Friday, March 31, 2006

cont...

Isn't it great? That's right, I stapled my prototype. Anyway, this morning I decided to try out the life size version. It took about 2 hours and I got this....

It works but it's got a few problems. It is toooooo wide. The flap is too big and it's all together too floppy. It needs a few tweeks and I hate to admit it but ....interfacing. I don't know how to do interfacing. Here's one more photo for you to laugh at.
Could it BE any wider?
I based the width on Keely's big paperback books. It was going to be for her. But without interfacing, the sides just sort flop out and it is too long. Oh dear.
Alright, so what is the deal with interfacing? Do you cut it the same size as your outer fabric and iron it on and then continue on as normal? or Do you cut it a bit smaller, leaving room for seam allowance and so you don't actually sew on the interfacing? I don't get it.
Anyone willing to give me the scoop here? I hope to try a smaller, non floppy bag this weekend. Hey! Are you still laughing at the freakish photo above? stop. Seriously.
I WAS so proud of myself for figuring it out. Ah well.

10 Comments:

Blogger lindiepindie said...

Okay, I started leaving you a HUGE long comment about what my process is for using interfacing and I guess it just got too long, 'cuz it just disappeared without a trace! Here goes again - and I'm going to span several comments, if you don't mind...

2:59 PM  
Blogger lindiepindie said...

I use fusible interfacing - my favorite weight for purses is Amor suitweight that I get at WalMart. I fuse all my purse fabric BEFORE I cut because it is SO much easier that way. I don't have a problem sewing through both layers - everything seems really sturdy.

3:01 PM  
Blogger lindiepindie said...

For a big bag like a messenger bag, I would use a thicker fabric (canvas?) then fuse interfacing on both layers AND use a layer of fusible fleece to help it hold it's shape. Interlining holds shape, too, but that makes it a pretty stiff bag. I'm no expert here - I'm just sharing what I've learned through making bags.

Great job making prototypes - I have very little patience for that and have paid for it! You could always put some fleece in the handles to to make them a bit sturdier and softer.

3:04 PM  
Blogger lindiepindie said...

One more thing - I have 3 Amy Butler Messenger bag patterns that I was going to offer up to the first takers. Do you want to try a pattern? Let me know! lindiepindie [at] gmail . com

3:08 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Linda has such good advice. I cut my fusible interfacing the same size as my pattern pieces.

3:38 PM  
Blogger laura capello said...

I cut my interfacing just slightly smaller than my material. And I used the pellon that has a picture of a purse on it.

Tasha's interfacing is better. I need to ask her which one she uses.

3:56 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

hi gals...i use "deco bond". bought it at walmart.

6:30 PM  
Blogger Kristy said...

I'm so glad I'm not the only one who hasn't sussed this interfacing lark!At least your one step ahead of me though :)

3:27 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

How about you figure it out and then let me know? Heh heh.

1:57 PM  
Blogger Donna said...

I ask the ladies at the fabric store (Joann's) for the stiffest fusible interfacing. I cut it a wee bit smaller than my pattern piece (mostly so I don't get gunk on my ironing board. I often quilt the fused piece to some batting, usually Warm'N'Natural. And there's no problem getting my sewing machine through all the layers. And really, what's up with stapling.

9:09 AM  

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