Creative Cutie - Januar Designs Bag Making Blog

Curious Cuties – Session #4

2011-03-24T05:07:00.000-07:00

First, sorry that I skipped last week's Curious Cuties, and didn't really update the blog that much. I've been busy lately. However, I did want to write this week's Curious Cuties, because I do feel bad for last week's skip. So here goes!

This week's Curious Cutie is Jennifer, and her question was:

"I would like to know what do you do when it's winter and rainy, and the bag is made from a fabric that gets wet?"

You're referring to a problem that doesn't only happen at winter, but also at all days of the year, because water and wet stuff we have everywhere. They can cause the wetness inside the bag and outside the bag and the bag itself.

We usually make bags out of fabrics. Cotton, canvas, and such. And they're usually the kind that gets wet. But we can also find fabrics that are water repellent. Such as leather, vinyl, woolen fabrics (not all of them), and tweed. They're all naturally water repellent. There are more water repellent fabrics, but they don't really suit bags. .

But if you still want a nice looking fabric that you usually see as printed on cotton and such, there are ways you could turn them into water proof fabrics. You can spray them with or immersed in synthetic resins, metallic compounds, oils, or waxes. It's like another layer that protects the fabric beyond it.

That's for the outer side of the bag. The water won't get through.
But if you're only interested in adding a protection to the inner side of the bag, you can add rip stop nylon fabric. You can either sew it in just like a lining, or if it turns out to be too thin bag and needs more layers (because the nylon is very thin and light), you can use the usual lining and sew the nylon to it. It comes in many colors, and it will protect the lining beyond it, AND the stuff you put inside the bag. It wouldn't protect the outer side of the bag though.

At the end of a day, it's your choice what to use. You just need to figure out what part of the bag you want to protect from water, and what would be easier for you to work with. Also, I recommend not using heavier fabrics or coatings as they might be a little to heavy to carry and use. But that's your decision.

Thank you for your question, Jennifer!
If you're interested in asking questions and be on next week's section, please send your bag making questions and your name to: daphna@creativecutie.com

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If you don't know what Curious Cuties is about, read on here!

Curious Cuties – Session #3

2011-03-10T08:22:00.000-08:00

This week's Curious Cutie is Laura, and her question was:

"What's the best way to handle curves?"

Hello, Laura. Your question is one of the things that it's best to pre-know, because many things we sew have curves. So it's always helpful having some systems.

The first thing I say, and it's pretty obvious, is practice and practice. With time you start getting the idea because your hands and even your machine will guide you almost automatically through the curve. Sometimes I'm amazed by that. It seems like the machine has a life of its own and is eager to help you.

You start very slowly, until you pick up the pace. It helps to always make sure the distance between the machine's foot and the fabric's edge is always even. Although, I find it almost easier to sew in a fast pace. Somehow it turns out better for me (go figure!).

Besides practicing, you have some tools to help you with straight seams. Such as a magnet that you place by the machine's foot/at fabric's edge, and it keeps you in the same line of sewing.

Or another option, just like you can do with straight seams that aren't curved, is marking the track. If you're sewing on the wrong side of the fabric (the not so pretty side), you can mark with a tailor's chalk or even a pencil. If it's on the right side of the fabric (the prettier side), use disappearing ink marking pen which will fade after a while. (To make it accurate, use a measuring tape to mark in a fair distance from the edge).

If you have more tips, please join in!

Want to be a Curious Cutie as well? Have questions about bag making or Januar Designs? Or about me? You could be next week's Curious Cutie! Just click here.

Send Your Questions

2011-03-08T10:31:00.000-08:00

Don't forget about this week's "Curious Cuties"!
Send your bag making questions to: daphna@creativecutie.com
Please write in the 'subject' field: "Curious Cuties"

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More about "Curious Cuties"

My New Bunny!

2011-03-05T05:58:00.000-08:00

I got myself a new bunny the day before yesterday. And I love her to death, because she's so cute, so pretty, and so brave, she's not scared of anyone. Including my dog who thinks she's her baby and refuses to move away from the cage. She's even spent the night by it. When I get the bunny out of the cage, my dog can't stop licking her, thinking she's hers, her own daughter. I did not expect that. I thought she'd be jealous of her, or would want to attack her. But she's completely in love with her. I've never seen her so excited in her life!

The bunny's name is Gia, she's almost 2 months old, and probably the prettiest bunny I've ever seen. That's why I took some really good pictures of her, she's a real model.
I've never had a bunny before, and even though I did my research before buying her, I feel a little terrified that something might happen to her.

Sometimes she makes me laugh real hard. Like, sometimes she "falls" on the floor all of a sudden and lays on her side for a few seconds. It looks like she died all of a sudden. But she's like that.
I fixed her a small house for the cage and she loves being in it and take a nap. But she also moves it so she could get inside from the back side.

When I first brought her in and put her in her new cage, her new home, I could tell how happy she was. She ran from one side to another, checked out everything, went in and out of the house, etc. She finally has her own place and she's very happy.

The funny thing is, before I picked her up from the store, and at the time I was researching about bunnies, I saw a picture of a bunny that looks a lot like her, and knew I wanted something like that one. I couldn't believe that the first fantasy of the bunny I wanted, would actually come true. She's exactly like the first bunny I wanted.

I've been looking or so damn long for the right bunny. Or at least for a place to buy a bunny from. Couldn't find what I wanted anywhere near me. So I went farther and found her. Surprisingly, I saw her picture in an ad on the internet. It was an ad of a pet store and they had a few bunny pictures in it. And she was one of them. And I remember I thought to myself that I'd love that bunny. I didn't expect that this bunny would actually be at the store. So when I went there and saw her among all the other bunnies, I knew it was her from the picture. So that made my decision much easier. I didn't even pick up in my hands other bunnies. I knew it was her I wanted. I paid not such a low price, and she was so worth it. And the fact that she gets along with everybody, including with my dog, it made it right.

Before my parot died, I couldn't take on myself another pet. Though I've wanted a bunny for very long. So when my parot died, I knew this was my chance for another pet, for a bunny. I didn't know it would turn out so good. 'Cause this is an amazing bunny, and I already love her so much! And cannot wait till it gets even better.

Here she is:

Curious Cuties – Session #2

2011-03-03T09:29:00.000-08:00

The second Curious Cutie session is here, on its second week.
This week's question was asked by Natalia, and that was her question:

"How long does it usually take you to make a bag?"

Good question. In the sense of it being complicated to answer, as it doesn't have only one answer.

Obviously it depends on the bag's design and the pattern making (if you include the pattern making in the time that it takes to make a bag). The time it takes to make a bag depends on many other things. It depends on the level, the complexity, the number and type of pieces I need to cut out, the details I want it to have (rings, eyelets, pockets, etc.), and the type of closure. Every bag has its own uniqueness, hence the different amount of time it takes to make it.

When I first started making bags, my first bags took maybe an hour. And those were crappy bags. During the learning of the bag making, I turned my bags more complicated, more unique and more… more, so did the hours that took me to make them.

Today, it doesn't take me less than 5 hours to make a bag, because I like doing them complex and with many details so the effort shows. Those 5 hours tops are pretty rare because of the reason of me wanting to make complicated bags which means more details, and those 5 hours ones are for bags that are pretty simple.

I have no problem making bags that are many many more hours. For reference, I made a bag once that took me 14(!) hours to make. That was my high score. The next in line was a bag pattern that I made only 3 times of them, and they took me 12 hours. And just to be clear, I can work on a bag for 12 hours straight, almost without eating, drinking or going to the bathroom. I don't think that's very healthy, but when you're addicted to something… I'm trying to let myself go a little. Take breaks for more than 5 minutes and even spread my work out to 2 and even 3 days.

Being a time obsessed, I always count everything I do. Including the amount of time it takes me to make bags. The clock is a very good friend of mine, even though I don't think all that matters. The bag making time is important to me, though, because I believe I need it, for future reference or something.

However, most of my bags take about 7-8 hours. Those are the bags that are detailed, but not THAT detailed. Pockets detail is something that I try to include in every bag, at least one, at least inside the bag. I also take a note that every type of straps/handles would take different times to make, as there are kinds that need more strips to make into straps, some have rings. Also the type of closure. If it's a zippered closure it obviously takes more time to make. Every detail like this counts. And each one can be as equally important as the bag design itself.

Thanks, Natalia!

Want to ask a question about bags? Don't even know what "Curious Cuties" is all about? To read more about it, go here!
To send questions you can either use the form in the same link above, or send me email to: daphna@creativecutie.com

Third session of Curious Cuties - next week. In the meantime, keep sending your questions, yours might get picked up next week, who knows!

Curious Cuties - The Weekly Question Will Be Picked Up Tomorrow

2011-03-02T06:46:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow will be the second session of Curious Cuties. So you can keep sending me your questions!

If this is the first time your hear about it and don't know what this is about, go ahead and read previous posts from not long ago.

To send your questions, use the form that you can find in the Curious Cuties posts, or simply email them to me: daphna@creativecutie.com

Tomorrow I will pick the weekly question and post the answer here! So check in tomorrow to see if your question has been chosen this week. Even if not, it might get picked next times, so you can keep sending as many questions as you want, at any time!

Januar Designs' New Logo!

2011-03-02T03:48:00.000-08:00

Wow, I'm so excited! It took time to find a good one that I actually liked and could afford, but eventually I bought this logo:

This is going to be Januar Designs' new logo from now on. It means it will show in some places, and will make my line more professional. I just felt I HAD to have a logo, that people will recognize my bags for. And I think it's super cute!
What do you think?

Bags as a Present Idea

2011-02-28T07:27:00.000-08:00

Many girls and women like bags. And they can buy them for themselves. But wouldn't it be nice giving a handmade bag that YOU made as a present? Some would really appreciate the fact that you sat down, thought of a design and made the bag yourself. So why don't you?

As a bag maker, I know it's easier for me that instead of thinking what to buy as a birthday present and go to the store, consider, debate, I can make a bag especially for that person. And especially when I know that person likes bags, and likes MY bags. And I know they'll be happy to get my handmade bag for free. Free as in a gift. That's why I'm happy that I have a useful job/hobby. And that's why I'm happy I didn't stop and quit back at the beginning of it. And not only that I can make it by myself, I can also make whatever I think fits. If I'm at a store, trying to decide which item to buy, I usually end up buying the closest thing to what I'm looking for. But when I make it myself, I get to decide what I really want and need. I can make it the way I know the receiver would want it. Big plus, huh?

Also, some people would appreciate handmade things more. It's much more personal than something you buy. And they know you’ve put many thoughts on it. Let alone the work you did on it. That shows more care, that you actually put some work and not only brain and money on the gift. And every year/event you can come up with different designs, there are many more choices, because YOU choose the choices.

Even if it's someone else's design. Even if it's someone else's handmade bag. there is something in handmade bags that can be really appreciated. Because it's all in one: it's functional, it shows how much you care, it saves money and strength, and you have many more choices.

There can also be more items included. You can make a set of bag, wallet, make-up pouch, purse organizer and more! That kind of gift you will not see at the stores! And if you make it especially for that person, there are more chances it would be the perfect gift. Sometimes I decide to give someone a bag gift from the collection I already have. But sometimes I'd make one that I think would be perfect for that person, and I wouldn't skimp. There are also people who buy my bags as gifts for someone they know. That's why I better make the bags as good as I can, because I don't only sell them to the person who buys them, but also to the one who receives it in the end.

Out of many crafts, handmade bags have a very big potential to be not only a fun hobby, but also to be received as a present. Bags is something people use all the time, they don't only love them, they also need them. They're not only a decoration. And it's something people around will see, because you carry it around. And because it's handmade, you put a lot of thought and work in it. Bag making – can be a big plus when birthdays, Christmas or anything, come. So better getting better and better, so your gifts will be better!

Where Do I Get My Inspiration From?

2011-02-26T06:45:00.000-08:00

It's true that sometimes you walk down the street, then an apple falls over your head and a little floating light bulb appears above you; and you're having a great idea for something. Then comes the moment where you can't to give it a try.
But sometimes we walk down the street, and nothing falls on you, nothing lights up, and you're just empty, completely.

Sometime the great ideas come easy, no stretch needed. But who doesn't have those moments where you're drawing a blank? All of us. Me. Besides the fact that I see designs in my closed eyes when I shut them, I need to looks for ideas and inspirations anywhere I can. So I thought I would share with you my resources. Maybe you could get ideas from there too. I just must mention that taking an inspiration is NOT copying other designs. It's looking at something, not only bags (which means it can be a tree in the street, or a funny shaped butterfly, etc.) and finding the light bulb inside your head. Like, I look on a bag design and this gives me an idea for something else. Something else, not the exact design. It's the design itself that gives me an idea for another design. Then I change and alter the elements of the original design, add elements that aren't part of that design, combine elements from my head, move elements to other places and making bigger, making them smaller. I've said it before in previous posts, you can look it up. So remember that while you're looking for ideas in other designs!! Don't forget, you're looking for a design to design on your own and there are plenty of ideas out there, just find the right ones – the ones that haven't been done before.

That's what I wanted to say before I give you a few resources.
Here:

* The wonderful Etsy.com that we both know and love. You can find wonderful design ideas in the bags and purses section. It's fun seeing what other people have done and get inspired for a whole new design of your own.

* I LOVE looking at Zappos.com once in a while, every few days or weeks when new stuff has been uploaded to their site. Look in the bags section and you can narrow down the categories to make it more relevant (like narrowing it for just women bags). For those who don't know this site, it's a very big and well known store for many fashion items, not just bags. But since I'm talking about bags here, you might as well go straight to the bags section.

* Similar type of fashion store - bagsok.com that also has designer bags. (I think I need to note that looking at a bag made from material that you don't usually use, doesn't mean the design idea you think of has to be made from the same material the original design used. So ignore the materials almost completely).

* asos.com is a cute store as well. I haven't really been looking through the entire site i.e. other sections that aren't bags and purses, but when looking for resources to take inspiration from, for anything, I stay at the ones that have a decent amount of items. Bad selection means I'm out of there.

* Bag stores near your home are a great inspiration source as well. I have a store near my home that its brand's name is "Pure" (maybe it's international, I don't know, and that's not the point). They're expensive, but dear God, what beautiful bag items they have there! It almost hurts your eyes, because they're so full of great bag designs, and they're very well made. It's all very beautiful in there. So fining a good store like this one but in your neck of the woods would be a great source for inspiration for you!

* Not just bags that you can bring your inspiration from. Clothing too. So you can look at fashion clothes whether it's on TV, magazines, websites, or physical stores.
* Inspiration can come from anything, everything, and everywhere. Be creative and open you eyes and mind.

Curious Cuties – Session #1

2011-02-24T10:41:00.000-08:00

The first question for the new blog's feature "Curious Cuties" has been asked by Anita. She is our first Curious Cutie. And her question was:

When making a bag with pleats how much fabric do you add to include the pleats?

Hey, Anita!
This can go either way. It all depends on the pattern you're using. Not only that, it depends on how many pleats you wish to make and the folding (the pleating) size of them.
Considering all that, I suggest making every fold as small as possible. That way, you're not wasting fabric, hence keeping more money in your pocket.
Every fold (every pleat) whether if it's at the top or bottom or side of the bag (at the fabric's edge, to be accurate), it should be as minimal as possible.

To figure out how much bigger the fabric should be, you better set up a standard measurement for the folding of the pleats that will also be included in the fabric itself. For example, if each fold is being folded (and sewn) in the width of 1cm (at the edge, not the pleat's size itself. The pleats can be bigger or smaller, depends on where on the fabric you make the pleat – deeper or less into the bag), and you want 4 pleats – 2 on each side - you need to calculate those 4 pleats by adding 2cm of fabric for each pleat (1pleat x 2cm), meaning it will be: 4 pleats x 2 = 8cm extra of fabric.

Want to be the next Curious Cutie and ask questions about bag? Send your questions plus name to daphna@creativecutie.com
Or by filling in this form:

The next Curious Cuties session will commence next week. You have time till then to send in your questions and maybe your question will be picked up.
If you don't know what this is all about, all the details are here.

Can't wait to hear more of your questions. So far I've recieved some real good ones!

Studio Getting New Stuff!

2011-02-23T06:44:00.001-08:00

I've been to the studio today, kept organizing things after I went there yesterday to assemble the sewing table I just bought for the cheapest cost I could find. I wanted the simplest table possible, because I do not have enough money to put into this thing, this studio thing. That's why the two sewing tables in the picture below don't match:

However, I will hopefully get them to match each other. I plan on painting them in the same color that will also match the entire look of the studio, meaning mostly the wall's color. Maybe I'll make it two colored – purple and yellow. Might be a weird combination, but I kinda like it!

I also brought the blue cupboard from my house and got it cleaned and organized. Really needed that, because it was one big mess since everything was spilling all over. Plus, I needed another cupboard because the space in the first one was no longer in existence. I moved most of my hardware there. Now I have enough room for everything. Well, almost… I might need another cupboard…

Some stuff is still misplaced, and I do plan on having it done in the end. The sewing machine is still missing, it will go on the table from the right. Meanwhile, the serger machine is already there, sleeping under the cover.

The picture above shows you the front room minus the kitchenette. The iron has already been placed in its place.
On the cutting table (in the middle) I put the cutting mat. Although it will eventually be placed at the other end so I'll be facing outside.
I hanged a sketching board on the left wall. It's meant for, well, sketching designs, besides the notebooks I keep. The notebooks will probably be only at home. Because that's where I usually am at most hours of the day, I'm a home girl.

Things might move around every week. So everything's place is still temporary.
The room seriously needs some color. Right now it's very cold. Not very, but enough to be changed into something more life like.

There wasn't much to update in the pictures today. And you should see the second room (maybe you shouldn't…), really really messy. Really really me!

When Sun Goes Out Of Clouds

2011-02-22T02:56:00.000-08:00

Throughout my life, I've always wanted things. I knew what I wanted to do when I'd grow up. Except I wanted too many things. So there were phases. It didn't change much, but there were some movements.

I admit, I don't understand those who don't know what they want to be when they grow up. It always seemed weird to me. Don't know why, it actually makes sense, not knowing something like this. But as a child who knew what she wanted to do since about the age of 6, I could never see that.

Ever since I learned how to write, I loved writing, and wanted to do just that. Be an author. It started with many many stories that I started writing that were meant to become books. Children books, mostly. I used to have a folder and notebooks, and a little notepad that was filled with ideas and titles. When I was very little, an author came to school to talk to us. By the end of the meeting, I approached her and told her all about my writing and ideas. I knew I wanted to be her.
A little later, but still while being little girl, I didn't want to be an author only, but also a mystic. I collected stones with many books on them, learned that subject and really grew a hobby that at the time became my second desire of what I wanted to be. The mystics thingy was actually my grandmother's, and she passed it on to me. So I wanted to be both – a mystic and an author. I was still writing a lot, even a musical or two..

The musical part arrived right after I also decided that I wanted to be an actress. It came completely out of the blue. Because I went to an after school drama class that my friend invited me to. And since I didn't have better things to do, I joined the class and really got into it. Since that first class, I took more and more acting classes during the years. In 6th grade I took 3 different acting classes in one week. And that desire of being an actress has been escorting me till today. I went to a few auditions in my life, even been in an agency, while still taking courses, and gotten really really good at it. At least that's what people got from me.
This is when I also took an interest in another kind of writing: script writing. Both for TV and film. So of course I wanted to do both – writing scripts and acting. I even entered script writing contests and almost won twice. I also got a job at my town's TV studio. It used to be a once a week program talking about things that go on in town, on live. I had a position behind the scenes.

Then, guess what? I started working at a sewing workshop and got myself a new hobby. No, not sewing yet. Just bags. And it was just a hobby. It's only later when I decided I wanted to make bags for living. I'd never thought of that a few years ago. Be a bag designer. And lately I've made my decision, my latest anyway.
Once I quit my daily job at the workshop, I had a sudden revelation. I mean, I knew I wanted to make bags, but wasn't sure that it was what I wanted to do exclusively. I still wanted to pursue acting though. I don't say I don’t anymore, but the bags took the biggest part in my "what I want to do when I grow up".

And in the last few days, I had that revelation. I started sketching and planning bags. Not anything different from the usual self. I work on my studio, and yesterday I've also started the first bag making in there. I planned the pattern, what I always do, what I'm used to do. Then everything was combining together with the feeling of having a real working place, where it's all me. And I saw a new career where I could actually say it is my career. This is my working place, it's my brand, I have customers and I'm making money. Something is running.
So it all came together in a sudden realization that yes, that's what I'd like to do in life.

