Well, sort of !
So, in the middle of the hexagon madness, I had the fabulous idea to make something for me and my 3 sisters, to remember us the good times when we stitched hexagons together.
Inspired by my latest tote bags, I thought to make a bag for each of us. With hexagons, of course, and with dot fabric, because all of us love dots.
I followed my idea, I made hexy flowers in polka dot fabric. They looked beautiful ( too bad I don’t have pictures). But somewhere on the road, the bag started to look different than in my dream and finally I made a bag I hate!
I don’t like at all how the flowers look on the bag. I think it was a bad idea!
The original and the main idea for this bag was to applique hexagons on the straps. I wanted to have a continuous line of hexagons, from top to bottom. But when it was the time to make the straps, my only thought was to finish it as soon as possible so I don’t have to see it anymore.
I really needed a lot of strength to add pockets and a magnetic snap closure.
I learned one thing – a simple stitching on the polka dot hexagons looks better than something fancy ( I know for sure, I ripped out many stitches!).
Despite the fact that I hate the overall look, there are a few things I love about this bag:
– the straps –
– the main fabric is canvas and I love it for bags – you just have to know what to applique on it!
– as you can see, it is quilted; but I did not use batting, it is Timtex. Yes, I have to use those 10 yards of non-fusible Timtex; I used a temporary adhesive spray to glue the fabric to the Timtex then I quilted it; I couldn’t use a Topstitch needle (it is what I use all the time for quilting) so I switched to a Denim needle (#100/16). Paired with my best thread, I quilted the pieces whithout problems. I love how it looks!
Timtex is a very stiff interfacing. It is not like you sew with fusible fleece. So it was a little more difficult to stitch the bag. But it gives a bag such a professional look and perfect shape that it worth the effort.
I wouldn’t use it for very complicated bags, but for a simple bag like this, it is perfect.
From dream to failure = experience!
Now I have another idea ! Hopefully, it is a better one!
Tomorrow I want to finish the Grandmother’s Flower Garden Quilt!
Joyce says
I think you are being too hard on yourself…I think the bag is adorable!
Olga says
Очень-очень красиво!
regan says
I know your sisters will be fighting over who gets this bag…..it's so darn sweet! Not a failure at all! You will need to make more! :o)
Mary L. says
I agree. You are being too critical. It may not be your best bag but it is certainly a very nice bag and shows how creative your ideas are.
Mommarock says
I think that bag it totally cute! Pink is my favorite color, so I may be a bit partial, but it is fabulous.
Ольга Т. says
Отлично! Очень приятная и красивая сумка.
Leeanne says
Wow I think the bag looks great!
Karenkay says
The bag looks great. I love the Hexies!
LynCC says
It may not be what you had envisiones, Geta, but this is a really attractive bag! I love it. 😀 Thanks for telling us about the Timtex – I will have to try some.
Joanie's Quilts says
Can we be sisters? I want a bag just like it! Adorable!
LizA. says
Instead of timtex, you might like this fairly new product, soft and stable. I saw a demo of several bags made with it and the same bag made with batting or other products, what an amazing difference. http://www.superiorthreads.com/product/notions/soft-and-stable/
miekenoor says
I see and understand what you mean with quilting the hexagons. So even you have sort of failures! But in the end it's a lovely bag, really it is!
Carla says
I do think it's quite lovely. Not a failure at all all.
I am sure one of your sisters will love it : )
Kati from Kati's Quilting says
Geta, I really like your bag! I think the hexies look great, it might be the size of the dots that throws you off. Would you like it if the polka dots were smaller?
Hitch and Thread says
It is a stunning bag. The hexagons on the handles may not have worked but it makes the hexagons on the bag have more visual impact. Lucky Sister!
Kelly Kenoyer says
I think the bag is lovely, it has a very sleek and modern look, I would love to make a bag like this!
Michele ;-) says
I must have missed this blog post.
I can't believe you hate this bag – I LOVE it!
I think it's one of your more elegant and sophisticated bags.
And I love the detail of adding a lone hex at the top and bottom of the hexflower columns.
It's a GREAT design!!!!
Well, you know my address.