Friday, January 2, 2015

The Companion Carpet Bag

First of all A Happy New Year to you. Hope you've enjoyed the holidays and are ready to start creating.

I want to start the New Year with The Companion Carpet Bag by Samantha Jane Hussey. This is the first bag out of six that are in the Bag of the Month Club. It's the second year I've joined and hopefully this year will get all six done. Luckily I was a tester for this bag so I'm ahead.

Ever since I started making bags I've wanted to make one this style but could never find the hardware so when I was picked to test was a little sad that I might not be able to make it because of that. Samantha came to the rescue though and said she would be providing the hardware so I was more than delighted. The fabric had been in my stash for about a year waiting for the right project and this one was it.

The Carpet Bag can be made in two sizes. Mine is the smaller one and is just perfect for my needs. This pattern is really easy to make up and very quick too. A confident beginner could tackle it.


I love the tubular frame closure and the gorgeous handles and tab that we were provided with. Samantha's pattern has clear instructions of each step accompanied by loads of photos for those who are visual sewers.


The handles are hand stitched on.


The front has a slip pocket with a magnetic button.




The tubular frame was so much easier to install than I had originally envisaged.


Inside has a zipper pocket on one side and a slip pocket on the other which can be divided into two but I just left mine as one.




I love how it opens up wide without flopping so you can see all your stuff inside.


I'm really looking forward to February's bag now. We don't know what it will be like until it's delivered to our emails, only thing we know is there are 6 designers each designing a bag for their allocated month. One other thing I do know is that all 6 designers are very talented so we are guaranteed a great bag each month.

If you'd like to join in the Bag of the Month it's not too late. Just go HERE and for $40 for 6 bags it's a bargain.

The designers who will be designing bags in the Club from left to right are:


January:   Samantha Jane Hussey from At home with Mrs H

February: Sarah Lawson from Sew Sweetness

March:     Anna from Noodlehead

April:       Janelle from Emmaline Bags

May:        Betz White from Betz White

June:        Christine Welsh from ChrisW Designs



~ Maria ~

17 comments:

  1. Your bag is absolutely gorgeous, Maria. And even the handles are hand sewn! Makes me want to get in on the action. :)

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    1. Thanks Robin. It's still not to late to join in the fun.

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  2. I haven't seen a carpet bag for ages. I love their structure and the fact that they open wide and remain open without holding. We had a very large leather one years ago, but unfortunately it was stolen when our house was broken into. A beautiful bag, Maria!!! The fabric you've chosen really suits the style of bag.

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  3. Hi Maria,
    another great Bag!
    Now I am sure, you kept Santa's helpers in your sewing room .-..LOL.............
    Happy New Year to you!
    Hugs
    Claudia

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  4. It looks Awesome Maria!!! I have mine cut out and will try to sew it up today! I made my handles yesterday! Nancy

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  5. I love this bag. It has a similar shape as the bag I make with the external metal frame. I wasn't sure what kind of frame or where to purchase the frame, so I was waiting for the pattern, which I still haven't received in my email, so I need to contact someone about that. I love your paisley fabric and the lining is perfect.

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  6. Love your bag. Gorgeous fabrics. Still awaiting my hardware, but didn't join until a week ago, so it will be another week or so before it arrives.

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  7. It is so beautiful, Maria. The fabric is just what you expect to find on a bag like this. I cut out my fabric and lining yesterday after struggling with my fabric selection. On to cutting the stabilizer and interfacing.

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  8. Wow, that is one incredible bag!!! Your fabric selection is beautiful!
    I haven't seen a bag like that for a long time, I love the way it opens up so wide.

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    1. Thanks Sheila. I love my new bag. I haven't seen one like this around much either. My customers have been trying to get me to sell it but this one is a keeper.

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  9. I agree with Pam - that fabric suits the bag perfectly - that is a GREAT bag! Did that frame just slip into a casing at the top, or was it more involved than that? In my mind it seems like that would be a really difficult construction step!

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  10. Great Bag! As everyone says the fabric is great for that kind of bag. It is gorgeous! The colors are lovely. I'm glad that you're already ahead on the bags so you'll be able to make them all.

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  11. Maria that bag is gorgeous I love that fabric it gives a vintage air to the bag.

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  12. Maria it looks amazing. Love your fabric choices.

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  13. What a beautiful bag, Maria! You chose such rich-looking fabric; I really, really like the color combination you chose with the blue accent color and lining. The snap tab looks so smart! I have that type of snaps in my possession, but I (actually my husband, the hardware warrior) have not tried those yet. Looks like this will be the time!

    It's just gorgeous and inspiring.

    Krista :)

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  14. Love the fabric you used Maria...especially the turquoise highlights !
    Beautiful as always !!

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  15. I really love how this one turned out! I've never tried one of those purse frames before. It's such a neat and unique feature!

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Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. Your comments mean so much to me and inspire me to create.
~Maria~