The most amazing thing, though, is the fact that everything I want to do, I learn by myself. I teach myself. Whether if it's script writing that I taught myself how to write, learning about the acting world and learning monologues by heart, and of course bag making. I never took a class on how to make bags. I was just taught how to make the basic bag, which I don't even follow today because of its different method. And because I'm stubborn, I push ahead and figure out things I still don't get. Like patterns and designs, different details. I taught myself. Even what certain things are called so I could find and buy them. Always learn better when I'm my own teacher. And it's obvious to me today, because when I used to be in school, I wasn't a very good student. No matter how hard I prepared myself for a test, I couldn't get a high score. I also don't always get what others teach me. And it's pretty hard, knowing I cannot be taught because I just don't get stuff unless I teach them to myself. School – not for me.

I think I'm in a place in my life where I can teach others what I know. And I love what I'm doing. That realization was intense. I was overjoyed working on the first bag in a long time and in my new studio. And I'm so lucky being able to do what I like and want to do. How many people can say that?
One of the best things about my profession is that there are always new things to do. It's not doing the same thing over and over again like I did in many jobs in the past. Feels great doing what you love. Feels great turning a hobby you didn't even thought of a few years ago, into a career. And I'm thankful for that!

Here I Go...

2011-02-21T07:08:00.000-08:00

Today was the day. The first day of actually using my new bag making studio. It's not quite ready yet, far from being finalized, the sewing machine is not there yet, nor its table or chair. But today I could get there and start making a pattern and cutting out a few of the fabric pieces. By the way, this is the time to mention that the pattern and cutting are for the next bag tutorial I promised. It is also a bag I will be selling at the artists store in my town. I've been asked to make a few smaller ones; that was the new request from young and older women. So this bag is not going to be as big as the original design (hopefully, if I did the pattern in the size I wanted) that I asked you if you wanted a tutorial for it not a long time ago. Not that small, but not big either. As I've explained, there will be some wee little changes from the original one. I'm still working on it and thinking it over, and will probably improvise whilst working on it.

The fabrics were chosen today as well. I think it will have great coloring. It will combine daily look and classy look.
If you're thinking about creating this bag yourself using my tutorial, prepare 2 exterior fabrics in advanced that match each other. (You can see the original bag for the tutorial that I'm talking about in previous posts, which was written not too long ago!).
Also prepare 2 rings. They could be O-rings or D-rings. I'm probably going to use the D ones. Your pick though. They're going to be medium sized which means their base's width is about 4cm (about 2inches) wide. If you're gonna use O-rings, it's perfectly fine. Their width is also about 4cm wide, but with these ones the size is a little more flexible. You will also need a zipper. Don't be scared of the fact that I'm gonna use a zipper, I promise to hold your hand. The zipper installation method hasn't been chosen yet, though.

Hope you'll like this bag. I'm also looking for designs for the next tutorials. I have been looking and finding many options. After the current tutorial to come, I will decide which design I will share with you next by writing a tutorial for it.
However, I have to warn you (warn? Strong word. Erase it!) that the tutorial won't come THAT soon, because as I said I still don't have my machine at the studio yet. Meantime, I just made the pattern pieces and cut out the fabrics that I could cut at the moment. I'm saying at the moment because this bag making has a few stages that their order is critical. You cannot pre-cut all the pieces before you sew certain pieces. The order is very important with this one. Don't worry though, it's not as scary as it might sound.

Getting back to today's job.
I couldn't believe how great it felt, working there on a bag for the first time. I took my dog with me which was a burden. For her more than me. Because she was really bored and didn't stop begging to go home. I did bring a few things for her to do, but it's not really enough. On the other hand, I like it when she's with me, and she likes being with me. And if she hadn't gone with me, she would have been alone at home, which she doesn't like either.
I love love love my studio, even though it's pretty much messy and incomplete. But it's big just enough, the lighting is great. It was really comfy taking my stuff out of places around the rooms. I know, sounds silly. But I felt like I was really working. I own the place, and it's all me there. I would have stayed longer than a hour and half, but my dog was really pressing on me.
Also, thank God it wasn't raining today. Because yesterday, when I left the place after more fixing and installing of stuff, I couldn't wait to come again the next day (today) and start working for real. Now I still want to go there again. Not sure if I can tomorrow, but I'll try, because it's really fun, I had fun, along with the frustration of figuring out the pattern and the steps. I didn't get to do much, but I was able to take a look not only at the new bag's pieces, but also at the studio that was building and appearing and growing right in front of me.

Since I did all I could do at the moment with the new bag and still don't have the machine in there, I will probably start another bag and work on both of them at the same time, even more. That way, I'll probably work on more than one tutorial at the same time, which is great for you too. Haven't decided which bag to do next, out of all the options. Depends on the mood I'll be having, I guess. And I might ask your opinion on it.

Even as I left the place today, I couldn't wait to get back there for more. And you know what, it actually felt like a working room, a working environment, more than it felt when it was at my home's kitchen. And I'm really happy with everything I've achieved that relates to that.

Are You Curious Yet?

2011-02-20T07:48:00.000-08:00

I'm just letting you know that the first session of "Curious Cuties" will be up on Thursday (February 24th). So if you want to have the chance to be the first Curious Cutie, send in your question(s) till then. Remember, your questions will be reserved, no matter when you send them, and will still have the chance to be picked up by me next time(s).

The post about this project has been posted 3 days ago, so if you missed it you can follow the trails and read the older post, or simply follow the shortcut: http://www.creativecutie.com/2011/02/curious-cuties.html

You can send your questions via email: daphna@creativecutie.com
(Write "Curious Cuties" in the subjuct field, please)
Or fill in this form:

Understanding Tutorials

2011-02-20T01:10:00.000-08:00

Most bag makers need tutorials to make their own bags, at least in the beginning. But for the real beginners it might be hard to understand those tutorials. So let's make it easier for those of you who are having trouble understanding what the hell the tutorial maker wants to say.

Here are some terms from the sewing world that will help you understand certain things if you've never learned how to sew.

(If you have more terms to add to the list, please let me know so I will add them. These are many of them, but I'm sure there are more I couldn't think of!)

Pattern – the template of a bag (or other items) that you cut the fabric by, once you place it over the fabric (and mark and cut it). There could be a number of pattern pieces for one bag (there are pattern tutorials in the blog).

Right side/wrong side – the right side of the fabric is the side that you want to be seen in the end. It's the prettier side usually, or the printed side. The wrong side, as you can understand, is the other side. The less pretty side, the side you don't want to see when finishing the bag (or other fabric items).
When you read in a tutorial that you need to sew "right sides together", it means placing both right sides of the fabric/s on top of each other and sew. Same for the wrong sides.
And when it says to turn right side out, it means to turn the bag (piece) that has its wrong side out, so that its right side will be out and wrong side will be inside and unseen.

Gusset – part of a certain type of bag; it's a long piece of fabric that connects between the front side and the back side of a bag. It add dimension to a bag and is also a way to seal a bag at the sides and bottom.

Pin/clip – when it says to pin or clip something it means you should secure (fabrics) together so (they) won't move while sewing. A pin should be removed right before the machine's needle reaches it.

Boxing – is a method to make dimensions to the bag, so it will stand on its own better, and be expended. It's when you make triangles in the corners of the bag's full body (before exterior and interior are sewn together), and then sewn horizontally (better cut off the corners beyond the seam). It creates a "box" out of the corner.
The boxing element can be made to the pattern piece so all you have to do with the piece is pinch corners and sew.

Lining – the inner fabric of a bag.

Exterior/interior – exterior is the outer part (whether it's the fabric or another material) of the bag. Interior is the inner part of the bag, usually the lining itself.

Backstitch – a very important term in sewing, any sewing. It's when you reverse the needle, back and forth, the stitching while sewing over the stitch you've already made. When it says to backstitch, it means you should go over the stitches a few times to make it more secure, so it won't get loose (the seam).

Base – simply the base that is at the bottom of the bag that usually makes it stand on its own better. You can insert a base to a bag instead of sewing it as part of it, and there are materials for that.

Trim off – references to the excesses you should cut off or take down from a fabric piece or something else.
Piping – sort of trim strip that has a tube that a cord has been inserted into it (cord cannot be seen, it's sewn inside). It decorates edges of bags and garments in a fine line. Can be purchased as premade or be made at home easily.

Piping – sort of trim strip that has a tube that a cord has been inserted into it (cord cannot be seen, it's sewn inside). It decorates edges of bags and garments in a fine line. Can be purchased as premade or be made at home easily.

Fold – besides the obvious meaning of the word, sometimes in sewing it means to fold the fabric in half, usually wrong side of the fabric facing outside, placing the pattern on the fold, mark and cut out the fabric. This way you don't waste fabric and time.

Magnetic snap – a magnetic closure that has two halves – male (flatter one) and female (deeper one). You don't have to sew it to the bag's lining, but you make holes for its prongs, insert through holes, bend down the prongs and that's all (there's a tutorial in this blog).
Leaving a gap – you start sewing, then stop, skip a few cm/in, then put the needle back in and keep sewing. There's no need to pull out of the machine when skipping, just trim the thread once you're finished. You're usually asked to leave a gap (like in the lining) so you could turn inside out the bag's body through it, and sew it closed once the bag is finished.

Interfacing/stabilizer – meant to make the bag's body stiffer and more stabilized, sometimes enough to make the bag stand on its own. There are many kinds, you should pick the right one. There are stiffer ones, thicker ones, fabric and paper ones. Some you sew in, some you fuse to the fabric, some you fill the bag's body with, etc.

Flap – a bag's flap is like a wing that shuts over the bag's top as a closure. It can make the stuff you put in a bag safer because it closes the bag's top better. Better install a magnetic snap, twist lock, a swivel hook or any other method in the flap, to make sure it really closes it and not just lays over it.
O-ring/D-ring/ring – they can come in metallic or plastic and even wooden material, and in many sizes. They mostly decorate bags, for example you can sew them to a bag's straps. The O-ring is in a shape of 'O', the D-ring in a shape of a 'D'. And there are rectangle rings and square rings. There are times where you can also find different shapes of rings, like hearts. They're still counted as rings.

Leaving a gap – you start sewing, then stop, skip a few cm/in, then put the needle back in and keep sewing. There's no need to pull out of the machine when skipping, just trim the thread once you're finished. You're usually asked to leave a gap (like in the lining) so you could turn inside out the bag's body through it, and sew it closed once the bag is finished.

Iron/press – when making a bag and asked to iron/iron flat/press, it means to press the fabric/s with an iron, not so it will be wrinkle-free, but so it will be flatten and more "attached to the ground". It makes the fabric/s sit better. For example, when making a strap, it's always better to iron it flat, it looks much better.

O-ring/D-ring/ring – they can come in metallic or plastic and even wooden material, and in many sizes. They mostly decorate bags, for example you can sew them to a bag's straps. The O-ring is in a shape of 'O', the D-ring in a shape of a 'D'. And there are rectangle rings and square rings. There are times where you can also find different shapes of rings, like hearts. They're still counted as rings.

Eyelets/grommets – they're rings, in different sizes and colors, rimmed with metal, that you install into the fabric as holes. There are also tools to install them at home. They can have many uses, imagination can take you far,

Clip corners – sometimes after sewing, the outer part beyond the seam is a little thick and we will have trouble turning inside out those corners. So you can cut little triangles along the seam with scissors, carefully without cutting the seam itself. This is good when you make a curved piece, or a sharp piece (which in this case, you better trim off a little of the tip).

Topstitch – just like it sounds, it's a stitch you stitch at the top. Sometimes it's a visible stitch, so you need to make it not only straight and even, but also pretty.

Twist lock – a lock closure for a bag's flap that you turn to shut/open the bag. It can easily be installed into a bag's flap at home (there's a tutorial in the blog).

1/4" – is the ordinary measurement that tells you in which width you should sew. It's the width between the machine's foot and the edge of the fabric – the distance between the foot and the fabric's edge.

Unpick – needs to be done sometimes, even though it sucks (I HATE it!). If you've sewn something wrong, not pretty, crooked or anything else you're not satisfied with, you should gently pull out the seams by unpicking them carefully with a picker. Although, sometimes you might be asked to unpick something that's meant to be unpicked in the first place, because that's just a step in a tutorial.

Pleats – mostly a decorative thing, a design element. It's when you fold in the piece of fabric in a few places (or just two), usually from the top and toward the middle; then you sew in place as close to the edge as possible. Then you usually sew another piece of fabric on top of it (right sides together), at the edge, and then reopen it, so that the stitches don't show (and iron). That's just an example, there are many designs and you do with it.
When you see "pleated bag", it means it's a bag with pleats that decorating it.

Fat Quarter – not so much of a bag thing, but sometimes it is, because sometimes it's made out of fat quarter pieces. That's a piece of fabric that its dimensions are 18x22 inches. Usually a piece of fabric that is used in quilting. You can sometimes buy those pieces instead of cutting them out from a larger fabric yourself.

Bias Tape – used as a decoration for the edges of a fabric, or as a concealer for the seams that don't go into the bag (or other fabric products). It's made of a strip of fabric that is cut on the bias of the fabric. There are different kinds, different widths; some are single folded and some are double folded.

Vinyl – a fake leather fabric that is based on high-tech plastic material. It comes in many thicknesses and colors and textures. Also known as vinyl sky and faux leather.

Teflon foot – is a sewing machine foot that is made of Teflon (plastic) so that your sewing of a material such as vinyl will go easier (or at all), it slides on the vinyl that regular foot cannot.

Zipper foot – sometimes when you try to sew a zipper to a bag, the zipper's pull is on the way, and doesn't let you sew beside it. So the right solution for that is a zipper foot. You install it in the sewing machine, and then can easily sew beside the zipper.

Making Bags – Ends the Shopping?

2011-02-19T03:17:00.000-08:00

I've always been a bags kind of girl. I don't particularly like shoes or buying shoes. I've always liked buying bags and looking at bags in the stores. And yeah, I've wanted to make bags, but never took it seriously. My past didn't include me saying: "I will make bags by myself". So I kept buying bags, of many kinds. Knew my specific taste and went by that.

I never thought about the possibility that once I make bags by myself, I would stop buying them, or would have to stop buying them. And here came the dilemma.
My parents didn't let me buying bags because I started making them. There was no use buying what I could create myself. There is logic in this, but also, there is the opposite.

Why does the fact that I create something have to affect my buying it? Do I stop shopping for one of my favorite items and replace that with my homemade? And is it easier making something as appose to buying an already made one?

It never really accrued to me that I might make that sacrifice. Sounds horrible. Sacrifice. Giving up a good thing for another good thing. But why do I have to give up on that? I like to sometimes enjoy my very new not homemade items. Strolling around the store, looking at the wonderful designs without figuring out ideas, see the price tags and choosing the one I want most of all. Then take it home with me, putting things inside and take it out again for another spin, this time as my own carryall.
On the other hand, the second part I can do with the bags I make. But half the fun is the shopping, right? It's the experience of shopping that only women can understand. The feeling of buying something new, the spirit rising... It's unbelievable. It feels great spending money on something you really like, especially if you got a good deal on it. I like the feeling of seeing, paying, taking home and having something. It's part of the fun, one of the things that I like doing in life. So there is no reason giving this up just because I can make those at home, right? Because it's about the feeling. Not even the item itself.
On the other hand, I also have a great feeling when I see a bag I made. It's a whole different feeling, but it's equally amazing. The euphoria.

Two different experiences, both good. Then why should I give up on one of them? So are my parents wrong? Should I give up on buying the bags forever and settle on the ones I make? Maybe settle isn't the right word…
Making bags is a lot of work. Might be easier buying. But getting the compliments on a bag YOU made is a lot better than compliments for something you CHOSE.

It's all about, choice in the end. There is no need giving up on something you love just because you can make it yourself, if that makes you feel good. There's no better than the other. I say spread it out, and go nuts! I mean, most people who make clothes still buy clothes from stores. Why should it be any different with bags?

Curious Cuties

2011-02-17T06:06:00.000-08:00

Proud to present the blog's new feature. It's helpful, interesting, insightful, and you're gonna be a part of it! What is it? I'll tell you!

This is how it goes. You send me questions about bags. Bag making, bag designing, business questions, tip requests, etc. anything bags, to my email. Then, once a week I pick one question out of all the ones that have been sent to me (within the entire period, not just that week), and I give a wide answer to it, as best as I can.

I will start with one question per week, and if there is need to, I will increase it to more. It all depends on your enthusiasm and your number of questions, that's the only way it can work for both parties.

Feel free to ask whatever you want about bags, and if I don't answer your question, please be patient because it might get picked out later on. Also, don't stop sending in questions, there is no limit to the amount you can ask, and you can send anytime you want, during the entire time.

You can learn a lot by that, so I think it's a very interesting idea, you should participate in this feature. Remember, it's for you and it's a good chance for you to find out the answers for the questions you've always wanted to know but didn't have anyone to turn to.

The questions can be sent to my email:
daphna@creativecutie.com
Please write in the 'subject' field: "Curious Cuties"
OR via this form:

Remember, if I will be getting many questions, there will be more than one question even in the nearest session of Curious Cuties. So start sending your wonders!

4th Combat - The Chicas

2011-02-16T00:50:00.000-08:00

It's been a long while, but the "Combat" section is back in order!
In case you don't know what I'm talking about, I'll tell you, very quickly.
Every time I post 2 bags or more from Januar Designs that have something in common or not. Your job is to decide which one you like better and vote for it. This way I also learn people's taste, therefore getting myself better; plus it's fun for you!
You can see previous combats by clicking in the menu, the left sidebar.

I'll start by posting the results for the last combat, it was really close, both got many votes, but there's only one winner:

This time I'm putting up 3 bags to vote for. It's the first time that there is more than 2 bags competing with each other. You can vote for only one:

Makes Me Green

2011-02-15T04:25:00.000-08:00

I'm sure we've all noticed the new trend on this earth. Earth love and eco friendly products everywhere. People seem to get more and more interested in keeping our planet clean, safe and healthy. Lately this trend kicked in the bag world as well.
But eco friendly bags don't have to be boring. Today they're not all about keeping it green, but it's also about beauty and fashion. I brought you some examples!

Here are gym bags, by Keen:

Can you believe it's an eco friendly bag:

This is a Mobile Edge ECO Casual Tote you can take anywhere and get many compliments.

Men bag named "Leaf" by Helen Rieger:

Gotta love this one, made from organic cotton, by Canopy Verde:

There is a whole line of those, by the designer, and they're all eco friendly.

Recycled Sail Bag from Red Flag Designs that can be used for either shopping, the market, carried by men or women; anytime, anywhere, anyone:

Sparrow Handbags bring us these eco friendly amazing designs:

These are classy and posh bags by Waukegan Tire, a family business for high fashion eco friendly accessories such as these bags:

Their accessories are made from recycled materials such as discarded tractor tire inner tubes!

Matt & Nat have a very nice line of eco friendly bags with amazing colors and designs, you can't even tell it's that green:

This bag also comes in a verity of colors and shapes.

Are green already? Don't be afraid to buy this kind of bags, they're equally pretty and functional. Because those designers thought about it all. Not just the designs, but also the used materials and the fashion aspect. Can't overlook that!

The Vision

2011-02-14T09:52:00.001-08:00

Sometimes in life there comes a time where you can't not see and notice things. I'm talking about the times where you work at certain job, or in school for a certain interest of yours. Say, if you're studying photography, you walk in the street, or anywhere else for that matter, and can't not see photographs everywhere. You see every tree as a good and beautiful photograph, a one that can be hanged at the art gallery. You see every crying child as art. Everything becomes art.
You're writing a movie, you start scripting every dialog between a mother and her child, because it sounds just like a hit movie.
You see a beautiful girl with a stunning dress walking past you, and you think about a runway show, you see the lights, the catwalk, the flashlights…
You get the picture.

It's the same with bags for me. And I get those pictures in other areas too, not only bags. Today I can't walk in the street and not see art. Whether it's photographs, fashion bulletin, a beautiful movie, even a music video. Anything goes in art.
When you're into something, it's all you see. You notice things, and it's all so clear.

When I walk in the street I see bag potentials everywhere. I see things that give me inspirations. Every tree, every flower, every bench. Not only the design itself that I get the inspiration from, but also the situation. Like, if I see a little girl shopping with her mom, I might think of designing a bag for that girl who likes to shop. It can be by colors, by shape, size, functionality, etc.

