What a surreal time we are living in. I hope you all are staying safe with minimal stress during these trying times. For many of us creatives, sewing has served as a welcome stress relief as we stay at home to flatten the curve. I have been at home recuperating from knee surgery and sewing less than normal. I have occasionally been making masks for friends and family and recently took a break for some selfish sewing.
Nature's Fabric (brand ambassador) has a new line of custom printed fabric with a fun galaxy theme. Cosmic Space is a bold design with depth variation and deep color saturation. It is available in several substrates including Waterproof Oxford, Bullet Knit, PUL, Bamboo/Spandex Jersey, and Organic Cotton Spandex Jersey. With so many options, you are sure to find a way to add this to your wardrobe.
I had not sewn with Waterproof Oxford before and I was excited to try it out. It is a polyester fabric with a durable water resistant coating and a white polyurethane backing. It is a low maintenance fabric that requires wiping to clean, does not stretch or shrink and does not require pre-washing. It perforates with pins, so fabric clips and careful sewing are necessary so you don't have to go back and rip a seam.
When the fabric arrived we were all pleased with the vibrancy of the colors. Both kids immediately requested school bags with the fabric. With distance learning on the cards for the remainder of the school year, I have set aside their fabric for later and got to making a bag for myself.
I hit my stash for a simple pattern to showcase the fabric. I went with Bruda 6400, (affiliate link) a zipper topped hobo bag. I liked the simple construction, the slouchy shape and the capacity of the bag. I love pockets, so I added some to the front by using the bag pattern as a guide.
To make the pocket visible, I added a line of metallic silver piping to the top and sewed it in place with my zipper foot.
I basted it in place and continued with the construction.
I added silvertone rivets to the divided pocket for some more visual interest.
The pattern does not include a lining, rather the seams are bound with bias tape. I prefer a lining so I made one by cutting the pattern from cotton from my stash and attached it at the zipper construction part of the instruction. I kept an opening in the side of the lining for turning after the strap and bag base were completed.
For a bit of added security on the top of the strap, I added the silvertone rivets there as well.
I kept the back as the pattern directed. When I make it again, I may add pockets to the back as well.
You know I love bold prints and I love a good bag. I am really happy with this one. I can't wait for it to be safe for us to frolic in the outside again. When it is, I will have the perfect bag to do it.
Bianca
