Here’s the windup on my new bag. After embroidering the corner accents and grommet designs on both bag outer panels, I followed the instructions in Handbags 2, Designer Knockoffs for stitching the grommets on the lining. Now it was time to construct the bag. I used a centering ruler to find the center of the bag front. The long legs of the target ruler hit the grommets at the same measurement so the hole in the center designates the center of the bag. I slid my decorative trim under the ruler and pinned it in place then edgestitched the trim to secure it to the bag.
I burrowed into my stash of bag-making supplies to find the Clover Shape ‘n Create Bag & Tote Stabilizer. I found a packet and low and behold, it was mere scraps! Ugh!
But hey, since I can sew this piece to the bottom of the bag, I can probably sew the strips together to make a larger piece. That’s exactly what I did. I placed two strips under the needle, side by side and zigzagged over the joint.
Then I repeated that for the third strip. Worked like a charm! I wouldn’t recommend this for a laptop bag but for an everyday bag, it works fine.
I sewed the bottom seam, right sides together and taped the Shape ‘n Create in place. Then I sewed the stabilizer to the bag bottom and added the feet.
Designer Knockoffs shares some secrets for successful pressing because pressing during bag construction is crucial for a professional finish. I recently purchased Dritz Thermal Thimbles (heat resistant finger protectors) and loved using them for this task. It seems I’m always burning my fingertips while pressing the narrow ¼” seams open but not anymore! Love those Thermal Thimbles.
With the sideseams sewn, I slipped the lining into the bag and even tucked my phone into the pocket for one last fit check.
Next step is the grommets. If you read Designer Knockoffs, you’ll notice it calls for headliner interfacing not heavy craft interfacing. The grommets will not adhere to the heavy interfacing like they do headliner. Make sure you use the proper materials. Here’s a tip for inserting the grommets. Use a kitchen cutting board to insert the grommets. Place the prong side of the grommet on a flat surface. Center the hole (on the bag) over the grommet. Place the matching side of the grommet over the hole, connecting the two grommets. Place the kitchen cutting board over the grommets and push down on the board with the palm of your hand. You’ll hear a snap as the board forces the two sections of the grommet together evenly. Give it a try; you’ll be surprised how easy it to force the two sections together.
I followed Nancy’s instructions for adding a zipper then bound the upper edge and voila! That was fun – I love making bags!
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Cheryl Wester
July 30, 2014 at 10:44 am (5 years ago)Like
Betty Smith
August 1, 2014 at 3:58 pm (5 years ago)Like
Angela Bright
July 30, 2014 at 10:51 am (5 years ago)Like
Regina Davis
July 30, 2014 at 11:38 am (5 years ago)Like
The Facebook “like” link is broken. 🙁
Annette
July 30, 2014 at 11:38 am (5 years ago)Like
Karen Poole
July 30, 2014 at 11:44 am (5 years ago)I bought the book and the starter kit as soon as they came out. I absolutly LOVE all of these bags!!!! I will make them in every color and style.
angela taylor
July 30, 2014 at 11:59 am (5 years ago)Like Like Like!
Lori E
July 30, 2014 at 12:00 pm (5 years ago)Like (but link to fb page seems to be broken)
angela taylor
July 30, 2014 at 12:00 pm (5 years ago)Like
Sandra Plake
July 30, 2014 at 12:08 pm (5 years ago)Like
barbara ann
July 30, 2014 at 12:45 pm (5 years ago)Like
Kathleen
July 30, 2014 at 1:01 pm (5 years ago)What a unique look for a handbag. I never attempted such a project. With the recent loss of a parent, this would be a good distraction to try on my new sewing machine.
Kathleen
July 30, 2014 at 1:07 pm (5 years ago)I really “Like” .
Donna F
July 30, 2014 at 1:28 pm (5 years ago)Like
Dorothy Le
July 30, 2014 at 1:44 pm (5 years ago)“Like”
mad14kt
July 30, 2014 at 2:05 pm (5 years ago)LIKE!!!
Linda Lester
July 30, 2014 at 2:26 pm (5 years ago)Like!
Dianna
July 30, 2014 at 2:37 pm (5 years ago)Like!!!!! Since this is my birthday—I would love to win!!!
Sheila
July 30, 2014 at 3:43 pm (5 years ago)Like!
Kim
July 30, 2014 at 3:56 pm (5 years ago)LIKE!