Not only that. Since I got myself real serious with the bags, I see bags everywhere. Before that I'd never stare at women's bags in the street. It didn't accrue to me to look. Today I dare to stare and critique, if I like it or not. I have to say that many bags I see in the streets in the area where I live I really like. I see beautiful bags around me.
.
This is such a good thing to notice those things, because this way you also learn. What people like, what's "in" right now, what colors people prefer, materials, etc. I don't always look at people's bags just because they're pretty, but also because I can get a lot of information by doing that. So stare but don't scare!

Another thing that makes me happy, how much women today like bags. It's more than an accessory these days. And I know my job is to fulfill that need. The need for fashion, for functional ways to carry stuff. To show off your style and your personality.

Your entire vision changes once you get into something "Arty". And that's pretty amazing finding that out. It's fun too, because you feel deep and whole. Like you see things others don't. And every person who has this view sees something else. A green tree in a garden can seem to someone as a love story - two people meet under that tree and fall in love. But to another person, that green tree can be told as a horror story of a forest being cut off because it spells people to kill others.
And people who don't have that vision, will only see a green tree. A plant with leaves that big spiders nest in. just a tree. With no story, no inspiration, no purpose.

If you don't have that vision (yet?), I so recommend it! It will change your entire view on things. Will spread your brain into new dimensions, new realms. And that's an amazing thing to have when you're into arts and design. Just think outside the box and clear your mind; just let your imagination a freedom. You'll be amazed!

Wonderful Net of Time

2011-02-12T02:18:00.001-08:00

Time is pressing on me. It's been a while since I made my latest bag. Because my sewing stuff are separated from each other, some are at the studio, some still at my house. And even though most of my stuff is in one place – the studio – I still cannot work on my bags. Which means I'm way behind. The bags in the store are selling well, so I have to provide more once in a while; and I got a phone call asking for smaller bags, as 20-30 and 50 something year old women have requested. Plus I need to make the regular bags. Plus I owe you, lovely blog readers, a tutorial. It needs a bag to make too, since there's nothing better than a tutorial that actually has pictures.

I'm kinda scared of that moment where I can finally start working on my bags again. I mean, this would be great, and I can't wait. But this will be a total overload. I have more time now though, because I'm not working at the sewing workshop anymore.

The good news is it will happen very soon. My studio is way far from being done, but I plan on start working there before I finish it. I just need to have everything there, not even organized, it will do. Just need it up and running so I can start making something already.

There is also the factor of tingling hands, waiting me to do something, since I'm a very hand crafts person. Or a creative-arts kind of person, always have been, and known for that. This break from bags gave me more time spending on my blog, and I'm happy for that, because writing is also my passion.
There are other things I'm doing with my hands while not working on my bags. Like making up toys for my bunny to come. There are certain things they like, and it's fun being creative and think of things to make for him/her. They like toilet paper rolls, and I've found many things to make out of it, alter the rolls into something that might seem intriguing to the bunny. I started designing rabbit toys till I was out of ideas. The thing that I'm planning to do is, making many many kinds of toys, and replacing and changing every here and there, to give the rabbit new interests every time, so it doesn't get bored. Every time a few toys to play with. They nibble, so I will have to make new ones all the time.

I don't know if that's craft, but it is being creative. I'm also making up songs. In my computer, with a composing program and a microphone. This passes the time, it takes a lot of work, and the result is really fun, even though I'm not a very good singer.
I find things to do, so I don't think about the bags and how I can't wait to start making them again; and of course the fact that I will have a stock of work. On one hand, that's a good thing. On the other, hard. I still don't know what it will be like, to work in my own sewing room. A place of work of my own. It is a work place, which is a little weird, because it's all mine, it's not part of my house anymore, it's separated. And it is what my job will be, officially. I will be my own boss. Guess it's kinda weird. I'll just have to wait and see!

Celebrity Bags That I Liked – PART ONE

2011-02-11T10:55:00.000-08:00

Personally, I like bags that are not THAT fancy, that don't cost like a million of dollars. Can't even afford it. Good thing I can make them by myself, huh?
But there are bags I got my eyes on. Some of the bags celebrities like that I like. Here are a few of my faves:

Here is a bag that the fashion forward Victoria Beckham, by Marc Jacobs. I like the design itself more than the fabric, but it still looks good to me:

And another Victoria's bag, a Dolce and Gabbana bag:

And Lindsay Lohan has it too!

And because I love purple, this Victoria's Hermes bag:

Most of her bags are boxy like. But I could find other kinds that I liked more.

Hayden Panettiere seems to love constructed bags, which I do too. There are many details in this bag, which is medium sized, perfect sized, in my opinion. A lot can fit in there, but it's not so big to carry around Hollywood. It's a Rebecca Minkoff bag:

Can't see much of Lindsay Lohan's Burberry bag in the first picture, but in the second one I became certain I like this bag:

Sarah Michelle Gellar usually likes the color black. But I was able to find something with a little more color, a nice color:

I want both, her bag and her juice!

This is actually a bag that probably every woman in Hollywood has. I've seen these on so many, but in different colors. This is the one that Sarah Mihelle Gellar has. Who else has it? An example will be right coming!

I kinda like Rihanna's style in bags. Her style actually vary, and it's interesting. Here's an example:

Not a big fan of this color, but I like the design anyway.

Another fashion forward chick, Paris Hilton. With her I had less trouble finding bags I liked, even if sometimes she dresses like she has no mirror in her room. And she also has her own line:

Her friend Nicole Richi rocks it when it comes to fashion. So even with bags, she didn't disappoint me. She has this one in more than one color, and she's not the only one who has them. This is the design I was talking about before, the hit among the celebrity community:

Another hair color, another bag color (would lose the dress, though):

Next we have Anne Hathaway's Chanel bag, cute and in such a lovely color that's taking over the latest bags fashion industry:

What I like about Miley Cyrus's style, also in clothes, that she's obviously young. She dresses young, and so her bags. To me, nothing's better than jeans and a t-shirt!

It's true that it's a sided few, but it looks cute anyway:

Don't you get paranoid when wearing something white? Talk about stains that might get picked up!

Here's someone that tells the whole world that she has her own style. And she rocks with her bags. Dita Von Teese likes big and expensive bags! So classy you could die:

Oh, I love the next girl's style, because she's both an adult AND keeps her spirit young. Please enter, Jessica Alba, with your bags fashion sense!

Here she carries a Botkier bag that looks a little like a backpack rather than a handbag. Oh, well….

Massive, but noticeable. I noticed. I actually don't know what I feel about this one, but it looks very well made:

And finally, probably my favorite, with an amazing color choice. Jessica's Chloe bag. This one is probably the only one out of all the celebrity bags that I want so badly:

To be continued….

Do We (Always) Really Need a Pattern?

2011-02-10T23:39:00.000-08:00

Most people are used working with patterns for bags, whether it's their own or purchased ones. But there are ways to cut fabrics without the actual pattern.

I started without patterns, believe it or not. Because my first bags were a simple rectangle. So how did I do it and when does this issue apply?

Number one is, knowing that everything you make the pattern with, the drawing on the pattern's material, can be done on the fabrics themselves, while drawing with the chalk on the wrong side of the fabric. It's true whether you draw a simple rectangle or a shaped bag. So just so you know it's possible. The shaped bag is of course when you already know how to make a pattern yourself.

And when you want a simple rectangle, there are rulers that can help you perform a perfect rectangle. Those can be quilting rulers. A T-ruler is great and I also use it when making a pattern. But you can directly mark the lines on the fabric.
When making the bag's straps, for example, you don't have to make a long and annoying pattern piece for it. You can draw on the fabric a perfect strip using a T-ruler. I do it all the time!
To use a T-ruler, you attach the top part (the T part) to the side of the cutting mat/table that has the fabric on it, and you simply mark straight lines along with it. It's really simply and you're making sure it's straight. You now have a long strip of fabric for strap(s)!

There are also many kinds of quilting rulers, that will make sure you're not only marking straight, but also in the right and same measurements. There are square ones that you can use to make a squared piece of fabric. Or different kinds of Aristo rulers, like triangles. It will also make sure you're straight-lining. There are also quilting rulers for round pieces.

To make the right size of the fabric piece, you can use a measuring tape. I've done that. You simply mark the starting point, whether it's in your head or on the fabric, put down the tape on the fabric and keep going along with the measurements for all sides, marking small lines by the tape, with the same measurements; you then (or during) take a simple ruler and go over the small lines you marked, like connecting the dots, if you will.

Find your own way to make bags without patterns. These are the tips I can give you. You just need to use a little imagination, and know you don't HAVE to make a pattern.

NOTE: if you don't know how to make patterns yet, go over to the pattern tutorials on the left sidebar, it might help you with this tutorial!

Give Your Vision Life

2011-02-09T04:47:00.001-08:00

Have you walked into a bag store, seen a bag you liked, or seen a woman with a kick-ass bag and thought to yourself how badly you wish you could make that bag by yourself? Do you have a vision for your perfect bag design but couldn’t get yourself to make it? Think you can't create your vision?

Just so you know, I was at that position before. I even saw denim bags some girl used to make by herself from old jeans pants and asked her to make one for me. I used to sketch some ugly bags that I'd wish to make, but didn't really know how. And when I started making the bags myself, I couldn’t stop wishing I'd get there, to that place where I know how to make any bag I want, pretty much, wished for a time machine so I could freely make what I dream of by myself. I've come a long way since then, but at least now I know it's possible, it's achievable. With some hard work, and of course with will power. It won't happen immediately, but if you try and progress it's doomed to happen.

So how are we getting to that phase where you can actually sketch a bag and know how to make it?

The first advice I can give you is to know what you want, and then figure out how to make it. To figure it out you better learn techniques. Thos are to be given to you by reading, practicing, tying and practicing again. If you know what you're doing, you have the key for the knowledge itself. Once you know how to make certain things, you can figure out what to do and how. Like, if you see a bag and it has a certain kind of pocket, learn how to make it, no matter in which way. This way you're figuring out systems and will know how to see something and make it yourself.

It might help you if you sketch what you want and give yourself pointers, or side notes. The main goal is to know how to. Once you know that, you can pretty much do whatever you want.

Another important element here is, knowing that the bag you want to make might not always come out the way you wanted at first. However, this could open new doors. Another good point here, is the fact that if it doesn't come out exactly what you hoped for, you now know and will know what to do or fix or change in the next attempt.
Also, be prepared for the fact that even if you have the perfect design in your head and know how to make it, sometimes there's a chance you don't even have the materials and tools to make it. You can pre-buy things and then think of your vision according to what you have. I know sometimes I see a design in my head (literally, I see bags when closing my eyes, at times), but the design I see is made from fabrics I don't have or never seen before. That case I have two options. To go and find a similar fabric to the one I saw in my head, or go for another fabric that would also fit.
I recommend recording your ideas. Just sketch as many details of the bag as possible and go over it one by one to understand the structure, the materials, and your abilities.

At the end of a day, you CAN make whichever bag design you wish. Seriously, anything you want. A design you'd seen and thought there was no way you could ever make yourself, you'll find out that it's not that difficult. If you know the methods and techniques (and even better, come up with your own) there is no reason for you not to figure out how to make it. Just looking at a bag and knowing exactly how it was constructed, knowing how to build this all up by yourself.

A vision is a dream that can come true. And if you know how, you can have it. With hard work it might even become easy. With time you just look at a bag and you just know how they made it, how you can make it, it becomes part of you, and develops an amazing ability. Looking at bags and figure out how they were made; and that will teach you better than any teacher. Experience is important. You're able to know how to do anything you want, then your vision will come to life.

Things Die, Things Born

2011-02-08T00:53:00.000-08:00

Last week started with my parrot's death. Then came my birthday. And they both connect to each other, because now that I don't have 2 pets anymore (dog and late parrot), I want to try raising a new kind of pet. My immediate idea was a mini rabbit. Never raised anything like it before, and as I studied more about those sweet little creatures, I fell in love with them. And it's connected to my birthday because on my birthdays my grandmother gives me cash (well, my little brother's idea since it's the kind of gift he likes to get and I don't have a better idea for a present, I don’t really have things that I want that I don't have). And because I will need to spend a lot of money on the studio, I could use some cash to afford all the things for the rabbit. The rabbit is rather cheap, but the cage isn't, and there is so many things I need to buy for it. I have no problem doing that, but since I'm getting some cash, it'd be easier buying stuff for both causes.

I'm pretty excited about it, and already made a list of names for the rabbit. That's actually the hardest part for me. I suck at making fast decisions, or any decisions. Though, I already know more or less what kind of rabbit I want. I did so much studying and research on rabbits in the past week, and I'm just falling more and more in love with that animal. I hope my dog and the rabbit will get along. Those two pets usually do. And I feel that I have so much pet love that I want to give.

I found a second hand cage in a good condition over the net, I already called the girl who sells it and I will be getting it, hopefully, on Thursday. About the rabbit itself, I found out that my old elementary school now has a petting zoo and they can give me a baby rabbit. I'll visit there soon.

You'll be getting pictures of the rabbit soon, and hopefully its name. I just needed to share this with you, nothing to do with bags, except for the fact that I don't need to take the money out of the studio room stuff cashbox.

Do I Know You Yet?

2011-02-07T06:48:00.001-08:00

For those of you who weren't here by the time I posted it, there is a section in the blog where you tell me about yourself. Basically, the idea is for me to know who my readers are, where you come from, what you do, how old you are, what's your connection to bags/sewing, etc. anything you'd like to share.

If you want to, please take a few minutes to write about yourself in the comment box at this page: http://www.creativecutie.com/2010/05/who-are-you.html

You can also drive your way there via the link at the navigation menu at the top. I would appreciate it if you did this, thanks!

Studio Room Not That Empty Anymore

2011-02-06T05:06:00.001-08:00

Took my camera to the studio today and took some photos, showing you how I'm coming along, and how the studio is getting shape (and without exercising!). It's still a big mess, there are things everywhere. But I take stuff over there almost every day, and there are so many things that still need to be taken and put in. Oh, and the order of things you'll see in the following pictures, is not the final order, they're just placed there until I decide where everything goes.

I bought this dining table a few years ago (second hand), and had it stored at my mum's storage room for all these years. Now I took it out of there and along with other stuff, me and my dad drove all those big things to the studio. Lot of physical work. And yeah, I carried some big stuff too!
This table can be expended at both ends. And it's kind of not in a great condition so it's really hard pulling the sides out. I decided to expend it only on one end, so it's the perfect size now. Also, because of the table's condition, the expeditions can barely be pulled out and they're not really straight as opposed to the table itself. So I had to think what to do, and in the end, I stuck a bit a tissue paper in the holes underneath the table, and now it's straight! Now I kinda like that table. Almost bought a new one, but now it's perfect!

Also in the picture above, you can see the new ironing board. But damn it, it's really the cheap kind, so it really rattles. I'll figure out what to do with this as well.
On the other corner, there is the shell of the small 3-drawered cupboard. I'm yet to bring in the drawers themselves. I will have to arrange them too. I will also bring another cupboard because my stuff is literally spilling out of the drawers.
I also hanged some sketches boards all over the studio. In this picture you can only see 2. I made them for the school's presentation and didn’t want to throw them out, they cost a lot and they're a lot of work. I'm planning to hang my bag pictures. I will need more nails, of course.

Last thing about this photo, the sewing table. Now, there will be two sewing tables. This one is for the serger machine which is under that cover, sleeping. I need to remind myself: "please don't forget to put a chair in there, and please make really sure it fits to my height, which is so short!".

Let's move to the second photo, a closer look on the sewing table (will need a cover and a better looking face) and the cupboard shell. Will be rearranged once I have this all planed out:

And this is the kitchenette, filled with products to make coffee and tea. And there is also the kettle that changes colors according to the water's heat:

The drawers and cabinet contain stuff as well. I just threw there some stuff I will find a place for later.

The closet is now filled with fabrics. I finally learned how to fold the fabrics myself. I really suck at folding (especially clothing), so I got a good practice here!
It's sorted – exterior fabrics (prints), lining fabrics (solids mostly), vinyls on the top middle, including smaller pieces; on the top right space nylon, felt, fleece interfacing. In the drawer at the bottom of the closet, that you can't really see very well here, I have many fabric leftovers that I really didn’t want to throw out. I'll find it a good use.
Also in the closet, I have things stored that I will find better spot for later, iron, hangers, a drawer of zippers (like a million of them!), and there is a plastic bag on top there which contains some of the bag patters. Some of them, because I found many other bags that I've stored patterns in, and each one contains many of them. I don't know what to do with them yet. Meanwhile it's all there till I decide how to and where to.

Not all of my fabrics are in there, I had to sort them out because I don't have enough space. So some will stay in a plastic box at my house. Oh, well.

This is it for now. I will record more of the process and show you next time. Meantime, I need to keep up the work and keep wondering what to do with stuff and what I want the studio and everything to look like!

Food For Your Soul

2011-02-05T07:21:00.001-08:00

Making bags can be just a hobby for you. But for me, like many other bag makers, it's food for the soul. It's something that makes us feel good. Something we like doing for the sake of it. And sometimes we can't without.

Before I started making bags, I didn't know what I was missing. And that's easy when you don't know about something, you simply don't feel you need it in your life. But once I started getting into it, seriously, I realized that not only I liked doing that, but I also wanted to do that, and needed to do that.
Do you know the feelings when you know you cannot do something you really want to do, when your hands are burning and you can't stop thinking about the moment you touch it once again? Right now I'm in the middle of moving things into the new studio. So I have some things in my house, but other things at the studio. The result of that is I can't make bags. And I can't really do much about it. I really want to. I haven't for such a long time. It's times like this when you just know you have a passion for something. And you miss life with it when without it.

I guess almost everybody has something that is their passion, that doing that certain thing is like doing whatever you WANT to do and not what you NEED to do. Life without it isn't a life, as I see it. And it's so damn important to have that.
But sometimes there comes the point where you wonder whether you're doing this because you have deep passion for it, or just because you have no choice. Because once you've gotten yourself into it, you cannot stop. And people would expect from you to keep the same level. Like, once I got the studio room that people worked hard on getting me one, I absolutely can't back off now. On one hand, that's okay. On the other hand, it's like my future has been determined for me.

But gotta admit, that if a fate has been chosen for you, or even you've chosen it for yourself, it's better be the one you've been pursuing and enjoy of. It's your passion, and what's better than being practicing and make living out of your passion?
In the end, it gives you so much satisfaction, other things don't matter. It's healthy too, in my opinion. Wanting something so badly, having it and enjoying it. Doing what's good for you, and not what you need to do. I hate that in life there are things we must do, or must keep up with. So it's good thing that there is always room for the things that you don't have to do, but enjoy doing. Hobby is one thing. But when you take that hobby seriously, you work hard for it, you want to achieve more in that department, and can't get enough of it.

There are jobs or works in life which you do enjoy doing, but it's starting to be the same. Everyday you do the same thing. Over and over again. You got a routine. And even though you like it, it might make you crazy. Because nothing really changes. Everything looks the same. You get sick of it. However, I don't feel that way about the bags. Because I tend to change things, move things. As in, I make up new designs every time. Because I get bored doing the same bag more than once or twice. I have to move on so I don't get bored. I also learn new things, and keep in mind that I have to progress. Or else I'd be stuck in place. So one of the best things about the passion for bags, is the fact that it moves. It can change if I want it to change, if I make it change. That's why I think it's important to move things within your passion. So you don't get bored. So it will keep being your passion, instead of ruining a beautiful thing in your life.

Yes, This is the Next Bag Tutorial!

2011-02-03T01:58:00.000-08:00

Just letting you know that according to the poll I gave a few weeks ago about the next bag tutorial (view few posts ago) it turned out that almost everybody who voted said yes to the bag tutorial in question. And that means that the next bag tutorial I'll write will be on that one.
However, it might take a while, because I have stuff at both my home and my studio - that isn't running yet - and cannot make bags or tutorials right now. So when I'll open my studio for business, I'll start working on the tutorial, in the sense of actually making the bag and taking the process's pictures (I don't believe in tutorials without pictures, and I'm sure you're all the same).
Also, I'm hoping to make more tutorials - not just bag tutorials) once I get it all running.
So I'm sorry about all that, and promise you it will happen eventually!

Design Fabrics of Your Own

2011-02-02T09:46:00.000-08:00

One of the things that have been blowing me away ever since I found out such thing exists, is the knowledge that you can actually design your own fabrics. The sub-away-blowing, is the prices. It's crazy. It comes in the range of 15-40 bucks per yard, which might be affordable, but might also be too rich for your blood (and your wallet!).

