Tuesday, January 19, 2010

"mama's bag" from Handmade Home

Over the weekend I got a delicious studio afternoon and accomplished this-- it's the "Mama Bag" from Handmade Home. I love it! True to the spirit of the book, this is made of entirely of thrifted (and old) materials. This upholstery-weight fabric is something I thrifted over the winter break and I knew exactly what I wanted to use it for. It was a dream to work with (and I have a lot more--I'm thinking fabric bucket). What I especially love about this bag is that once you have learned Amanda's clever construction technique you can apply it to so many bags of different sizes. I want to make a larger one for a summer beach bag.
Faith totally freaked when she saw it. She loves it! Luckily, I have so much fabric she can make one for herself too. I think it looks kind of like something from Anthropologie, don't you? Ken and I went out to dinner (by ourselves!) Monday night and I felt so chic with my new bag.
I highly recommend this project if you own the book. I can't wait to try more projects from it.

16 comments:

Kristen said...

Your bag is gorgeous! I have the book too and have been searching for some thrifted fabric that looks as pretty as yours does!

Kelly Dahl said...

Love that bag!! Oh, I wish I could sew. I'm considering learning, and first need to learn a bit about sewing machines so I can get a nice used one to start. Thanks for adding to my inspiration to learn.

Jennifer said...

Gorgeous bag, I love the fabric. I have the same book, and now that the babe is old enough to leave for just a bit at a time (which means I won't be lugging a diaper bag around), I will definitely have to think about making one for myself.
theprairiegirl.com

Lilly said...

I really like this bag, I have not the book but I plan to purchase .I don't know Antropologie , I saw and found it is fantastic, thanks for the link.Mary Beth, I will follow you every day and waiting for your post, I really like.=^_^=

Sarah said...

Great bag! Maybe I'll make something like this to carry in the summer. Cloth bags definitely do not work here in the winter.

Rain said...

I love it! The fabric is gorgeous. I will add this bag to my list of projects. Now I need to find some great fabric. Thanks for sharing, it's inspiring.

Anonymous said...

I think it looks fantastic! I have always been too intimidated to try that one but if you got it done in an afternoon then I can surely do it in a few days time!

Mary Beth said...

Thanks, everyone, for all your lovely comments.

Lilly--thank you! You are very sweet to say so.

Kelly and Kelly--you can do it! It's easy, and like I was telling Faith, once you learn the technique you can make all sorts of bags. Enjoy!

Joy said...

The bag IS very Anthropologie-like. Beautiful! You'll have to post another picture when Faith has hers as well. Rainer is adorable, as always. ;)

Suzanne said...

The bag is adorable!

Andrea said...

Nice! I like that these bags don't look huge, but hold a lot.

erin said...

I love this and I love your fabric choice. I have this book and may have to try it after seeing yours.

Lisa Renata said...

I do love the way it looks with that vintage fabric. Now that fabric would also be great as a journal cover. So cute.

I also have a ton of projects I want to sew from Amanda's book. As soon as my hubby stops using my craft room/guest bedroom as a recovery room, I shall have the space (and time) to sew again! For now it's all about taking care of him. ;)

Unknown said...

love the bag - and your boots too!

Amy said...

It is such a lovely bag! I need to check out that book!

Jars of Giggles said...

adorable and the outfit to go along super cute!