Debi P.
July 30, 2014 at 4:31 pm (5 years ago)I’ve made some of the other bags in this line. These sure need to be added to my pattern drawer!
LeAnne L
July 30, 2014 at 4:54 pm (5 years ago)Like
Cindy V
July 30, 2014 at 5:25 pm (5 years ago)I would love to win a copy of Handbags 2 Designer Knockoffs. They look amazing! I’d make purses for myself and my daughters and the smaller one for my granddaughter!!
Alice Phillips
July 30, 2014 at 6:45 pm (5 years ago)LIKE!
Beth R
July 30, 2014 at 7:28 pm (5 years ago)LIKE! (but the link is apparently broken right now!)
Lynne
July 30, 2014 at 7:29 pm (5 years ago)Like
Penny Olver
July 30, 2014 at 8:22 pm (5 years ago)LIKE!!
kathy
July 30, 2014 at 8:49 pm (5 years ago)Like
Wendy Scott
July 30, 2014 at 9:24 pm (5 years ago)Like
JudiC
July 30, 2014 at 9:31 pm (5 years ago)LIKE
Jean
July 30, 2014 at 10:01 pm (5 years ago)Like!
Rhonda
July 30, 2014 at 10:10 pm (5 years ago)LIKE
Margarita
July 30, 2014 at 10:25 pm (5 years ago)Like
I’ve made several Florida Totes but would like to make one using your grommet method.
Donna G.
July 30, 2014 at 10:38 pm (5 years ago)Like!
Diana Darie
July 30, 2014 at 10:45 pm (5 years ago)Like (but the link seem to be broken)
Cathy
July 30, 2014 at 10:48 pm (5 years ago)Like!
Carolyn H
July 30, 2014 at 10:59 pm (5 years ago)Like
Carol Breault
July 30, 2014 at 11:07 pm (5 years ago)Like!!
Judy Morris
July 31, 2014 at 12:33 am (5 years ago)Thanks for the tip on applying the grommets. In will definitely be trying that.
Fran Wiest
July 31, 2014 at 12:43 am (5 years ago)Can you suggest a supplier for head liner interfacing, it is a product I am not familiar with, thanks
Fran Wiest
July 31, 2014 at 12:45 am (5 years ago)LIKE
Cheryl Adams
July 31, 2014 at 4:20 am (5 years ago)Like!
Terri
July 31, 2014 at 5:43 am (5 years ago)Like!
Donna Klug
July 31, 2014 at 6:13 am (5 years ago)LIKE!
Shirley Maurice
July 31, 2014 at 7:32 am (5 years ago)LIKE!! Actually, LOVE it!! What fun it would be to have seasonal bags that coordinate with your wardrobe!
Sandi Cunningham
July 31, 2014 at 7:39 am (5 years ago)“Like” “Like” “Like” “Like” “Like” “Like”
Mary
July 31, 2014 at 7:44 am (5 years ago)Like
Sallie Sirhal
July 31, 2014 at 8:30 am (5 years ago)LIKE!
Christina
July 31, 2014 at 9:13 am (5 years ago)Like
MoeWest
July 31, 2014 at 9:44 am (5 years ago)LIKE
Mary J Chevalier
July 31, 2014 at 10:16 am (5 years ago)Like
Patty Schrock
July 31, 2014 at 10:32 am (5 years ago)LIKE!!!
Rosalyn
July 31, 2014 at 10:51 am (5 years ago)Like!
Claudia Wade
July 31, 2014 at 12:07 pm (5 years ago)LIKE
Joan Luiz
July 31, 2014 at 12:27 pm (5 years ago)LIKE
Sharon Brockhouse
July 31, 2014 at 2:26 pm (5 years ago)like
Erin M
July 31, 2014 at 4:21 pm (5 years ago)Like!
Loretta Leith
July 31, 2014 at 4:43 pm (5 years ago)Love your bags, but also like Med sized hobo type w/single over shoulder strap, pockets inside and outside. With your wonderful creativity, can you whip a pattern out for those? 🙂 Enjoyed your show in OKC.
Sharon
July 31, 2014 at 5:34 pm (5 years ago)Like!
Roxie Brotsky
July 31, 2014 at 6:46 pm (5 years ago)Like
Debi p.