Still, I can't not fantasize about how I would design fabrics of my own. Whatever I feel like designing. Big designers do that. There is Amy Butler, for example (who there's big chance you know and heard of, she's very renowned), who designs not only textile products, but also fabrics. And sometimes I think to myself how great it would be. Designing my own fabrics for my own bag designs. This way it would be completely MY bag design, a 100 percents!

Those sites actually make you the fabrics. You design something, send it to them with payment, and they print it and ship it to you ready for use. You can choose whether you wish to share your fabric design with others or not. If you want others to use it, or make it exclusive – which can be even cooler, because no one would have it except you, so it's totally exclusive to your bags (or other products). Sometimes you can also choose the kind of material, and how many yards you wish to create. It is pretty amazing; it opens new worlds of having your own fabrics. Even if it's a one time thing. And that's what I wanna do sometime. Even one fabric design, make a one timer payment, since I don't have enough money to pay for that kind of stuff, but still would like to try it.

If you happen to visit fabric stores and can’t find the fabric you've imagined in your head, I think this would be a wonderful solution for you!

Here are a few sites that bring you that service:

http://www.spoonflower.com
http://www.fabricondemand.com
http://www.thefabricpress.com
http://www.karmakraft.com

Name the Bags #4

2011-02-02T04:32:00.000-08:00

Coming to an end here. Two more bags for you to name.
I remind you that you can suggest names via any way you choose, including emailing me, commenting the post, shoutbox, forum, etc.
(If you don't know what this is about, please read previous posts!)

Bag #1 -
The top part is used as an handle.

SIDE A

SIDE B

Bag #2 -
Bag that's inspired by the future.

More Bags Got Their Names

2011-02-02T01:08:00.001-08:00

I will upload later more bags for you to name (I got an addiction, yeah). Meantime, I picked two more names out of all the suggestions. The rest of 'em I didn't decide yet.
Anyway, here are the names I picked for the following bags:

The first one is now:
"Airies" -

Second one, I altered it a little, but liked the general idea. From The Nanny Bag, named after Mary Poppins, I simply decided to name it:

"Poppins Bag" -

I changed its color, I think it looks better now.

Will return later to post more bags!

Function Versus Fashion

2011-01-25T11:27:00.001-08:00

These are two different bag categories, that also valid with other fashion items. They can come up in one out of the two, or both. Let's review the difference, how we take them into account, and how to combine the two.

FASHION BAGS
Fashion bags (or other fashion items) basically include giving the eye a treat. They're not about what's comfortable, not what we would take out with us to go to the mall. They're all about thinking outside the box. The more original and even outrageous, the better. It's about making a statement.
Fashion bags can express your feelings, your visions, your wild imagination. They're art. You can do whatever you want with them. Therefore, they can be made from any material you want. From plastic to music discs. Anything goes. They're show bags.
For it to be fashion bags you must think outside the box. You have a better chance to get noticed if you make a fashion statement in your design. You might be inspired by the hungry children in Africa, and like in any art, you can make that into a piece of art. The situation of that subject can give you ideas for the design, the colors, the material, etc.
With clothes, they have "Couture". Those are usually the clothes you'd see in the biggest fashion shows, on the catwalk. At times, you'd see out bursting dresses that no woman in the world would wear in the streets or just for the mall. On the other hand, those are clothes that are made to order. Those are the clothes you will not find in the stores, and they usually cost A LOT. The biggest designers make them. And you'll see them every year in the season's collection of the designer.
When I mean fashion bags I don't mean the latest fashion trends of bags, or the high class bags. I'm talking about a show. Making this kind of bag is for show. Sometimes they're not even wearable. Sometimes they don't even look like bags. That's why you can go crazy with them, and give your imagination freedom.

FUNCTIONAL BAGS
With clothes the right term is "Ready to Wear" (RTW). These are the clothes you will see at the stores, and you do get to buy them. They can come at any price. And if this term is for clothes that you can wear, with bags it's the bags that are "ready to carry". Now, that's not a real term as far as I know. But just to make it clear.
They're all about comfy and functionality. They're useful. They're easier to carry, and they're the ones we want to take with us to the same mall we wouldn't take the other kind of bags to.
Functional means things like: pockets and their position, comfortable straps (more comfortable to use with an adjuster, or long enough to sit nicely, they're material, etc.), better closure, the size, the shape, if it's got things like feet, zipper pull, and more and more. You get the point.
In this kind of bags, the functionality will come first. We think about the uses we will do with them and then the rest. We could make a list of the things people usually put in their bags when they go out (that's why I posted that other post earlier, showing you pictures of what's in people's bags). It's important for us to know what will go in there in order to know what functions we want to do in our bag design. For example, most people carry cell phones in their bags. So it might be a good thing to make a pocket that will fit a cell phone. Or if people always take keys with them, it might be a good idea to place a strap inside the bag so you could easily reach in, and find the keys easily. And of course the size of the bag is in the function category. If you take your entire house with you when you go out, or if it is a bag for dropping by the neighbors' house, size would matter a lot.
And colors/fabrics are important too. In the sense of if we like a certain color and we would love to carry it around. It's always nice to carry something you like to look at, and enjoy taking with you. And if it's winter time, the best functional thing you could do is using water proof materials, interior and/or exterior.
There are many many details in a bag that can make it more functional. It all depends on your use of it, and your needs.

COMBINE THE TWO
The fact that there are functional AND fashional bags doesn't mean it's supposed to be one of them only. There could be a bag that is more for show but it's definitely wearable, and there could be a bag that is very unique, even in its material (even if it's plastic) that can be carried around and get many responses. If you can combine the two, go all the way with it! (Again, when I say fashion bag I don't mean it looks high fashion, beautiful, expensive or super elegant).
In my opinion though, a bag that has both must be functional first, then fashional. Like, we have the basic data on the bag we want to make, and we know it's gonna have, say, many many pockets for a cell phone, keys, pens, etc. then we will make the pockets, that we already know we will, then we can think about how to make it more fashional and super original that screams 'FASHION'. So we have pockets, but in a fashion kind of way. For instance, we can make the entire bag from regular fabric, but the pockets will be made from a few zippers combined with each other (zippers play has been seen before in fashion, trust me). Just take a regular element that is very useful, and think how to make it more Fashion like.

Now all you have to do is think hard what you want to do and make it right!

Name the Bag #3

2011-01-24T11:01:00.000-08:00

Another bag design for you to name!
This one took me so long to make this one. And it was hard too. But I'm happy with the results.
Anyway, you can start making suggestions for this bag's name. The final names of the bags from the last round will be announced later on, along with this one.
Can't wait to hear (read) your ideas! Be creative!
(Also, do you like the color? Because I'm not sure about it)...

This bag is multi-functional. You can open it wide and you can do many things with its situation, like sit where there is nowhere to sit, or use it as a table mat if you wanna do a picnic, or whatever you find good doing with this. There are also many pockets inside, and 2 short handles. Zipper closure for all sides.

A Note

2011-01-23T04:53:00.000-08:00

If you've been trying downloading the tutorials of the blog and lately gotten an error message, it's because it's overloaded. There are only 200 downloads per day in the file hosting site where I host the tutorials for you to download. If it's past that number per day, you cannot download the files in that host.
So if you've been having troubles downloading the tutorials, try again on the next day.
Sorry for the inconvenience!

What's in the Bag?

2011-01-22T23:20:00.000-08:00

When making a bag, sometimes we think fashion forward. But sometimes we want it more factional, sometimes it's more important (I will write about fashion versus function soon!). For us to know what to do with the bag to make it functional, we need to know what people put in their bags, what you put in your bag. So I've collected a few photos of people's bags. What they put in it, what they take with them when getting out of their house. As I said, I will write about it more later. Meanwhile, here are some photos that will give us an idea on what people carry in their bags, so we know how to design the bags according to the essentials:

Name the Bags #2

2011-01-22T11:26:00.000-08:00

And here are more bag designs I made (I'm getting an obsession here!) And again, I ask you to name them (send to me, leave a comment, or any other way you want to suggest names):

Design #1 =

Design #2 =

Design #3 =

Bags Got Names

2011-01-22T00:10:00.000-08:00

A few days ago I showed you a couple of bag designs (sketches) and asked you to name them.
Well, names were chosen. Here they are......

The first one is: "Coming From Nowhere" =

There is the sketch, without colors:

And the other bag's name is: "Under Wings" =

The colorless sketch:

Later today, or soon, I will post more bags for more names. Thanks for the suggestions!

Family Matter

2011-01-20T05:58:00.000-08:00

How does the family find its way to your own personal world? Doesn't matter if you're close with it or less connected, both physically and mentally. They have a connection to your businesses as well, sometimes only genetically. How does it fit with our topic, the bags?

Making bags could be pleasure or business only. You could be doing it out of need, but in most cases we do it because we love it, it gives us satisfaction. And family, well they're experiencing it with you. Any business, not only bags. Whether if it's your paycheck or your hobby. I'm guessing there are not many families who are connected to their loved ones who don't know about their little business/pleasure. And sometimes they come into the picture, or being forced into it.
For example, until I'll open my studio, I'm doing all my bags business from my parents' house, in the kitchen, and on the kitchen table. And it's not only uncomfortable to me, it's also uncomfortable to my family who are being forced to deal with my passion. Right now I don't have a choice. But that's only one example for how families are a part of our business.

Sometimes it's the fact that you're doing what you're doing and your family just knows about it and they could be either supportive or against it for some reason – like thinking you can't possibly make a living out of it, like in many hobbies. They think you should find yourself a job where there is some steady paycheck. But if they do support what you're doing, they're sometimes being very very supportive by buying (or getting for free) your creations. Not only because they're your family, but also because they think you're talented. And sometimes it's a family thing, not just you. A family business. What a great thing! Then the supporting factor is a given. But of course there are times when business and family clash, and then there's no good there.

And there is another angle. The genetic angle. It could be that the creative gene is in your family. Like in my case, my family from my father's side is very creative. That's why my only profession could be art related. However, I'm the only one who actually practices in it. And being the only one who does that, I'm getting a lot requests for bags from the other members of the family. And a lot of complements. When I started getting serious, I got a request for 3 bags for 3 different women of the family, by other members of the family, as birthday presents.
But I do have a returning customer in my family. My mom. She bought and received many bags from me. That's true for today. Because when I first started my first bags, and I was obviously very excited about those crappy bags, my mom was brutally honest with me, as my whole family are, and that's hard sometimes, but thank God for that. I wasn't a kid who drew a picture and her parents told her that her drawings are amazing, and perfect, and gosh, you're the best artist ever. No, I've been treated fairly, and I see it as a good thing. So when I showed my mom my first bags, she was honest with me and did not show any excitement of them. No, she didn't like them as much as I did. Maybe to you it sounds harsh, and I thought it was too back then. But you know what, it's good. She was right. Today when I do make worthy bags, I do get her compliments. So when she tells me her opinion about something I made, I just know she's telling the truth. My father, too.

It's great to have a family around you to whom you can show your designs. Especially when they tell you the truth, and especially when it's both of your parents. I'm not even sure my friends would tell me the truth if I show them a crappy thing I made. Because if someone tells you the truth, you know you can get better, fix what's wrong. My dad sometimes would look at a bag I made and would tell me there's something that seems not right to him. I could argue and explain, but I can also trust that he tells me what he really thinks.
Every time I finish a bag, first I show it to my parents. Then to anyone else who would take a look. But it's only my family who would tell me what they really think.
So now that I made a huge progression since my first "no no's", I've been getting more compliments from my family. And I know I've gotten better, because my mom keeps buying my bags or getting them as presents, and she is proud of me, and she does love my work.

So family can be a very good thing to share your passion with. It can also come in your way, but mostly it might get you better - money wise, creative wise , career wise… you name it! It can be something that often can be missed. It can give you a different angle. Sometimes I ask my family whether I should do something in a particular way or not. You could always use another set of eyes, as many as you can. Either way, your family is connected to what you're doing. With bags, it can be very helpful. If your family is not like mine, you can try finding help in yours. They are the people who you can usually trust in this. So, yeah, family has to do with bags, believe it or not. They're part of it just as much as you.

Please Name My Bags

2011-01-18T05:08:00.000-08:00

I found a bag making contest that I really want to participate in. I just ran into it, and thought I'd give it a try. This is not "the prettiest bag" contest, it's a different kind, because it's more complex and you should really think original, which I love. There is very little time till the deadline, so I'm working hard on all of the things they ask to see in your submission. It's a professional bag making contest, so I think I just have to participate in this.

So far I made 2 sketches of 2 bags, and there's more to do, and if there is time I'll make more. But I have less than 2 weeks, and a lot of work. I present you 4 of my sketches (skethes only, not real bags yet). And we're supposed to name our bags. I thought I would ask you what you think I should name these two bags. So go nuts!

You can either write your suggestions as comments to this posts, send me an email (daphna@creativecutie.com), shout it in the shoutbox, or any other way you want!

Here are the two bags (I might make more if I have the time, because I think I could do better):

#1 - with many "wings" and zipper closure:

Another view:

#2 - with 4 sides zippers, plus one in the middle. Handles can go either way.
Above view, when it's open:When closed:

Recommendation #4 - Pink Lemonade Boutique

2011-01-15T03:39:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since the last recommendation. So if you haven't read the previous ones and don't know what this is about, I encourage you to check them out. Basically, I haunt around the net, looking for winning bags that I want to share with you. So this time it's not one bag that I'm recommending on, it's the designer herself, of Pink Lemonade Boutique. There were way too many bags in her Flickr's photostream that I couldn't choose just one. It wouldn't be fair to you, nor to the bags. So here are some pictures of some of the bags that I really wanted you to see:

When I encountered the photostream, I was definitely blown away. Lisa (the designer) has not only a designing talent, but also the eye. I was amazed at how well she manages to put the right fabrics together. She makes the right combinations. The fabric combinations make the bags "not shallow". They make them special. And that's the strongest part that I liked about Lisa's designs. I simply wandered around her gallery, having treats to my eyes, and was really sad when I got to the last page. Don't get me wrong, there are many bags there, but I couldn't help but wanting more. You know what it's like when you really like something and can't have enough of it.

In Lisa's bags, it's enough to just be depended on the colors and fabrics. It doesn't have to be a super original design, because the fabrics and their combinations do the job very very well. But there are designs that combine both, the design itself AND the amazing fabric usage.
I also really liked the variety, there is enough to choose from, yet you can't choose only one. They so different from each other, yet you can tell they're from the same collection of bags. And it's a style that I'm sure most people would like.
There are also the small details like bows, flowers, appliqués, which are damn cute.

Sometimes it's hard for me to find the right combinations. And sometimes I come up with a plain combination. With Lisa's bags, it cannot happen! I don't know if she actually works hard on finding the right ones, but to me they just seem effortless. Not the work itself, but the combinations, it looks like she's using her magic wand and pulls the fabrics out of her sleeve. Because it's just so well done.
She seems to have been experimenting in many techniques, and tries thinking outside the box, which I always like. She's bold, and she dares and does that with a big success. "Make it work"? She always makes it work! The last thing you could say about her bags is that they're boring. They're exciting, which is why I have so many things to say about them.

Lisa is now having a clearance at her Etsy shop, with great prices. I'm just sorry I didn't find her sooner, because her store is about to get totally cleared. But the store isn't closing, she's bringing new things which I have no doubt will compare to the ones she's clearing right now. The clearance prices are great, so grab them as fast as you can, and do drop by there again for the new collection:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/pinklemonadeboutique?ref=pr_shop

And, just to be accurate about the treasures I found, the Flickr photostream:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7636984@N03
Wash your eyes, and be ready to get the desire to buy those kinds of treats!

Hit Me With That Bag

2011-01-13T13:03:00.000-08:00

I haven't been doing bags lately on the count of some troubles like a missing foot, or a defective pedal. But I have been looking for new designs to make, which I'm dying to make, because they're piling up.

Among all that, I have also been looking for the right bag design to make you a tutorial for. That's not easy, because it needs to be: a) not too difficult, b) original looking, c) doesn't take that long to make. All that should be taken into account when I'm choosing a bag design you could make. And I know I have to make one soon, because I've been getting many requests. I still stand behind my promise to make one soon. But there were factors that prevented me from doing that – the actual tutorial writing.

But with all those designs I came up with (not just for the tutorial, but in general), I wasn't completely sure which one fits all of the categories. Or I simply wasn't sure of them. Then I remembered the bag I made a long time ago, which thought had a lot of potential. This is it:

It even has the old label on it. So it's definitely one of my better old ones. And I thought it would be great to write a tute for. I will make a few changes though, so it wouldn't be exactly like that.

But I'm still not sure. So please take a minute to be honest and vote your say on the subject. Just if it's a bag you'd want a tutorial for (again, with a few changes!), or I should look for another one:

Studio Room, Before and After – The Before

2011-01-12T10:35:00.001-08:00

This is my decision I have made this week. I was writing about my new studio room that I just got, and I would like to share the process with you, from the phase it was still a skeleton, until it is all done and open for business.
In the past 2 weeks I have been transferring (or starter transferring, to be more accurate) some of my stuff, from my house to the studio room (thank God it's close to my house, and thank God I have a bicycle to transfer some of my stuff easier and faster), along with my dog, who immediately started sniffing around and getting to know the surrounding, including the neighbors' houses. I've been spending about half an hour, more or less, almost everyday (everyday that it's not raining), placing things, ordering things. So before I started all that, I took my cute little camera with me, and took some photos of the place. And I came up with the idea to take pictures of the process for you. I will take pictures every few days and upload them here to show them to you. You could comment and make suggestions and give me some ideas which I'd love to receive from anyone!

So here are a few photos of the place, before I started filling it with stuff.
Side comment: it came out really small in the pictures, while it's not THAT small, it's an okay kind of size. Also, the point of view doesn't really let you see the real size of it. Trust me, its size is worthy.

This is the main room, as seen from the entrance:

From the left there is the kitchenette, and from the right there is the entrance to both the second room and the bathroom. In the farther part of the room there will probably be the ironing board and the sewing table + machines. In the middle of the room I will be placing the main table where I'll do my cutting and measuring and all that stuff.
They've already painted it in cream, but I'm not really fond of it.
There are SO many wall plugs in that place, it's crazy!
I'm thinking about a nice, soft curtains for that window.

And this is the kitchenette. It needs a little cleaning, and excuse me for the mess, it's my mess. It's the stuff I brought to put there, and I just placed it all over there:

That wooden pillar is a little stuck in the middle of the world there, but I'll find it a good use, like hanged bags or photos.

Side comment: I've always wanted a wooden floor, but hey, what can you do (without money, huh?)

Another view, into the second room, from the main room point of view:

Notice the open wall at the top, really liking it:

I'm thinking putting a few shelves on this wall (which is 2.50 cm long, I measured! It's not as small as you might think it is!), and placing a few bags on them, like a showcase. Depends on the budget, though.
I will be hanging sketches and pictures of my bags on the walls.

Walking into the second room, and find a big closet, which will be used for, mostly, fabrics:

Not really reaching to the higher cabinets, short little me.
Please ignore the belt that's hanging on the door's knob, it belonged to the guy who used to live there before, and I already tossed it.
Fortunately, there is a long mirror in the closet's door, because I really wanted one since many women who come to buy bags from me want to see themselves in the mirror wearing the bags. So a big plus there!

Almost a full view of the second room. It doesn't show the entire size of it from that view, you'll just have to use your imagination for that (or come see it yourself!):

There will also be a place for my dog in this room, and a television. But other than that, it will be mostly a storage room. Plus, one of the walls will be used as a spot for bag photo takings.

And this is another view, from the bathroom

And the bathroom itself:

Needs some fixing, but most things in it are new, and it's very big, at least bigger than the bathroom I have at my house. It's just a bathroom though, so it has nothing have to do with the new studio designing. Also, the mirror above the sink is a little too high for me. Also needs to be fixed. That mess isn't mine either!

As a final note, it looks a little "blah" right now, but not only that in real life it looks so much better, but also I will try making it a dream come true for me. Some paint, color, furniture, decorations, showcases, and more…. It will look good in the end, and I hope you will keep following and experiencing it with me!

Year 2011 Bag Making Wish list

2011-01-05T06:14:00.001-08:00

This is both a wish list, and a plan map. What I'm planning on buying or making this year, in the bag making blog. I thought it fits the New Year theme, like the New Year resolutions.

