that is is quite heavy.
My sewing machine is a very basic Viking. I think it was the last basic machine that Viking made in Sweden. It’s a great machine, but I have a difficult time fitting a folded seam of upholstry fabric underneath the foot of my machine. I probably should be using a commercial machine.
My experience with metal working tools has shown me that matching the right tools with the material makes creating a much easier and rewarding endeavor. Maybe one of these days I’ll be able to find a commercial sewing machine that fits my budget. With the coupons from our Joann store, I can definitely afford to buy better patterns. Next time, I’ll look at the pattern instructions before buying the pattern.
Now I need to get ready for that craft fair…
November 19, 2008 at 5:50 am
Can you drop the feed dogs, put fabric under foot then raise the feed dogs?? Might that help with getting your thick fabric get under the foot and started? Also, I read a hint about rubbing lemon oil under the foot and on top of machine where fabric glides through and it suppose to make it fabric glide easier. Haven’t tried the lemon oil thingy yet.
November 19, 2008 at 6:56 am
Sue, if you used a Butterick pattern, that was the problem. Although Butterick has some great designs, they often leave out very important instructions. In my experience, Butterick tends to assume that everyone knows, and has known, how to sew which is why they leave out instructions. I always told my beginning sewing students to avoid Butterick patterns. It’s not the more expensive patterns–in fact, if you were to buy Vogue, you would probably have the same problem.
My personal favorite company is McCall’s because I have found that their instructions–and the illustrations–tend to be clear. Simplicity is ok, but their pattern pieces don’t always fit together very well in some cases. New Look might be ok, too, but I really prefer McCall’s. You can often buy patterns for 1/2 price on a regular basis or if you’ll watch the sales at fabric stores, sometimes McCall’s patterns are on sale for 99 cents or $1.99 each. It really isn’t the price of the pattern, but more the pattern company. However, today’s sewing patterns don’t always give you the best directions anyway which is why it’s often a good idea to do your own thing if you know a better way.
November 19, 2008 at 7:27 am
Sheila I tried removing the foot and dropping the feed…still didn’t work well
I never heard of rubbing lemon oil. It doesn’t get on the fabric?
Belinda, you know me. If I can make it without a commercial pattern, I’ll do it. I hate pinning and cutting out a zillion pieces. I do like the vintage patterns. I think the pattern companies didn’t use to scrimp on their instructions like they do now.
November 19, 2008 at 1:21 pm
I like that fabric. So.. is that the purse you made up there or is that the stock photo?
November 19, 2008 at 1:30 pm
LOL. No that’s not a stock photo. That’s the purse I made. You are too funny, Don-Mae!
November 20, 2008 at 10:58 pm
I’m not sure about the cost, because my aunt gave me her old one, but you may be able to find a foot on a spring. That might help with the feed/upholstery fabric problem.
As far as patterns go, check out Burda’s site. They have user-made ones available for the price (free) of registering.
November 20, 2008 at 11:47 pm
Arlene,
I’ll check into another foot. I’d probably the whole leg.
My sewing machine needs some tuning. Maybe I’ll ask when I take it in to get serviced.
Thank you very much for the information about the Burda site.