The "Impossibilities Challenge" Reveal!

I did it, I did it!

I sewed my very first handbag, all by my big girl self, and overcame my "Impossibility"!!

Here she is...

 

What I was going for was this shape and style...

 {source}

I consulted many an online tutorial, borrowed how-to books from the library, and even bought a pattern.  In the end, I just made it up as I went.  I'm pretty sure the knowledge I soaked in from said tutorials and books was a HUGE help.  The pattern?  Not so much.  You would think that a pattern called, "It's Sew Easy:  See and Sew", would be, well, easy.  Nope.  At least not for me.  The only thing I'm gonna get out of that pattern is recycling it as tissue paper!

 {initial fabric options}

The bag I made is actually sewn from a vintage strawberry print dish towel.  It's was a rather large dishtowel and I had bought it just for the fabric.  I had planned on adding a printed lining to the inside, but that process was really confusing me...anyone know of a good tutorial?  Anyway, I nixed the lining idea.  Fortunately, the towel was a thick, study, cotton duck-like fabric, so the bag would not end up too flimsy, especially without adding interfacing...another step that was confusing me.  An added bonus with the fabric being a towel was that the inside of the bag would already have nice seems (I left the towel seems intact, except for the angle cuts by the handles, those were re sewn)!  This made me think of all the pretty kitchen towels I see that could be made into bags, you just need a rather large towel, unless you want a smaller bag.

{in progress}

I did manage to add a little pocket inside,  also made from vintage fabric.  My friend gave me that pocket fabric and she was the one who taught me how to thread my machine and bobbin when I started to sew...if you're reading sweet friend...THANK YOU!!!

Another detail I added were "gusseted" corners on the bottom.  Not sure I did them totally right, but I like how it turned out.  The handles are bamboo and were not too hard to sew on, just a bit awkward.  The entire bag was sewn on my machine...I think I got the seems pretty straight and neat, but they are no means perfect!

It's the dead of winter here in IL, and this is a pretty summery bag, but I think it will be just perfection for the summer Flea and Farmer's Markets! 

 

I'm so glad I took this challenge on...I seriously don't think I would have ever done it, if it weren't for my sweet blog friend Karianne at Thistlewood Farm, for coming up with the challenge idea and inviting me to join...Thank You, Karianne!  Her, along with the support of my fellow amazing blogger challenge partners:

The Cottage Market

Eclectically Vintage

It All Started With Paint

The Space Between

made it all possible to accomplish this "Impossible".  You won't want to miss what these gals have done, so be sure to check out their "Impossibles".  Also, I can't forget the other awesome bloggers who have taken on the challenge with us...Thank you for joining and I can't wait to see what you all accomplished or are still working on at our "Imagine the Impossibilities" 

Blog Hop Link Party on Tuesday Jan. 31st!  

We additionally invite any bloggers who may have not officially joined the challenge to link up their projects as well, even if it is something that may still be in progress...it's all about sharing and inspiring, so just show us what'cha got cookin'!  Anything goes:  decorating, DIY, remodeling, organizing, painting, crafting, sewing, cooking, photography, opening a business or Etsy shop, personal triumphs!

See you at the party with your pretty party shoes on!

XO,

Stacey

Sharing Here:

Primp Your Stuff Wednesday @ Primp
Whatever You Want Wednesday @ Free Pretty Things For You