* I'll start with the big one. The studio room, of course! As of now I'm happy with it, so I hope it will grow to be great during this year.

* Work exclusively on my bags.

* Buying a new sewing machine, more fitting to my needs.

* Continue making many bags.

* Selling many bags.

* Make my blog even better, and more helpful to my readers.

* Create an official catalog (I'm actually working on it, it will be a once a year book sort of thing, with this year's bags pictures and stuff, I will explain about it sometime).

* Learn new things in bag making (and then teach you afterwards).

* Creating an official logo (working on it).

* Buying a new iron, because in mine the steam barely works anymore; and I get stains on the dark fabrics because the iron is uncleanable anymore.

* Buying a new ironing board.

Do you have plans for this year, a wishing list, New Year resolutions?

Fly, Little Bird

2011-01-04T06:28:00.001-08:00

Lately, I feel like I'm really sick of my daily job, at the sewing workshop. Yes, it has its own advantages; and yes, I can learn so much there about sewing and stuff. But these few weeks I can't find myself there. Do you know the feeling of being lost in the darkness? Being stuck in the middle of a forest clearing, and there are different paths you can walk in and find your way out, but none of them is the right one that will eventually get you out of that messy wood. Being lost in the forest. That's how I've been feeling at work. I can't stand being there even for half an hour. They give me all those boring jobs, not always things that have to do with the sewing part of the process, just some pretty simple jobs with about 1000 units in each. It makes me crazy. I'm bored, I'm hot, I'm tired. I'm out of my mind, if you will. No one's fault. The company is still great, and there's no rush with anything. Yet, I can't stand being there.

So, basically I'm thinking about leaving. Now I need to check my options. There's no really good options. The best option I see right now, which is not only the best one, it's also pretty good too, is working exclusively on my bags. My soon to be studio will be my working place, I'll be my own boss, I'll sell my bags from there. I'm still checking that option, if it's even possible.

But the best part, I'd finally be able to say I am a bag designer. Not just a sewer. Although I think it's a little early for me to say the word 'designer' by all means. I just feel I'm not there yet. I don't have an official business, I don't know everything about making bags, I'm still learning, and there is still a lot to learn. And I think there will come the day when I could finally say, "Yes, I am a bag designer. That's my profession, that's what I do". Because right now it feels a little weird saying those words. Does the fact that I make many bags and sell them make me a designer? Yes, I design. Yes, I sell my designs. But I'm not sure if I'm at that place yet.

That's why I think working exclusively on my bags can make me someday a "bag designer", as a fact. Also, I'll be the only one in my town. I already kinda am. And besides, I like the sound of the word "designer". No matter what kind of a designer, just a designer sounds appealing when people hear it, and of course when you say it.
I've always been interested in designing, of any kind. Because I've always known I'd be some artist kind of girl. Anything art and creative. It started with painting and drawing. Art teacher's pet, the best in my class. I've been always a writer ever since I learned how to write. And acting. That's also art. Even origami, polymer clay, pottery, film, and more! I've always done arts, creative things. So it was only natural for me to start sewing and making bags. Okay, so I didn't know I was going to be making bags specifically (or even sewing in general, I'll admit), but it was always clear to me that arts is my passion. That's what I'm gonna do "when I grow up". There was no other option. But this particular option has many options by itself.

So no it's clear to me that's I'm ready to move on. From my job in the last 4 or 5 years, to something that I can really feel like I master, a place I'd be more comfortable in and wouldn't feel like a pain in the butt. That's just something I have to do. Say thanks and then goodbye. It's time for me to be who I am, and maybe what I'm meant to be. And I feel that it's right. It feels right. And I'll be happier and well… less bored. Because I'll do what I want, and that's really the best thing for me, as an individual.

This is how I open the new year. With a new thing of my own!

Name My Studio

2010-12-28T02:47:00.000-08:00

First, I want to thank you for the lovely comments. I really am excited about my new studio. I started planning it, and placing everything in the map I made with Paint. And I kid you not, only a few hours after I visited the place for the first time, when I tried drawing the map, I couldn't remember exactly where everything was. To be specific, I couldn't remember where the bathroom was as opposed to the main room, and where was the entrance for the second room. It's not a big place, yet my lousy memory beats me sometimes. But I drew it more or less like I remembered it. And you know, it's just a map made with Paint, it doesn't really mean much. I just wanted to make sure everything I want in the studio has a place. It looks very good, I think everything will fit.

I've always planned that once I found a studio room, there will be a sign on the door, that said something like: "welcome to…" or just the name of the studio, or my brand, or my name. Now I'm not really sure what I want. And here is the place where I ask for suggestions.

So what do YOU think the sign in the front should be like?
"Daphna's Studio?"
"Welcome to Daphna's studio?"
"Janaur Designs Studio?"
Or a brand new name for the studio place itself?

If you think the last option is the best, here comes the second aid request. I would like you to give a name for my studio. Something catchy and sweet.
I also welcome any other suggestions.

Suggest away!

My Own Space

2010-12-27T06:40:00.000-08:00

I was waiting for it for about 3 months or so. For my own studio, and for it to be available. They found me one, and didn't tell me anything about it. The neighborhood it's in, the size, nothing. The only thing I knew was that the person who's been living there should have been moved out about 2 months ago. I waited and waited and that guy didn't budge. Was supposed to a long time ago, but was extremely late.

But this weekend, I got the phone call that he's finally out, and I can start using it. But the best part is (okay, parts) that it's really near my house, just 2 minutes of walking from my house to there, in a nice neighborhood that I've always liked, and the space itself is… beyond what I've hoped for. I was expecting to get a lousy space with always no place to move, with a small kitchen, bathroom and that's it.
But I was really surprised today when I took my dog and went there to check it out for the first place. And I'm not afraid to say that this space is PERFECT. Two rooms, one big one and another one that was probably a bedroom before. The two rooms are separated by a wall that doesn't go all the way to the ceiling, but there's an opening so it's not totally closed. Which is good, because I was so happy to find out that there's already an air conditioner installed and the opening in the wall gives the air a chance to move well between the rooms.

Lighting is also great. There are windows, the good kind. A little kitchenette, big enough to cook though. There is a place in the kitchenette for a fridge. Although that space for the fridge is a wooden pillar wall, and it's stuck there, all the way to the ceiling and really takes space. So if I can, I'll remove it. The bathroom is bigger than the one I have at my house. So if needed, I'll use it from more storage. I don't really plan taking a shower there anyway.

Also, the wall has been painted. But I'm going to change it, because as much as the cream-beige is appealing, I'd like something else. I want lilac purple, maybe on just one wall, we'll see. I was debating with myself about which color I want my studio to be. But once I've seen the place, I'd decided that some tones I've considered wouldn't really fit, in my opinion. So I'll go with lilac purple.

The second room also has a big closet there, which will fit all my fabrics into it.
I plan to place in the working room my ironing board and iron; the separating wall will be filled with some of my bags, and I'll see where I'll put the rest. A big cutting table in the middle, a sewing table which include my sewing machine and my serger. I'll fix a hooks wall for the threads (which I don't even have now), and maybe shelves. Some drawers for all the materials (which I may have to buy more, because the ones I have at the moment aren't enough, I have a huge mess there because it can't contain all of my stuff).

I want to fix a place for my dog when she's with me there, at the second room. I'll make sure she has things of hers there like a bowl of water, treats, a bed, toys… I think it's important to include her with me while I'm out for hours and we're not with each other, and we both hate it. So. She'll be thrilled to come with me there.

I'll need to get a small fridge, I don't need a big one. And a television which I already have, because my dad's girlfriend had just bought a new TV and she'll give me her old one. A big one, maybe too big

The best part though, now I'll have a place to make open houses, costumers will be able to come over and see the bags, it would be much more professional. Which means it's a working place and no one can hang out there and talk. That's the reason they agreed to find me a studio space. Because now I'll have my own space, I won't be bothering anyone, they won't bother me…

It's so great and I'm so happy. I'm still considering all the details of how it will look like and where do I place everything. So if you have any suggestions, please share!
I wanted to take pictures of the studio, but I couldn't remember bringing the camera with me. So I owe you photos. And I promise to show you the progress and the final look. I'm just so pleased and thankful!

Process of Designing a Bag

2010-12-25T04:48:00.001-08:00

You can always sew a few fabrics together and make it into a bag. But you can dare and bring into the mix your own design. It's more fun, more special, and more yours. It feels really good when you make up your own design. So how you come about it?

Say you're afraid to make your own designs, and you're always using other's designs. I don't just mean the pattern, but the design itself, on paper or in your head. Whichever way you decide to lay it out, you will get the sense of bag designing.

I don't know how others do it, but like any other thing I write about in my blog, I share with you my methods, my way of work. You can either choose to follow my tips, or bring up ways of your own, which I would adore. Because that's what I want you to receive from my blog. The ability and courage to design your very own bag from scratch; from the design idea to the sewing itself. So this time, I'll share with you the process I do when I design my own bag.

First, I really recommend buying a notebook, or a block to sketch your designs. Not just the one design you're thinking about. This will be your permanent sketching book. It will include all your ideas. Not just the ones you're about to make, but also any inspiration you come up with. If you're in a store and seeing a bag you like, you can be inspired by it and draw your inspiration in that notebook. Keep it beside your bad, next to your computer, etc. everywhere you think you'll have design ideas. I have so many notebooks, it's crazy. Most of the designs in them, I didn't even make. It's an ideas notebook. Say you want to make a bag and can't find a design, it'll be easier if you have storage of those designs. I keep a notebook near me all the time, because I come up with designs all the time. Sketch even the designs you don't know how to do. You might come back to those designs after a while, even years, when you'll finally feel like you're able to make those designs you didn't know how to make then.
That's the first tip. Now for the designing itself.

Say you're blank right now, with no design ideas. Check out the tips posts for how to find inspiration for designs, I write a lot about that subject, which I think can be VERY helpful for you. But let's start from the blank paper. You can choose the order of aspects of your design. It's not set in stone. This is how I'd go about it:

First what I'd do is determine the shape. There are so many options, and I'd like you to play with them. Use your imagination. Find your inspirations.
Now I can decide which I want: one strap at both sides, or 2 handles, in the front and in the back. Here's also an open door to be creative. Like, you can add the handles rings. If you do, choose the best size, shape, color, etc. every little detail will contribute to the design. That's just an example, of course. Look at other bags to get some ideas, so the design will be more special. There are countless designs for each bag detail. Just step outside the box. Might take time, but I trust you'll do it in the end.

Now you have the start of the bag design. Remember, I talk on paper obviously. Before you even start creating the bag.
Now you can fill in the bag design – the front and the back, sometimes the sides, depends on you.
You can decide you want to add a pocket on the front. Again, use your imagination to find the most original way to make the pocket, because again, there are many kinds, shapes, with different closures, with decorative elements and more and more. Plan each details with details, know exactly what you want (of course you can regret and reconsider things in the middle of work, I do it. But it's good to have a sense of idea of what you want. Drawing it will be very helpful, so you could see and understand better what you want, and how it looks like).
I say, leave out the fabrics you want at the moment. I'll get to that later. But you may also start from the fabrics and build the design around it.

Now you can plan the other details. Like, are there rivets? Are there more decorative rings? Are there visible decorative seams? And so on.
You can think about lines, panels, cutting then sewing back, and the place they'll be in… say you want pleats, and usually it's better to make a strip piece at the top that hides the seams you make the pleats with… you can decide making the strip a little different – its shape, its location, size, etc. This is a very good chance to be creative and invent the wheel.

After deciding how the front design will look like, think (and draw next to it) about the back side of the bag. If it will be the same as the front, or different. If on front you want a pocket, maybe the back side won't have any.
And how will the sealing and dimensions look like? Is it gonna have boxing? (that case, you'll have to make the pattern with consideration of that). It is gonna have a gusset? Rounded base? And so on.

You'll have to decide on the bag's closure. Not any closure will fit any design. If it's a zipper, choose the right method for it (there are many methods for zippers tutorials in the blog!). Be aware of the fact that sometimes you wouldn't be able to add that kind of closure, because of the design itself (you'll understand once you figure out the design).
Decide how the lining will look like. Will it have pockets (and what kind)? String for keys? And so on.

Now that you get the design you want, you need to make sure you know (or WILL know) how to make it. Think about every stage (you can also write it down so you won't get confused or forget!), how you will make it, in what order. And of course make sure that you have or will buy all the elements you want in the bag.
When I started designing bags by myself, I wrote down a list next to the bag sketch. I listed the materials I'd need, the quantity of each piece I'd need to cut out, the order of work, and all the side comments I needed like the measurements. Now I can work without all that, now it's all in my head and very obvious to me, I work without thinking as much as I used to back then when I was making lists.

Make sure you have the right thread colors and enough of them. If it's a specific kind of fabric, make sure you're able to sew it at all. And of course make sure you won't have trouble doing something. If something is too thick, for example, you wouldn't be able to sew it without the right machine and equipment. Run everything through your head and be positive you have all the tools to make the bag you want. You wouldn't like it if you start a bag, then realize you can't do something and be stuck in the middle, or even have to throw everything away. That could be a huge waste of money, and you don't want that!

You can draw each detail that's important to you, and make sure you understand your drawing – i.e. what you mean by each thing you drew. You can draw darts to make it easier for you to understand. Write comments in the corner of the paper, like:
- "Magnetic closure",
- "Nickel rings"
- "Decorative seam"
- ""Red fabric"……

Even notes like: "This thing should be sewn to that place, and 5" under that thing".
Like that. Especially things that you can't draw or see in the sketch.

Now you can choose the fabrics. Make sure the combinations work (your choice only!), that the lining fit the exterior. You can pick the kind of fabric you want to use. Choose the threads you want to use. You can write this all down, so the picture will be clearer for you. Remember that it's for you only, so you're the only one who will need to understand. So make it clear FOR YOU to understand.
Don't forget to pick the fabric for the handles/straps too. And more obvious, make really really really sure you have enough of the fabric you want to use. You may write down the measurements of each piece and the bag itself. You may write every color or fabric you want to use, on the drawn pieces.
I also like breaking apart the pattern pieces I want to make. Their shape, the quantity I'll need to cut out of each, etc. All that I would include, to make life easier.

Now you can start planning the pattern and the pattern pieces. This is not the designing process, but it is the next phase. Then you can, of course, start cutting out the pieces, and putting it all together into a bag of your very own design. And this is how I do it. It's hard work, but less than you think. You just have to remember to include every detail whether it's on paper or in your head. You can buy tools and hardware by the designs you want. So it's best to start collecting those things, and make sure you always have them in your drawer, cabinet or wherever. If you have everything you need, not only for one particular design, you'll get a more free hand to design what you want, and being able to actually make it!

I recommend going through all my tutorials, tips, and articles to help you design your own bags better, with no fear of trying new things. So you will start making new bags and people will come to you for designs.

Start designing!

Baby Bag

2010-12-24T01:53:00.000-08:00

At times, when you've finished a bag for sell, or any other handmade product, you have mixed feelings. Because it's your baby. And you're really proud of it (as long as it comes out good and for your expectations), you're looking at it up and down for this or that long.

Now, I don't know about you, but when I finish a bag, I always think it's worthy of my admiration, and I look at it a hundred times up until the next bag. And the story repeats itself. Now comes my biggest dilemma. Well, not so much as a dilemma, more as a heartbreak. I mean, yes, I'll get money for it, make other people happy and spread my passion around. But in a way, to say goodbye to your baby is heartbreaking. I just can't help it.

My solution for it, is to just keep making new bags, whilst you're getting used to that bag you can't seem to say goodbye to. After a while, and many more bags, that other bag will seem almost… averaged. Like it's not as heartbreaking anymore. And the rest lasts. You'll still be getting the money, you've still done your share… and now you're not even that hooked to the bag anymore.

And you know it's harder when there aren't many bags. Like in the beginning when I started selling the bags I made (less than now, of course), there weren't that many of them; so I guess it was harder to say goodbye. Although, the bags I made then were least, in a way, but at that time it was easier to say goodbye, because they weren't that great. And I both knew it and was proud of them.

Then again, if I made a few of the same design, there would be more to say goodbye to, though it would be easier. Problem is, I like my bags one of a kind. I rarely make 2 bags that are exactly the same. So the answer might be found in the question. I'd make the same bags, but with a little twist in each one. As I always announce, I think it's best to make the same pattern – yet a different design. A little change in each one. You'd get to make them faster, because it's the same pattern, but sometimes some people wouldn't even realize the bags came from the same base.
When I do that, in my heart it's like the same bag a few times, and I like them the same. That way it makes it easier for me to sell. Psychologically, I presume.

I don't usually do that, but there is a particular bag I've made, that I couldn't, simply couldn't give away. I kept it to myself. Also because mine was falling apart and I needed a new one. So I took that bag, that might have been very expensive to buy by other people, and now I use it as my own. And somehow I just know that people who get the bags from me enjoy it the same way I enjoy the one I kept for myself. If they see something in a bag and buy it, it makes me feel as if I kept it to myself, it has found a home. As much as it hurts giving away your baby sometimes, I just know that someone who's both a bag lover and a handmade products lover, gets to keep it. Actually paid for having it, the thing I made. It travels and seeing by many people who can proudly say they bought it from me. In a way, it opens so many doors. And like everything, there comes a time when you have to free your baby, so it could start a new life somewhere else. It's still mine, the tag is sewn there, only in someone else's hands. It's all worth it.

Zipper Concealed At Both Ends Tutorial

2010-12-17T04:25:00.000-08:00

Here is a new zipper tutorial I came up with, after 2 experiments. It's good if you don't want the ends of the zipper to need a square of fabric or even bare. Because in this method, both zipper ends are tucked inside the fabric pieces. You don't even need to disassemble and reassemble anything. But it does take some maneuvering. It's very easy once you get it. And it looks neat!

This tutorial can be downloaded as a PDF file for easy printing:
http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/2451065/zipper-concealed-at-both-ends-tutorial-pdf-december-17-2010-3-04-pm-422k?da=y

1) First, cut out 2 fabric pieces in the width you want (remember the seam allowance!), and pretty much in the length of the zipper you're using.

VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: if you overlook this one, it's gonna be a problem. The length of the pieces that you want and fit the zipper, includes the extra bits of fabric of the zipper – the ones before each metal bit- those that you don't usually see after installing a zipper:

You can do it in different ways: you either cut the pieces wider so you will fold them in half to the size your pieces are gonna come out (include seam allowance, of course!), or cut 2 of each so you will sew each two together right from the beginning (right sides together-reopen and iron flat). It's the way you should pick if you want the pieces to be with 2 different fabrics – the exterior and lining fabrics. In this tutorial I'll show you the one wider for folding pieces.

2) Open your zipper just a little. This is so you could start sewing without the zipper's pull bothering you.

Place the zipper on one of the fabric pieces, its face down, at the edge of the piece, like this:

Now fold the fabric piece inwards, and pin or clip and sew, while you're sandwiching the zipper inside the folded fabric piece:

What you do is you start sewing from one of the top sides, but not from the beginning – you start almost from the corner and then turn to sew along the zipper's length. You're leaving a small gap, big enough to turn in side out later on. Don't forget to backstitch!

Notice that the extra zipper fabric bit I was talking about fits the piece so you don't sew over the metal teeth or the metal bits. The extras will get into it when you turn inside out in a short while.

(Sorry for the messy sewing, it's just for the tutorial!)

NOTE: you might need to move the zipper pull out of the way in order to sew beside it. In some cases you might, and that's okay(!) to stop the sewing before the pull, take it out from under the machine, move the zipper backwards, and then bring it back under the machine and keep sewing. You wouldn't be able to see that seam, so it's really okay! If you have a zipper foot it will help you!

The rest of the sewing is the same, with the other end of the zipper. But this time, you don't leave a gap. You just turn and stitch that bottom side (careful with the metal bits!):

VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: when you're about to get to the bottom side, be careful not to stitch both of the zipper's extra sides! Only the one that's close to the edge. When you turn, push the other zipper's extra inside so you don't sew it (this is also true about the top side as well):

3) Now turn it inside out through the gap at the top:

See how the zipper's ends are tucked inside? That's what you should get!

4) Let's move to the other piece.
You do the same thing. And make sure the zipper is in the right side as opposed to the other side. It should be placed like this:

This time it could be a little tricky. So you need to pay attention to what you sew. Because this one will wrap the other piece, so be careful not to sew it.
Again, remember to keep the zipper pull out of the way.
You fold that second piece over the first piece (wrapping it), wrong side out:

Turn it right side out. The other piece will come out as well.