July 31, 2014 at 7:26 pm (5 years ago)Like! Haha… I posted earlier but didn’t follow direction very well.
Gail sabramsky
July 31, 2014 at 7:35 pm (5 years ago)Like
Bonnie Gray
July 31, 2014 at 7:43 pm (5 years ago)Like, always so well thought out!
Joanie
July 31, 2014 at 10:10 pm (5 years ago)Like! Love it!!
Mary Haggenmaker
August 1, 2014 at 1:23 am (5 years ago)I know if I could see it I would LIKE it, but something is wrong with getting there and I was unable to see it :(. Message said it was broken.
Linda W
August 1, 2014 at 5:43 am (5 years ago)Like!
Michaela
August 1, 2014 at 2:41 pm (5 years ago)Like
Marge Geraci
August 1, 2014 at 3:39 pm (5 years ago)Like Very Much! but cannot get there to let you know!?
Betty Smith
August 1, 2014 at 3:59 pm (5 years ago)Like
Cheryl Wright
August 1, 2014 at 11:30 pm (5 years ago)These have such a professional look to them. They are nicely designed. My friends will be wanting some.
Berenice
August 1, 2014 at 11:30 pm (5 years ago)No fb, but still Like!
Andrea Ditton
August 2, 2014 at 4:36 pm (5 years ago)Like
Vicky
August 3, 2014 at 5:51 pm (5 years ago)Like
Karen Poole
August 4, 2014 at 3:00 pm (5 years ago)I think I already commented, but just had to comment again!! You mention the Thermal Thimbles, I bought those as well and use them ALL the time, and I also suggest them to my beginning sewer friends! I love love love the thermal thimbles!!! You wouldn’t think those thin little things would help but they do!!! They have made a HUGE difference for me when pressing!! Another must have!!!
Stella Germann
August 4, 2014 at 8:54 pm (5 years ago)Like
carol
August 4, 2014 at 10:10 pm (5 years ago)Great bags! Would love to sew one of these little cuties up!!!
“Like”
Sue Duisenberg
August 5, 2014 at 11:26 am (5 years ago)like
Barb S
August 5, 2014 at 12:32 pm (5 years ago)LIKE
Stella Penalver
August 5, 2014 at 1:23 pm (5 years ago)Like!
Janice Loveland-Grandi
August 5, 2014 at 2:50 pm (5 years ago)Absolutely super size like!
Sharon H
August 5, 2014 at 3:00 pm (5 years ago)LIKE!!!
and I love this bag…
Beckie
August 5, 2014 at 3:02 pm (5 years ago)Mucho Like!
Martha
August 5, 2014 at 3:47 pm (5 years ago)LIKE!
Jenny Chilcott
August 5, 2014 at 5:31 pm (5 years ago)Like
Helen Ganas
August 5, 2014 at 6:51 pm (5 years ago)“Like”
Carolyn Kuhn
August 5, 2014 at 9:06 pm (5 years ago)Like
Faviola Martinez
August 6, 2014 at 9:38 pm (5 years ago)Like!
Anita Dickson
August 7, 2014 at 9:47 am (5 years ago)Like. Unable to like the FB page.
Kathy C
August 8, 2014 at 9:02 pm (5 years ago)LIKE!!! Would love to win to be able to make some purses. Thanks for the chance.
Julie
August 8, 2014 at 11:02 pm (5 years ago)Like!
Martine
August 10, 2014 at 1:57 am (5 years ago)Like, a bit late!
Helen Ganas
August 10, 2014 at 2:41 pm (5 years ago)Like
Georgene Withrow
August 23, 2014 at 1:06 pm (5 years ago)Like
I purchased the first “Designer Handbags”, and not only do I “like” it but I love, love, love it!! The first thing that comes to mind when I see this set is “Woo-Hoo”!!!
Julianne
September 27, 2014 at 3:06 pm (5 years ago)Today, I went to the beach with my children. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put
the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab
inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back!
LoL I know this is entirely off topic but I had to tell someone!
Emory Spangle
December 16, 2014 at 6:11 am (5 years ago)Thanks for sharing!
cartoon smart coupon
December 19, 2014 at 11:43 pm (5 years ago)I have mentioned a part of you article here if that’s ok? – vfxsoftware.net
nytaar negle
December 20, 2014 at 8:43 am (5 years ago)Impressive, well they also mentioned something about it at onlykids.dk