5) Now you have the unit with the zipper ends inside and unseen. But there's a gap at each piece's top:

So fold each one inwards, and sew the pieces all around, closing the gap while doing so. You don't have to sew the outer edges, they won't be seen later, hopefully:

This is what you have:

6) All you need to do now is sew it to the bag's lining sides – at the top edges. Then you sew the whole bag as usual – the zipper unit's edges are sewn into the bag. Make sure the seams won't show, sew the zipper unit close enough to the edges!

(When you need to sew together the lining and exterior of the bag, do it as if there wasn't a zipper. After your bag pieces are done and the zipper unit is installed, turn lining piece inside (while the zipper is open), so that the zipper unit is facing outside. Put it inside the exterior piece and sew as usual, while the zipper is flatted downwards. (Look for the deep zipper tutorial I made for better indication for what I mean here!) Then turn it all inside out as usual.
Don't worry, it's like in any other bag, just with a zipper, so don't be alarmed!
Sorry I didn't make a whole bag for the tutorial, it's not that needed to show you this method I just came up with. If you have wonders or questions, drop me a word!)

This is it!

Winners!

2010-12-13T10:44:00.000-08:00

Wow, finally! Finally I found the time to post this. "This" is the winner and runner-up of my bag making contest!

Now, I've decided to make it a little more special. So you won't be reading the names in my next lines. You'll be reading them in this following video. I wanted to go for a little originality.

I also want to thank everybody who took part, say congrats to the winner and runner-up, and say sorry to those who didn't win. Just remember, there is always next time, more specials. The pick was hard and took quite a bit, but I'm glad I found a winner.

I won't go on more. I'll just let you find out the winner. Press play!

Both winner and runner up, please send me your full name and address, so I can send you the prizes!

daphna@creativecutie.com

Pink and Grey Spotty Bag with Button Brooch

2010-12-06T08:50:00.000-08:00

I'll start by saying that the winner and runner up of the contest were already chosen, and I will announce them soon.
But today, I want to showcase a bag for sell, wasn't made by me, but by Grace, who's after a potential buyer for her bag.

If you'd like to showcase your bags for sell here, I'd be more than happy to give you the stage.

Pink and Grey Spotty Bag with Button Brooch

I've (Grace) carried on with a circle theme for this bag....as you can probably tell!

The body of the bag (front and back) is made in an Amy Butler cotton, just because I love her fabrics. I have teamed this with a beautiful textural charcoal fabric that has a soft wool feel to it.

This is a satchel style bag that has a very long handle measuring approximately 92cms or 36inches. It is long enough to wear across your body. The handle is attached by two exciting oversized metal rings that measure approximately 7cms in diameter (almost 3inches).

I have made the brooch in a shocking pink felt and a lovely large pearly button, I have also hand sewn yellow knots into it. The brooch is designed to accentuate the Amy Butler fabric, it can be removed to wear on any thing you want.

The bag is approximately 21cms/8inches deep.
It is approx 25cms/10inches wide.
I have sewn a side panel into it which allows for more room within the bag, this measures 6cms/2.5inches wide.
The flap measures approx 18cms/7inches and it fastens with an invisible magnetic clasp.

Please convo me if you would like any more information.

Thanks Grace

This bag's price is £36.00, and you can find it here:
http://folksy.com/items/579913-Pink-and-Grey-Spotty-Bag-with-Button-Brooch?shop=yes

Grab it before it's too late!

Winter Collection's Zippered Problem

2010-11-23T01:25:00.001-08:00

My upcoming story might surprise some of you, and might not surprise the other half of you. It's crazy. I'll start from the beginning.

I've started making a winter collection to sell at the store. The winter collection includes faux leather and other water proof fabrics, mostly solid colors that will fit the wintery mode. But don't be mistaken. The fact that it's winter doesn't mean you have to make the bags for it in wintery colors, i.e. black, brown, gray… no. Color can add a lot to the wintery mode. Plus, a zippered closure might fit best for winter. And there is a reason I'm saying this. You'll see why, it's the most important detail in my story.

So anyway, for the winter collection I'm doing a series of bags, most of them faux leather. Which means I want the zipper for the closure to be professional looking. I want the faux leather bags to look high quality. Therefore, I've decided I must use metal teeth zippers. They're more expensive, but they look so much better, especially with this kind of bag I'm making.

I made 2 bags from the first line, used 2 white metal teeth zippers. Then I was about to make more of this line (other colors of course), and got stuck. I don't have any metal teeth zippers left. I knew I had about 2 (the second one finding was surprising!), and was pretty sure I didn't have more. I was right. But I kept creating 2 bags anyway, and now they're lying there, waiting for me to find new zippers. I've done the most I can up until the zipper inserting phase. That was my plan.
So I was going to find more of those zippers and finish the bags, and move forward to the next ones in the collection. I was prepared to go find ones at the stores in my home radios. There is a store that I know for sure they have this kind of zippers. But they're always closed. Always. They're expensive too, but the store's owner knows all that, and she can do whatever she wants because she has no contest in the area. Plus she has another job somewhere, so she's not going to be broke anytime soon.
After I saw the store was closed, just like I thought, I opened the yellow pages and called about 10 stores in the area, ever farther but still in the area. One by one they told me they don't carry this kind of zippers.
I then took the car again and looked for other stores, and none had them. At that time, my machine's Teflon foot has been destroyed completely by me. So I had to get a new one. I went to the store I buy some of my essentials from, and they ordered me another foot. While there I also asked if they had the zippers. Guess what? No!

I started walking around the city to look for a store I didn't know about, if they carry the zippers. No! No one! But I went into a sewing room of a fairly nice woman who told me that they don't really sell this kind of zippers anymore. Bummer!
I tried the always closed store again a few days later, and it WAS closed again. And the phone was disconnected or something, so I couldn't call to ask about their working hours. That store is in another city near my house. So I took a walk there too, and none of the stores had them. Very frustrating, you know what it's like.

Now I don't have a choice, I had to take a trip a little farther from my house, where I know for sure they had the zippers. Meanwhile, I ordered some from eBay. It was hard finding there too, that their price is fair, a nice quantity, and ships here. That's something anyways. But it will take time till it gets here. Meanwhile I'm stuck and cannot finish the bags. And I can't start preparing new ones from that line, because I don't even have the foot! The winter will be over by the time I could finish the collection and bring it in to the store.

So just so you know: there are some places on this earth where they don't make metal zippers anymore! That's what I've been told at some places I went to. But I just have to have those zippers, I can't use a regular kind of zipper for that collection. Another option is to use magnetic closure, but it doesn't really fit well with the design.
Now I'm just waiting. Sad little waiting person…. But I do want to show you the bags I DID finish from the first line:

See how the metal zippers important to me in this design?

When I do get the zippers, and when I will be able to finish the other bags, I'll upload their pictures here. No idea when that's gonna happen though.

Ready, Set, Go!

2010-11-21T07:07:00.000-08:00

I was thinking about beginners. At anything. Then I also started thinking about myself. How I started, where I am today, what difficulties I went through to get to where I am about 4 years later…

Being a beginner is tough. Well, I'm not sure if 'though' is the right word. But it sure is not easy for everyone. Some do better at learning new stuff. Some are scared. I believe that being in the middle is also great. Because brave people who dare get far more quickly, while those who are scared might make less mistakes and get into less troubles. But in my opinion, getting into trouble can be a good thing. You learn from your mistakes. But if you combine the two, if you're both brave but careful, you won't only get farther faster, you will also do it right.

I'm not a person with much patience (that's why I don't like reading, though I like writing which is why I babble a lot here!), so it took me a few years to learn all I know, and I'm still learning. But I did take the time to learn, to make small steps. It's possible that beginners would want to move more quickly forward. I say take your time, learn new things and move forward in a nice pace that fits you. No skipping, no shortcuts (as I like doing with many things in my life).

So what tips can I give for beginners in the bag making world? I made up a little list! And it's not all for beginners, so you might take an interest anyway:

* As I said here and before, learn something new every time. Not all at once, move forward in your own pace, but don't stop moving.
* Always dare and don't be scared of new stuff (for example, you're afraid of zipper – common fear – well…. There is a post on that, you can look it up).
* Be ready to unpick. So when shopping for new equipment and essentials, buy an unpicker or 2 (I have 4-5. Well they break easy! Good thing they're inexpensive!)
* Find the easiest way to do stuff, but the best way you'll find.
* Don't get irritated when something doesn't work. Try again till you work it out.
* Find good inspiration sources (for example, this blog!).
* Learn from others, even after you've already learnt a lot.
* Remember that when there is something good, there is always something better, aspire to the best YOU can.
* Don't try to be like everybody else, find your own niche, your style, even a gimmick that will separate you from others.
* Reinvent the wheel (try anyway).
* If you try doing something and it doesn't work, you can move on to another thing, and then later (or much later), when you feel you're ready and you know better than before, come back to the thing you couldn't figure out. It might have gotten easier by now.
* Learn as many techniques as possible, and get the tools to know all that (wrote a post about it earlier).
* When you're a beginner, you find it easier to use other people's tutorials and patterns. It's actually great, but learn from that how to do your own thing so other people could learn from YOU.
* Buy tools and essentials that will not only fit your budget, but that are also good enough, so that your work will come out more professional and will be more qualitative.
* Make as many bags as you can, and keep practicing. It will get not only easier, but also better.
* Don't be afraid to ask for help (even from me). And when given to you, listen so you could learn for next time.
* Ask for other's opinion. Another pair of eyes will give you better perspective if you're not sure about something (like fabrics, colors, etc.).
* If you like a particular pattern, you can make a few bags out of it, but try getting better in each one.
* And if you use the same patter, I recommend doing something a little different with each one. This way you have the same pattern but in a different design. Saves time on making a new one, plus gives a wider variety. A different design can also come across as different colors or different fabrics.
* Know how to improvise when there is no choice. Like, say you're in the middle of making a bag, cut the pieces then found out that something doesn't make sense, or you don't have enough, or made an accident… find a way for a solution so you won't have to throw everything out.
* If you haven't sewn before, practice the machine as much as you can. Learn how to make straight seams, how to control your machine, and what you can do with it. Find the easiest way for YOU, work out the problems.
* Store your equipment where it's safe and easy to find. Some stuff will need to be near or next to your machine.
* Make sure you have everything you need before you start working.
* If you work with patterns, no matter if they're someone else's or yours, store them in a place that you could find a particular one faster and easier.
* You might get addicted to the bag making and not take breaks in the middle, like me. But I suggest taking breaks anyway, to clear your mind, eat, rest your hands.
* Store your bags in a place where they won't get dirty, and out of children's reach.
* Keep a pet's hair cleaner ruler/brush to clean your bags (they have cheap ones in Ikea!). Personally I can't stand looking at a bag that is dirty.

This is all I could think of, I will probably add more in the future. Also, if you have advice and tips of your own, add it by commenting this post or any other way. I know everybody will appreciate it!

Selling Like Hotcakes

2010-11-20T06:45:00.000-08:00

I've been selling my bags quite well, at the artist store in my town. It's open 3 times a week – in the weekend – and sometimes I sell 3 bags in one day.
The money I'm getting for them, is not a physical money. It goes to my artist card so I can buy new materials for the bags. It's like a recycling. So nowadays I've been doing the thing I love more often – internet shopping! But that's materials shopping only. And since I have more in my cash box, I can afford buying more stuff for the bags, which also means I can buy better and valuable stuff. Feels great! But of course I need to pick up my bag making speed. I might actually ask to give me a hand at the process, from my lovely ladies at my work place (which is, for those who don't know yet, a sewing workshop! Ironic huh?!). They told me that I could, to give them more work since there isn't much lately. So they might pitch in the bag making process, work for me.

I also have pictures. This is a semi post, because I will have updates on the rest soon.
So I'll start by showing you the new "Chica" bag, the first one that has fabric handles (instead of black vinyl like the usual ones). I'm pretty sure it was sold already, I'll find out soon – I asked to mark the pictures of the bags that were sold. I'll send the pictures tomorrow and will hopefully receive the results soon, and I'll know what goes well, and what I should do more and next.
Anyway, this is the new "Chica":

It's a little springy, and that leads me to the semi post…

I'm planning and started making the winter collection. It will include mostly solid colors, vinyl, oilcloth, zipper closures and so on. Get the picture?
I made 2 and a half, and needed to stop in the middle. The reason for that I will tell you in my next post, there's a whole story I just got to share. Then I will also show you the pictures of these bags.

Contest About to Over

2010-11-19T04:33:00.000-08:00

Only one day till the bag making contest is over! This is the last reminder.

After checking out all the bags, I will pick the winner and runner up, and a few days later I will announce the winner. If you wanna be notified about the announcement, you can join my mailing list.

For the last time, good luck to everybody!

Get Your Tools and Get To Work

2010-11-18T10:13:00.000-08:00

The idea of this blog is not to teach you how to make bags. But to teach you to know how to make bags. Confused, don't understand the difference? What I mean is, I don't wanna tell you how to make good bags, but how to get the tools so you could think for yourself how to make the bags you want. How to find ideas without copying others, how to understand the basic idea of making bags, in the easy way and in the hard way. In order for you to understand that, I want to think outside the box and not be stuck in one place. I've written so many tips, not so you would know how to make bags like mine, but how to think like me in order to find your own niche, find your own designs and have free thinking, to develop your own style, and develop your own tools.

So how do you know where you should look for your niche? The clear answer is: anywhere. It doesn't have to be a one specific place. Look around you and you'll see.
And you know, sometimes (well, always) I look for a design that it's original enough. And it's not enough just to dig your brain. I look around at bags, and even clothing items. I don't look at a design and say: "great, I'll make this design". I take ideas from other designs. NOT COPING the design, not at all! I look at something and that gives me ideas. I spread my mind and come up with something. If you see a bag that I made and look at the bag I took inspiration from, you'll see NOTHING in common. You will not understand how the hell I came up with my design from that other design. They just have nothing to do with each other. Two different bags, with two different features and elements. That's what I call 'inspiration', that is not coping.

Now, that's the way I want your brain to work, when coming up with a design. That's good imagination (and God knows I've got tons of it) and thinking outside the box. Every little detail in the inspiration can bring you to the new original design.
Another method I work by, is "The Puzzle System" I came up with. But I'm not going to write about it again, just read what it means in its own post: (http://www.creativecutie.com/2009/08/puzzle-system.html)
You could of course find designs at many other areas and purposes, such as all those I've written about in other posts (read the entire articles that you can find on the left sidebar).

What I'm trying to say here, it's not all technical. Yes, I teach how to make some things for bags and bags themselves in all the tutorials I make. But the idea behind all the tutorials, is to make you think, i.e. if you know how to make certain things, you'll be able to create things of your own, you'll know how to make something after learning how to do a specific thing. Like, if you know how to make a basic thing, if for example you know what sewing 2 fabrics together-right sides together, does, you can use that in order to come up with something creative. That's a tool, and that's so important. I don't want you to be dependent on all the tutorials on the net, the things that other people teach you, and I don’t want you to feel you need those tutorials so you could make bags. Think independent.
So that is basically what I mean by "teach you how to know how to make bags" rather than "how to make bags". That's why I always encourage you to try new things with no fear. You just need the tools and you're ready to go.

I've never ever made a bag out of someone else's design or pattern. But I do learn how to make things from others. To get the tools from which I can develop later and come up with things of my own. Someone in the history thought of a way to make a zippered pocket, for instance. And people learnt from that person, and it passed on to all those out there who want to make a zippered pocket in their bags. That person who came up with that system probably had the basic tools. I imagine they couldn't have come up with it without having those tools.

Learning tools. That's the key for progression. One of the major keys, at least. Learn how to find inspiration and make something your own. After you learn tools, you see the endless possibilities for designs. You just need to open your mind to it, and not be afraid. You'll be surprised.

Winner of the Giveaway!

2010-11-16T10:19:00.000-08:00

So here's the winning person in the first giveaway!

For those of you who didn't win, no worries, it's not the end of the road. There will be more contests and giveaways in the future of the blog, and I surely hope you'll take part in those too.

So the winner is...

Jennifer Joshue

Jennifer, I will be sending you an email shortly, to get your address, and the package of goods will make its way to you!

Congrats!

Thanks everyone for taking a chance, hope we'll do it again soon. I loved reading your comments, you said some interesting things that I really appreciate.

I also remind you that the bag making contest is still on, but just until the 20th, so very little time, to send your bags, for a chance to win some wonderful prizes. If you have the intention to enter, please do it quickly because time runs out!

Last Day

2010-11-14T21:58:00.000-08:00

LAST DAY TO JOIN THE GIVEAWAY!!!

This is your last chance to win some free goodies, it's not too late, you still have today! Tomorrow I will announce the winner.

9 Days Left!

2010-11-11T05:16:00.000-08:00

Only 9 days till the bag making contest ends! So if you want to be in it, you must hurry up with the bags.
For those of you who paid a visit here just now and don't know about the contest yet, you can read about it in the following links:

http://www.creativecutie.com/2010/04/contest-is-here-if-youve-always-dreamt.html
update: http://www.creativecutie.com/2010/06/contest-reminder-and-new-prizes.html

Another update: http://www.creativecutie.com/2010/07/bag-prize.html

Enter here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/creativecutie

And if you want pointers: http://www.creativecutie.com/2010/07/contest-pointers.html(very recommended!)

There are many many prizes for the winner (which you'll be able to see and read about in the links above). But the main prize is this beauty "Chica" Bag, if you didn't know it yet:

And remember that the runner up will receive a symbolic prize as well, this lovely wristlet completely for free:

By the way, I looked at your bags, and still have no idea who the winner is. It will be a tough decision. And remember, those who don't win, there will always be next time. I appreciate every bag, and I just wish everybody could be the winner.
So if you've wondered, the decision hasn't been settled yet, you still have a fair chance!

Join my mailing list to get updates about the contest, like when the winner is announced.

(I'm saying it again, the giveaway has nothing to do with this contest, for those who get confused!)

Another thing, nothing to do with the contest, I posted a new poll (on the right sidebar), mostly because something was really wrong with the last one, the votes kept disappearing somehow. Like, once in a while it'd drop a few votes and the numbers of votes is smaller than it really is. Don't know why. Anyhow, that's why I put a new one up there! You can now vote!

Creative Cutie Blog's First Giveaway!

2010-11-01T01:54:00.000-07:00

No:
* This has nothing to do with the contest (details all over the blog)
* The contest isn't over yet (though there's a deadline if you've missed the memo)
* Those aren't the prizes from the contest

Yes:
* I have a few things I don't need
You will get them for free*
* It's for a short period, so there isn't need to wait as long as the contest

Okay, I will catch you up, because this might come from nowhere to some of you. I bought some fabrics for something (somethings), and I don't longer need them. So I was pretty much stuck with them. But why to be stuck with them?! I'll just give them to you!

This had actually come as a surprise for me too, because I decided on a giveaway in a 30 seconds thinking. Then it got me thinking, what will you have to do in order to receive the goodies? Again, this is not a contest. This is a regular giveaway, the blog's first giveaway no less!
And here is what you have to do:

* Publish about the giveaway at your blog/Twitter/Facebook, and write here the link of where you wrote it (those of you who won't do that, won't have the chance to win).
* Include your email address and first name so I could contact you incase you win
* Pick one or both of the two to answer:
1. How did my blog give you inspiration/taught you about making bags?
2. What's the best compliment you've ever gotten on a bag you've made?
- Comment on this post with all of the above!

The booty you will receive includes:
* 10 pieces of fabrics, some smaller, some larger, different kinds of fabrics.
Besides the original prize of fabrics, and since I'm a generous person, or just like to give things for free, you will also receive
* 4 Small nickel rectangle rings
* 3 Small swivel hooks
* A burgundy thread that I've never used, been between my essentials for a long time, but since I'm using a different kind, I've decided it'd be best to give it away.

More:

- Only one entry per person, please
- You can post your entries until November 7th 2010. (updated, the new date is below!)
- I will draw the winner the day after (November 8th)
- And will announce the winner on the same day (November 8th)
- Then I will contact the winner, to get their full name and address, and send them the package

Sounds fun?
So bring it on!
If you've got any questions, you know I'm always here.

Note: it might take a little while for the comments to show!

ATTENTION!

I've been getting requests to continue the giveaway a little longer, because some can't make it in time and it's too bad they would't have the chance to win the lot. So.... the new deadline is: November 15!!! Hurry up please!

The Chic-Homeless Skirt

2010-10-31T09:37:00.000-07:00

Originally, I wanted to include more stuff from the skirt presentation 2 weeks ago (as mentioned in the previous post) at my fashion course. But my camera's batteries are spent, so I only took pictures of the skirt that I made.

It was sort of Chic-Homeless looky and feely. I took the pictures at my working place (sewing workshop), at the room where we barely use, so just so you know, it's not the one of the main rooms of the workshop.
The first mannequin I put the skirt on so I could take the pictures, was a bit heavy on the hips. So I put it on another one, a slimmer one, that was a bit too skinny. So that is why it looks a bit big on it. It fit the model I used anyway, so it doesn't matter, right?

I took pictures from all angles:

Profile:

Hidden zipper closure, and a hook:

Tutorial Me

2010-10-25T05:56:00.000-07:00

I see tutorials as an important part of this blog. And I also see you, the readers, as a big part of this blog. What am I getting at?

I'll make it short and snappy. If you wrote a bag/bag related tutorial and would like to share with more people, I now give you the chance to do that. Even if it's a tutorial at your blog or other blogs, you now can post it here as well. And I don't mean the link, I'm not doing a resource for tutorials, I collect the ones I made and now the ones you made. It's basically a guest tutorial. You write and take pictures, send it to me and I post it here, so more people could learn.

So if you have written a tutorial for a bag, or a bag related tutorial, I would love to have you as a tutorial guest. The only rule is that it must be your own tutorial.
Another good thing about this thing is, I will write your credits, meaning your name, and add a link so people could go to your blog and you will get more exposure! And more people will enjoy your tutorials!

So if that sounds good to you, email me your tutorial/link/+pics with the details and I will post it here soon:
daphna@creativecutie.com

P.S. I will post the pictures and info about the presentation at my school from last week soon, that's the next post issue.

Deadline for the Contest

2010-10-16T10:19:00.000-07:00

An announcement! The deadline for the bag making contest is now set.
The deadline is, get ready... November 20th!!
Which means you have a little more than a month to complete your bags and send them in.

If that is the first time you hear about the contest, read on previous posts. There is also a link for the details/rules, and a link for entering the contest at the top bar of the blog. Just look up the page. To get to the other posts of the contest, there are links for those at the left sidebar.

Can't wait to pick the winner!
Good luck again!

Nice Looking Pressure

2010-10-13T08:07:00.000-07:00

Been very busy lately, it's a week away from the "finals" of this semester of my fashion course – the skirt semester. And there is so much to do till then, they gave us a bunch of stuff that we need to present on next week's presentation. It's not only the skirt we need to present, but also many other stuff, I'll share with you some of them.

First we need to make a collection of 5 skirts sketches. I drew it in hand, then scanned it into the computer plus the fabrics I'd use for them, and add them to the drawing. One drawing takes me about 3 hours(!!!). Yeah, a lot of work. But I think it turned out quite well. Here's are the sketches I made (it's doomed to change before the presentation, and remember, it's about the skirts only, not the shirt or anything else!) Sorry about the quality, looks better in real life, really!

The first one is the one I'm actually making. It's built with many layers of a weird and different looking fabric (that you can't really figure out from the drawing at the moment), and it's meant to be homeless-chic kind of thing.

I'm going to send those to the printer house, a little money-spending, but because it needs to be bigger than a home printer's size, I decided that printery would be the best way to go.

I also wanna add that I didn't go for beauty, ready-to-wear, wear in the street kind of skirts in my sketches. I went for creativity and originality, I was looking for designs that haven't been made because, I want them to look couture, high fashion that you would see at fashion week or something, on the catwalk. I wanted to stand out from the girls of my class. Because as I've seen when looking around at other girls' work, they all look pretty much the same, like daily simple skirts. But I've decided that I needed something blowing away, different from others, I'm making a long chic skirt, with a long train on the side, and unsymmetrical. Very feminine and classic.

For this presentation (which we will be scored by the many things we need to prepare), they will be bringing us someone from the industry, a professional fashion designer or something. Big pressure.

We also needed to pick a girl from class to be our little cute model while wearing the skirt we design. We need to fix accessories for her, make up, etc. So I've decided on a little gimmick with the styling, which is I will be the only one in class that will accessorize her model with a handmade bag made by me, made especially for this presentation. Thought it might rise up my score a little, get them impressed and show them what I can do. This one is already finished, I found a fabric that fits the design perfectly, which was originally made for a bag's lining, actually. But it really fit, and that's what I found in the cabinet. Here:

As you can see, it's very classic and chic, and can be used two ways (i.e. the snaps on the sides can be either closed or open, which gives the bag 2 different designs and looks).

I won't bother you more. I'll post more updates in the next days. I'm glad I got to post something at all, because I'm working so hard for the presentation. Every day a few stuff completed. Good thing I have a planner, huh?

The Good News Factor

2010-09-16T08:46:00.000-07:00

I got a call a few days ago, from the manager of the artists store at my home town, and she told me that they're selling great, and she wants me to bring in some more. She said people start hearing about my bags and actually come to buy them. A bird also told me that the women/girls who buy my bags are very satisfied and think I make real high quality bags. Yay!

But the big news is that she also told me that I woman came to the store and saw my bags. Long story short, that woman has a store at the city near my home, and she wants to sell my bags in her store. Wow, right? I called her and we will meet next week at her store, hopefully.
It's not finalized yet, nothing is settled. But I'm hoping this works out, and I will be selling my bags in more than one place. I just needed an exposure. It hasn't been that long since I put some bags at the artists store, and not only they're selling, but I also got an exposure that might be a very helpful thing in the long run, this will also open more doors. That's what I'm hoping for. .

Problem now is, I'm only me, one little person. And if I will be selling my bags in a few places, it will be a problem to manage to make that many bags in such a short while. I will probably have to get some people to help me out. My mom said she's willing to do the cutting of fabrics (and it wasn't easy to convince her!). That's something. And the ladies at my workplace said they're willing to help me out as well. At our sewing workshop we're making things for designers and other costumers all the time. We're not making bags, but we could. This could be a first. See how it works out. I will get you updated! Wish me luck!!

What Colors Say About You

2010-09-09T23:34:00.001-07:00

Who says a particular color is the right color for something, anything? Who says that black slims, that skin color determines person's worth, and that an old lady's bag shouldn't be colorful and cheerful? And what your choice of colors in a bag says about you? Maybe that you're young, jolly, serious person, likes attention?

Well, to my belief it's true. Not the first things I said at the first paragraph, but a lot of times colors can tell a lot about a person. Even in bags. Even if you don't notice that, you use, on a daily basis, colors that fit you, your personality and your likings. And the fact that you like a certain color, doesn't mean others will. Can't make them all happy, right?

If you choose a fabric for a bag, most chances are you'd pick a fabric with colors that attract you, not only the fabric's pattern itself. There are fabrics in the market that have the same design (and same designer, obviously), and that it comes in different versions, different colors. Naturally you'd pick the version that you dig its colors.

In nature, colors say A LOT. If an animal is toxic; if other animals should beware; flowers have colors that attract bees and such, etc. As a living being, we're part of nature too, and in our nature we're attracted to some colors, and stay away from particular colors. Say a person likes brightness and fun, chances are they wouldn't pick a too serious colored bag like black, and even other solid colored shades and fabrics. And if a person makes/buys a bag as a present to someone for their birthday, as I see it, a black bag (for example) wouldn't be appropriate for a happy occasion it might deliver some bad energies to the birthday person. That's my theory, anyway, but it makes sense.
On the other hand, if that birthday person is a serious person, or is in an important position and works at an office, where they need to show that they take their job seriously, wearing suits to work… a fun fabric with colorful dwarfs probably wouldn't be a good idea, even if that person is fun at home. So colors of bags should match the area your in, whether it's at work, at home or a mall. But of course there are some "bad apples" – NOT IN THE BAD SENSE!

Sometimes you want people to notice you. Color is a way to do that. With solid colors you, or your bag, or your clothes, wouldn't be noticed. I'll tell you that, in the first sewing classes of fashion design, when we needed to bring fabrics to class (still do), I didn't really care what fabrics I'd bring. But then I thought I should raise the bar, and bring better looking fabrics. And it's not for a serious product that I'm going to create and sell, it's just for the experiment. However, people will notice my fabrics, and if it's good looking enough, whether it's the colors, the pattern or the softness of the fabric, I will get notices and they will mention the prettiness of the fabric I brought. It's an ego thing, and God knows I have plenty of that.

The first thing people see in something is the color. Well, most of the times. If a computer has a strong shade of red, for example, people will notice the color of the computer first, before they see its functions. Even people who are experts in computers, their eyes will go to the color first (if it stands out, or unusual). Because that's what an eye can see first (usually), before even thinking if that color is nice or bad, like it or don't like it.
So if we really want people to notice a bag, we will try to catch eyes. Even if it's colored with colors that not everybody likes, that's not only about liking. It's about catching an eye by the color, by the affect of the color.

What about combinations of colors? Should the bag be with matching colors (if it's multi colored at all)? Because lots of times a combination of not matching at all colors is the thing that catches the eye and get noticed. It doesn't have to be the right combination, because what is right combination? Is there such thing? I mean, if you want to dazzle someone, maybe the best way is to find a combination that will raise questions, make it interesting. Difference sells. In modeling, the designers/agents/casters don't always look for the best looking models. They look for interesting, different, unique models. How hard is it to find a pretty model? Not THAT hard. But the key is to find a getting an attention model.
So what are you after in a bag? Prettiness? Uniqueness? It's your choice. It's also your choice of your style and what you're willing to be seen as. What message you want to deliver with the colors you pick. Are you a serous person? Or a funny person? Because there is no right or wrong in colors. You just have to choose your idea of a pretty bag.

Sort of a Tabula Rasa

2010-09-03T06:06:00.000-07:00

OOH WOO! First of all, I got my hands on the "Wish it Will Work Already" fantasy
land's overlock! Yes, it works fine now. And not thanks to me, but thanks to my dad, who - second of all - ooh woo - is back home today! It's been almost 2 weeks. Thats almost 2 weeks of me trying to work the overlock, 2 weeks of waiting for my dad't return and lifting the dark cloud off of my head. Thanks god!

I also got to finish a new bag, after all this time where I couldn't find the time to do so.
I actually starte the making of it at work. For those who aren't aware, I work at a sewing workshop (with a few lovely old ladies and I'm the youngest one). So there are times where there is no much work to do, for me anyways, so they let me work on my stuff, whatever I want to work on and sew. So sometimes at times like these, I bring fabrics and other stuff from home to work on something. Lately I could work on my school homework. I made a skirt - my homework. I happen to have everything with me when I went to work, and there wasn't much to do, so I got lucky to work on the skirt.
Anyways, on Wednesday, I had fabrics with me and a pattern, just in case. Lucky too, because as it turned out, I did get to work on the bag. Start it anyway. Then at home I made some progress with it, and today I finished it. Bag idea, actually. And you ask why? Because now I don't have what to do next week at work. I finished the work and no w there is no work. So I need to find a new bag or another project to prepare.

This is the bag I made, just took a picture of it. It's another "Chica" bag. I want to bring 1 or 2 "Chica"s to the artists store (that I told you about in the last post!). Though I need to get used to it before I say goodbye. It's pretty sad.
Here it is:

Among my lookings for a new bag to make next week at work, you'll be happy to know that I'm also looking for a new bag design to write a tutorial for you about. I just don't have enough original bag tutorials, and it's also been a while. This might take some time, because it's a lot of work, which I'm happy to do. Just saying it's not gonna be so quickly to post the new tutorial. But I'm looking foward to it just like you!

There's Room For More

2010-08-31T04:44:00.000-07:00

I got a call yesterday, and apparently people did buy my bags from the artists store at my town where about a month or two (who remembers?) ago I dropped in some of my bags right after the art fair (which have nothing to do with each other), and I mean *right after*. So they asked me to bring some more of my bags. Now I need to make a decision which bags I am going to include this time. I want to bring about 6-7 bags this time, and this time I want variety – different sizes, materials, prices, etc. because last time (which was also the only time) I brought in bags, they had more or less the same properties, and all in the same price, which wasn't too cheap and wasn't too expensive. So this time I want variety.

I would appreciate it if you help me. So you can go to the album, choose bag(s) that you think I should place in the artists store, and tell me which one(s) you picked:
http://januar.myphotoalbum.com/

I also want, really really want to make some new bags, I haven't done this in about a month, maybe longer. I just have less time right now, what with all the fashion classes. I do know how to make 2 kinds of skirts now, so yay me!

I've been also told, by another person, that they got me a studio, or a working room somewhere. Still don't know where, what or how, but as of now (or soon) I will be able to work in a normal space where there is enough space. I can design it the way I love and want, put all my tools, fabrics, bags, and soon clothes. I am going to put a curtain for people to measure clothes that I make (this of course will be after studying how, not really soon), place an ironing station, a big measuring and cutting table, and more and more. A while ago I've seen at Ikea a room design for a fashion designer/sewer. It is pretty amazing and I want everything in it. But the price – whoa! It wasn't the design itself that amazed me, but the solutions, Ikea style, with very creative and helpful stuff. Ah, maybe someday…

This all will take a while, the studio room, but I'm looking forward to this. Because I've been dreaming of a studio for a very long time! But gosh, I hope it's not placed too far from home – rain and heat aren't pleasant.
I'm hopping that once I am ready to open up a business, clothes design (along with my bags line), I will be looking for a logo for the brand. I have a name for it, the perfect name. But sorry, not telling. Took me ages to find a name that I like, that isn't taken, that is bright with an intense meaning behind it. It's just perfect, so I'm kinda afraid someone will steal it from me. So I keep it as secret till it happens for real. The logo thing is a bit of a problem though, because it's that expensive. I want it personalized and not premade, and those are really expensive. I guess I will try to make one by my own first, before I turn to my wallet and ask for a favor.

On the downside, my father is still – yes, still – at the hospital. Bored to death, but getting better each day. It's been over a week, and it's hard for both of us. People do ask about him and his condition, everybody's so concerned. For now he's out of the woods. Not completely though and that's why he's not home yet. It's getting really frustrating. I'm just waiting and waiting for the good news which is that he's coming home. But no one has any idea when that happens. In the meantime there are some things I plan to do in this hard period, and I hope to share it all with you later on.

Mixed Feelings With a New Machine

2010-08-23T02:19:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I welcomed home my brand new serger (overlock) machine! Still trying to understand how to work it. I mean, I've sewn with an overlock before (even at work, at school...), but it's the first time I bought my own, and I'm getting used to it... or trying to thread it right (and failing even though I have the instructions. It's hard for first timers, God! But I will get it eventually. They actually showed me how to in the store, but I was kind of in a hurry, so I just watched while explaination, and didn't have time to try it myself at the store, before taking it home.

My father usually knows how to fix about everything (he's one of these people), so I'm sure he'll be able to help me, instead of taking it to the store again, to show me again how to work it (threading is my problem now). However, he's in hospital right now, having a surgery (kidney stone, for about the 3th time) after he encountered some awful pain yesterday, and could barely take me to pick up the machine that I bought last week. Right now I don't really know the situation, because he's in a farther hospital, not one near home.
So that kinda stinked the happy day of getting the new serger. It feels like having birth to a new born while another person just died. And it feels kinda weird right now. I believe everything will be okay, it's not a complicated surgery. But it came in a real bad time where I feel like I cannot be happy with my purchase.

So anyways, I keep being positive and try to think about the good things. I got a
picture of my new machine, it's really cute:

Oh, and by the way, another reason I want to be happy about... this is the 100th post of the blog!!

Oops, I Did it Again!

2010-08-21T06:16:00.000-07:00

For those of you who visited the blog before (i.e. not your first time here), yes - I've changed the design. Again. And for those who are even older visitors here, yes - it's like the 10th time that I've changed the design. I'm was just not entrily happy with the design, and dreamed of something else. So I decided that once again, my boredom wins.

I was working on it for a few days. Actually, I was looking for the right design for a few days, and the design work itself, and the whole rearranging, that took me a few good hours.

Also, blog designing aside, the following blog wrote about me and the blog at: http://freecraftarticles.blogspot.com/
With a few of my tutorials mentioned, speard on a few posts.
I'm happy to see my tutorials all around the net, even by those who don't tell me about it and I just come across them. It's always a nice surprise, and I'm so glad that my blog is doing well and gets renowned (is it the right word?).

I've been somewhat busy lately, what with school and stuff, but I will post new things soon. Because I know there was a period of time not too long ago, where I updated almost every day. But time has limited me lately, so sorry if you're feeling it.

Last thing, I want to remind you about the contest, which is still going, and still doesn't have a deadline, which means it's wide open to all of you!
And I notices many many new visitors in the blog lately, wherever you all come from. And I want to say to all the new readers and followers, enjoy your time here, I'm glad that you're here and hope you will find my blog inspiring and fun to hand out in. If it's the first time you hear about the contest, and have no idea what I'm talking about, please read on, all the details are on the left sidebar. And I invite you all to join, there are some great prizes waiting to be picked up by the winner!

For any questions, please don't hold yourself back, and contact me via one of the ways you'll find on (also) the left sidebar.

Have a great one!

The Mission - Buying Fabrics

2010-08-14T07:30:00.000-07:00

I'm in an eternal quest after the best place to buy fabrics from. I've changed my "addresses" a few times – places that I like and are most effective to buy from. It can be categorized into 2 main sources, not specific ones. Just: the internet, and outside the net-real stores where you can actually go to, feel, and pay.
Up until today, I thank God for Etsy.com (or thank the one who invented Etsy, I think it was a 16 year old boy that I've seen once on Martha Stewart. Amazing!) I find the fabrics from Etsy the most beautiful ones, in the best selection I could find (and are good for making bags). It gives both quality and good prices (usually!). And you can always find sales, and you can contact the sellers so easily. Some of them are way nicer than the ones you find in real life stores. Real life store sellers will do and say anything in order to make you buy the product. Which is not very subtle and not really pleasant as a customer. I've been to a fabric store (real life one) last week, because I needed a specific fabric. Behind the desk, there was a boy, about 12 years old, and a woman, who might have been his mother. That boy seemed real enthusiastic, that he didn't even listen to my specific needs. Kept offering me fabrics I didn't even request. And the prices weren't in my standards either. This has just driven me out of the store (I was also in a hurry, not to miss my bus, or I would be waiting another 20 minutes for the next one). So sellers online are much easier to deal with. The downside: it's sometimes a gamble. You can't feel the fabric, you just have to trust your knowledge at fabric kinds (believe it or not, I don't know much about fabrics either, even though I'm at fashion design school. Takes time to pick that up, I guess). After finding the find that is Etsy, I never buy from another fabric store online. I usually buy from the same Etsy stores, too, as I find them the best for my needs.

About 10 minutes of strolling from my school in new shoes, there is a pedestrian mall of fabrics (and very bit of other stores). 2 times a week there is also an art fair there, which drives more people in. But I'm not there for that. The fact that I go to school 2 times a week and it's a walking distance from the pedestrian mall, makes it easier and cheaper for me to get fabrics. As opposed to the online stores. And if I'm in the neighborhood anyways, I save on bus tickets. There are many stores there, some with great prices. But I have to admit, it's very hard for me to find fabrics there, that I like, that are cheap enough, that will suit for bags (although it's great for clothes making). The selection is less great than Etsy. And the stores that have the kind of fabrics that Etsy carries, are pretty expensive usually. There are stores in there that have clearances and scraps for a very low price. I really like those!
There are also sewing notions stores, and their prices are good. But I do have a great store near my hometown, although it's a little more expensive than the 1 1/2 away from my house stores.

Right now going to the pedestrian mall whenever I can is a great solution. But after I finish my studies, it won't be that easy getting there whenever I can, just to drop by. Because it's not a drop by solution. So I still wonder where the best place to buy my fabrics is. If I need real quick a fabric, say for my studies, the best way is to "drop by" at the pedestrian mall. That's good for now. Because then I don't need to wait for the fabric package to show up in the mailbox. And in this time of the year, when the weather is crazily hot, I would really prefer going home to the conditioner as fast as I can, right after the end of the class. It's also a long drive (*yawn*). Must also remember that it's not easy buying fabrics from a store when you 're by yourself, and you don't have another pair of hands to carry all the heavy fabrics, especially when you have some walking to do, 2 busses to catch, and riding a bicycle all the way home (and add 19 stairs right before I get to the door of my house!).

Will there be a perfect solution one day? Like, if I move somewhere close to a place with great fabrics. By the way, there are no fabrics of designers like Amy Butler around here, or anywhere not online. They just don't bring these in, which sucks. Understand why I'm saying there is not a great selection of bag fabrics there? Well, there is Ikea, but their selection is not that big, and everybody has them.

Well, I have some more ranting on that subject, but I will spare you, because some of you might not be heavy readers!

I've Been Sketching!

2010-08-06T07:36:00.000-07:00

I've been going to fashion design school for 2 months now, and I just wanted to show you a few of my fashion sketches I made in my free time. Now, I know it's not exactly bag related, but in a way, it is. Because bags are fashion items. Anyway, just wanted to share it with you. I'm getting better, though I hope to get even better.
The truth is, I've been trying for years, way before I took the class, to draw those fashion sketches, and never been very good, although being an art gifted. I only had 2 or 3 sketching classes so far, but I got better already, and that makes me really happy. The improvement is amazing. I don't have old ones to show you, so I'm just showing you the latest.

My Inner Voice

2010-07-26T22:22:00.000-07:00

Before I start making a bag, I look for: 1) design, and 2) fabric(s). Just like everyone else who's making a bag, because you can't start a bag without knowing what you want to do. Of course there are the cases where you decide what you're going to do while doing it. But I prefer knowing what I'm going for, and if I feel like it and need it, I will improvise, alter, regret or change my mind. In my life, in almost every area in my life, I start doing something, then pull back. Like when I need to decide what I want for dinner, I start making it, taking out the ingredients, and then put everything back because I changed my mind, in a second, just like that.

When I'm choosing something to do, to make, to buy, to create, anything… I just HAVE to find the 'click'. I have to have a voice inside me that says: "this is the one". And until I hear that voice (you may call it "intuition"), I will not settle. If I feel something is not completely right, I don't do it. Because I know how I will feel about it later. And I don't want to regret it later.
Even when making a pattern for a bag, I listen to the voice inside me. If I have a very strong feeling that the pattern that I've made is too small, or too big, or too narrow… I will start over. Because I just feel it's wrong, and I'm usually right.

I don't know how it is with you all, but I just have to use my intuition, or it wouldn't work out. Part of it is experience. But it's not like I'm doing it for a decade, so I have to listen not only to my experience voice, but also the intuition voice.

Let's say I didn't listen to the voice and did it anyway, then find out I was right before, and now the bag (which is during work) is not what I wanted. Too bad, huh? Should have listened. Then, instead of thinking what to do to fix it, I listen to the voice again. I gather in my head the equipment and the stuff that I have in my home and listen to the voice who already knows what I have gathered in my head, and the ideas just pop up.

That's why it's so important to use your intuition, and not only your brain. You know what I mean? There are a few thinking levels, one of them comes from your head, one from your heart. You know it when people say "think from your heart, and not from your head"? So I think it's true for this case too. Because you can think from your head, but you also have to think not only by facts and knowledge, but also what YOU think. Ignore what others say, ignore what your brain says, and listen to your heart. This works for me, anyway. Maybe it's a good advice for you. And I'm not saying think only from your heart. But listen not only to reason, but also your intuition.

For example, when I studied stitching methods, one of them didn't seem right to me. Something in the measurements. I decided that in my homework, I will change the measurements a bit. And it was better. I used my knowledge, my experience and added some intuition, and the result was much much better!

So when I choose the design and fabrics, I don't just choose what I like and think will work out well. I look for the voice that will tell me if that's the right thing to go.
You don't always know what you're looking for at first. So I look through the fabrics (after I have a design), their size (if they're big enough for the pattern), the colors, and think what it will look like in the end. If it's right for me. And I don't start making the bag before I know for sure that that's what will work. If I feel even a bit of "no, that's not right", I won't do it, I won't use it. I know I would be disappointed. And when I finish the bag, I feel the excitement, because I get the feeling out of it, that it's so right.

So before getting to work, try listening to your heart, so that the brain wouldn't fail you. Know yourself, your taste and liking. That way you will also not ruin great things to yourself, and end up with a creation that satisfied you a LOT. If you're really want to be satisfied, you will have to listen to your heart. Learn how to, and you'll see how much happier you will be after listening to the voice inside you.

Chica's Accident

2010-07-24T05:24:00.000-07:00

The "Chica" bags keep coming. This one is called "(Chica) Daily Spring". Now, I know I asked you to pick a fabric for this next Chica, and thank you for answering. But that was when I thought that I wouldn't be receiving the new fabrics I ordered by the weekend, when I planned to make the bag. But surprisely I did. And I used one of them. I just didn't expect the shipping to be so damn quick, and I wanted to make the bag as soon as possible!

I started it yesterday, kinda in the middle of the day, then finished today. I just finished it because I needed to add the rivets on the handles, and I thought I didn't have enough of that size. I ordered new ones a few days ago, and hopefully they will arrive soon. Meanwhile, yes, I thought I didn't have enough. But then I counted and apparently I do. So I could finish it completely. After I finished it, and took the pictures, I found out something horrible. As it seems, when I punched the holes for the rivets, I accidentally punched also a little bit of the bag's fabric itself, kinda in the front. Oh, big no! What do I do now? How do I fix it? Especially with the fact I finished it completely. The first thought was to punch another hole at the other side, and put rivets in them, as decorations. But that didn't work, because the hole was too big for a rivet. So I had to start thinking again. And finally I expended the hole, made another one on the other side, and installed nickel eyelets, decorative only. And by doing that, I managed to save the bag. Because that would have sucked if I knew I couldn't hand it to people, no way. I had to think fast and find a way to fix it as efficient as possible. Now that I did it, I'm more calm, and it worked for the best, as I made the "Chica" design a little, very little, different. Though I don't know if you can actually see the eyelets in these pictures. Oh well.

And the inside:

Fabric Choice Help

2010-07-20T06:49:00.000-07:00

I decided I really love the 2 last bags design (the bag I give for the contest and the one that I posted below in the last post) – the "Chica" pattern. And it's not that hard to make, not too long to make and I kinda feel it. So I want to make more of this design, with different fabrics. Not many though. Meanwhile I ordered a few fabrics, for bags AND for school. But till I receive them, I need to decide on fabrics I do have at my house right now. 'Cause why wait, right? Just work with what I have got.
And I'm having the hardest time deciding which fabric I want next for the "Chica" bag. I need to feel a "click", and I'm just not sure I feel it yet. But I do have some options. And I wanted to consult with you. So here are some fabrics I have, that are optional for the next bag. Remember it has to fit the handles, which are black faux leather and rivets. The piping in the middle doesn't have to be black. But better be. Not too many instructions. Just look at older posts for the design I'm talking about, choose which fabric I should use for this design, and tell me your pick.

Ready?

Here are the fabrics:

Not all are great choices, but gotta do what you gotta do!

Baby Blue

2010-07-19T00:28:00.000-07:00

Remember the bag for the contest, the one you will get if you win? (no? check out previous posts) So I made another one, but with different fabrics. I have a picture of it. And I swear, it looks MUCH better in real life. And I think it turned out pretty good. I plan to make more versions of it, with different fabrics. You know, in case you will be able to buy.

As I said, the name of the bag is "Chica", that was for the contest bag. But this version is called "Chica - Baby Blue". I'm sure you can see why. The lining is blue also, less than a baby. Inner pocket of course, magnetic closure, rings, rivets on the handles, and everything else.

See a picture:

What do you think?

Contest Pointers

2010-07-17T00:08:00.000-07:00

The contest is still going on, and I wanted to, as promised, give you some pointers so you will know how I will be picking the winner. These pointers will help you understand what I'm looking for in the winning bag.
Just so you know, I don't expect ALL bags to be perfect and according to all the following pointers. Because it's hard to get to that. But it's just so you know what to create that will have the better chance to win.

1. First, I want to see the work that has been put into the bag. Don't just make a bag in 2 minutes. I would probably know how much time and afford it took you to make the bag. So at least make an afford. A bag that has lots of wrinkles because it hasn't been ironed, really shows no afford. That's just an example.

2. Good pictures are important. But no, I don't mean that the pictures should be "magazine pictures", no. What I mean by good pictures, is pictures that I can actually see the bag clearly. It helps if there is more than one picture, I prefer a few angles. So make sure I can see the bag well enough. Even in use.

3. The look is important too. It doesn't have to be my style (better be your style, that's the point in this contest), but it has to look like something that every one would love to have and carry around.

4. Creativity and originality. Those two are very very important. I don't want a bag that you've seen everywhere. You have to show that you can create something special. Something that gets me thinking: "why didn't I think of that?!" I want to be impressed by your way of thought.
Now, I know it might be a little difficult if you don't know how to make the pattern.
If you're using someone else's pattern, that's okay. But try to find a way to alter it and make some changes that will make it yours – something new and original. You can use one of my patterns and change it to make it your version. And I want to clarify about it, don't make one of my designs! It should be YOUR design!

5. The theme of this contest is YOUR dream. So make sure you're making a bag that is according to that theme. Try to explain why it is your dream bag, you will have a much better chance to win. It gives you many points.

6. Find a way to stand out. Try to look for something unique in the bag and/or picture so I will notice it better and not just look at it once then forget what I've just seen. Besides, my memory is not that great.

7. You will get better chance to win if I see that you've been using the tips in the blog, or the tutorials, anything you learned from the blog's tutorials, posts and articles. I want to see that you actually want to learn and not just make bags. After all, I will be giving away free stuff for bag making if you win, so you better keep making bags.

8. It needs to be tasteful. Meaning not using of some fabric you found in the basement and decided you will make whatever comes out of it. This also means, that I will respect fabric choices that I see that you've actually thought this through. It's not about my taste in fabrics, it’s the usage of them. Same for other elements in a bag, such as hardware and stuff.

9. I want to be impressed. Find a way to do that, according to all of the above. I would love you to make me jealous because you did something I've never done or wanted to do.

10. I would love to see different kinds of techniques. You can use my list for the puzzle system (http://www.creativecutie.com/2010/05/big-puzzle-pieces-list.html).

Get it now? Now I want you to sit and think about the best bag that fits to at least most of the pointers. Remember, it doesn't have to be perfect, it doesn't have to include all the pointers. Those pointers are just for you to know how I will choose the winner, and to make it easier for you to win.

If you've already made a bag and you see that it doesn't really follow the pos inters, don't worry. There is a big chance that you've used at least one of them. Also, you
Can create more bags that fit them better, because there is no amount limit. And you have some time to think about it.

Go you!

If that's your first time hearing about this contest, go to all of the posts about it, on the left sidebar under "Contest"!

Contest Still Open!

2010-07-15T22:15:00.000-07:00

Many people ask me about the contest and if it's still open for entries. So I wanted to clarify:

The contest is still open, with unknown deadline!

So you can keep on making bags and uploading them. And remember, if once I announce the new deadline you still need more time, I will definitely consider that. But don't worry, you will have enough time.

I also want to say how happy I am that the contest takes off and that many people show interest in this contest.
I also remind you that if you want to get updates straight to your email, you can sign up to the mailing list (on the right column),

I'll be right post some pointers on getting a better chance to win, what I'm looking for when I pick a winner. If you see the pointers and already made a bag, it's okay, because first, I might find your bag deserving, and second, you can make and upload as many bags as you want (and some people do!).

If you still have questions and you find some mysteries in the contest, don't hesitate. You can contact me via one of the ways you see on the left column.

Bag Prize

2010-07-13T00:53:00.000-07:00

Here it is! The bag you can win if you win the contest!
This is a Januar Designs bag of course, and I give it for free if you win 1st place. Yay, you!

Some details you might wanna know about this bag…
It's medium sized, actually perfect sized. Has a decorative piping crossing it – in both sides. Purple lining with a pocket that closes with a magnetic snap. The bag itself also closes with a magnetic snap. The handles are black faux leather, decorated with rivets and O-rings.

The name of this bag is "Chica", and here are some pictures of it:

If it's the first time you hear about the contest, here are the posts on it:
http://www.creativecutie.com/2010/04/contest-is-here-if-youve-always-dreamt.html
http://www.creativecutie.com/2010/06/contest-reminder-and-new-prizes.html

Keep uploading your bags, the contest still goes on!
And again, good luck to all!

Magnetic Snap Tutorial

2010-07-06T23:11:00.000-07:00

I know you can find this tutorial at pretty much any bag making blog around. But I'm trying to build a good tutorials recourse here. So I thought a magnetic snap tutorial is a must!

This tutorial can be downloaded in a PDF file for easy printing:
http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/2050327/magnetic-snap-tutorial-pdf-july-7-2010-8-23-am-175k?da=y

First, what is a magnetic snap?
For those who don't know, magnetic snap, besides being a popular hardware for bags and stuff, is a very easy closure method to install.
It's magnetic, so it closes the bag with magnetic force, really well shut.
It has 4 parts: the female and the male (picture below), they both have prongs, little "legs". There are also 2 washers-discs with holes. One washer for each - male/female part.

Besides those 4 pieces, I highly recommend preparing 2 pieces of thick fabric, or interfacing, a bit bigger than the snaps. I will get to that later.
Also, don't forget that the snap needs to be installed BEFORE you sew together the bag. I recommend not to place it too high, because you will need to sew the top edge of the bag, and if you put it too high, the needle wouldn't be able to sew. So remember that fact!

Let's start the tutorial.

1) Take one of the bag's lining pieces and place it wrong side up. Measure the center and height (you can use my Crossing Lines system, to determine the right place to measure: http:// http://www.creativecutie.com/2009/11/tutorial-crossing-lines-system.html). Once you have the center and height, place 1 washer over it, so that its middle hole is placed right on the center. Mark the 2 side holes of the washer:

This is what it looks like:

2) Now cut the 2 sided marks carefully:

3) Take one of the thick fabric/interfacing pieces I mentioned earlier. Mark the 2 sided marks of the washer on this piece as well, and cut:

4) Take one of the snap's pieces (male/female) and push the prongs through the holes, from the fabric's right side to the other side. Take the fabric piece from the step above and dress it onto the snap's prongs:

Note: the fabric piece's goal is to confirm that it's firm enough so the bag's fabric won't tear after several uses. So it's kind of important.

5) Bend the prongs to the sides, and make sure it's as firm as possible. Use force:

6) Do the same with the other snap half.

And you're finished!

3 Ways to Make a Strap

2010-07-03T05:17:00.000-07:00

When picking a way to make a strap, you need to think about the bag's design. What do I mean? For example, if you want rings, if you add a slide adjuster, etc… I will get to the specifics later. But first, let's get to the tutorial itself. This tutorial include both, pictured tutorial itself, and some explaining about the idea behind the tutorial. So here goes.

This tutorial can be downloaded as a PDF file, for easy printing:
http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/2040719/3-ways-to-make-a-strap-pdf-july-3-2010-3-09-pm-280k?da=y

Way A: A strap that is closed in one end and open in the other end

(1) Choose the width of the strap, double it and add seam allowance. (want the strap to come out 4cm? Cut the fabric: 4x2=8+1=9cm wide).

(2) After you cut the piece of the strap, fold in half length-wise, right sides together so that the wrong side will face outside. Pin the edges so it won't move while sewing. Now sew this way:

(You basically leave one side open)

(3) Now you have a tube. Turn it inside out. It will be easier if you use a long object. You just push the closed end into the tube you've made, until you get to the other, the opened end. It will come out of it. Push all the way until it's all turned inside out.
Pull outside the corners (with a pin or something). Carefully, don't massacre the fabric!

(4) Iron it neatly so it will sit down nicely. Sew the edges, length-wise – it will look good.

This is it:

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Way B: A strap that is closed on both ends, but with an opening in the middle

This one is basically very similar to the last one.

(1) Do the same as the last one.

(2) This time, sew it this way:

You leave the opening in the middle instead of the end side – both ends closed. The opening should be big enough for you to turn it inside out easily, but not too big.

(3) This time you will push both ends in, till you get to the middle opening. Both sides turned inside out. Through the opening:

Pull out corners and fix them.

(4) Now, when sewing the strap's length, you close the opening while doing it:

This is it:

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Way C: Both sides closed, no middle gap, by folding

This way is a whole different thing, but it's the most common one.

(1) Cut out the piece of fabric that its width will be: what you want to come out x4 (if you want it to come out 4cm, you need it 16cm wide).

(2) Lay the fabric piece wrong side up, and find the center by folding it in half inwards, lengthwise, and press it with an iron:

(3) Unfold it and then fold both edges inwards, just a bit. Press.

(4) Fold both sides inwards to the middle line that you've made in the first fold:

(5) Fold one more time:

(6) Now stitch all the way around, sealing everything inside by doing that.

Here you go:

Now all the foot notes.

First, I'll say that it is highly recommended to add interfacing to the straps, and also stitch the edges – for all versions, it will make it more professional looking, and even firmer.

Another possibility for making a strap, for the first two ways, is to make 2 similar pieces to sew together. In this case, you won't add 1cm seam allowance, but 2. Because you sew both edges and not only one of them. Meaning, you don't fold in half, you just place both pieces right sides together. If you're doing it by "way B", one of the edges will be fully sewn, and the other edge will have the opening. Same with "way A". You sew it all the way, both edges and leave the opening in one of the ends.

You also have the option to make the strap with two different sides – top side and bottom side. You will need to make two similar pieces, from two different fabrics that you choose. And it's the exact same thing as I said above.

In system B, when closing the gap in sewing, fold the fabric in the gap area into the tube and align it neatly; you need to make sure that the seam catches the folded fabric of the opened area.
With the first 2 systems, after you sew the piece and before you turn inside out, I recommend to trim off a bit of the fabric in the corners, in a small triangle that is close to the seam but not touching it. It will make the corners less bulgy after you turn it.

Now, about the rings. In rings you will have to remember that the two ends that you bind the ring with for the main strap piece, will have to look nice. So it'd be better if the strap's ends will be closed rather than "out there". Ways B and C would be the right way to go, in this case.
Same with adjustable straps. –One of the ends most be closed, because people will see it, so make it look fine. But the other end doesn't show. So it can be way A (can also be the 2 other options, but just so you will understand why system A is correct too).

If you want to make a strap with rings, and you don't feel like you want to make a particular way, and you do want to make way A – the single end opened, you can fold the end(s) inwards twice, so that the opening won't show. This means it will be bulgier and maybe harder to sew. Just so you know.

That's what I meant in the beginning. You need to pick the way that's not only easy and comfortable for you, but also the esthetic side of it.

Hocus Focus

2010-07-02T06:19:00.000-07:00

I guess I talked about the time spent on a bag before sewing it – the looking for a design, finding fabrics, making a pattern, etc. And I guess I talked some about the time of sewing a bag after you make it. And I talked about the sewing itself – the work itself.

But… what do you do during that sewing time itself? Like, in the middle of it, when you're right into it? Do you listen to music? Keep an eye/ear on the TV set? Humming to yourself? Or is it time to plan the future? Of course there is the option of real hard concentrating in the job itself without doing anything else during.

As for me, here's the thing. Sometimes I put on my headphones and listen to music for about 2 or 3 songs till I get a headache. The TV is usually open… sorry, let me correct myself. Since my "sewing table" (which is the dining table) is in one room and my sewing machine is in another room (my bedroom), I go back and forth, splitting myself between 2 rooms… well, not literally, luckily. So I keep my ear on 2 TVs, sometimes with 2 different channels, sometimes even put in a DVD disc in one of them. Okay, I miss stuff, but good thing I know what they're talking about (gotta get new DVDs!).

Also, I like talking during the measuring and cutting, to whoever is there at the time. I tell them what I'm doing at the moment and why, knowing they have no idea what I'm talking about (I mean: "what the hell are right side and wrong side?!").
My dog doesn't like that I'm concentrating on something, like in sewing or in my computer. She's always around me, so I talk to her and kiss her once in a while, during the sewing time. And since I'm working in 2 rooms at the same time, she moves with me to wherever I go. I love her too much not to give her attention all the time.
Oh, and I like singing to myself, especially songs I make up right there. I yammer songs to myself and babble a lot to keep me focused.

Working on a bag, or any other sewing project, demands a lot of concentration. Concentration can be achieved by a lot of things. Like what I said in the beginning. Every person has their own ways to achieve that. And I think you need to find the right one for you (because there is no one particular way for all people), so you wouldn't make mistakes – sewing is sometimes difficult, mistakes are harsh.

So my question to you this time is:
What do you do during the bag making? What's working for your concentrate?