A brave attempt -- Making an oilcloth bag

I was browsing through some Cath Kidston bags online quite some time ago and decided that I quite like to have a bag that looks like this but in red. But I was really quite reluctant to spend £55 on a bag because I just can't justify it to myself. So when I learnt that I could get oilcloth fabric in pretty designs (which was what this bag is made out of), I suddenly had this brilliant (or naive) idea -- 'hey I can make myself one of these bags!'. Hence, began the journey of buying and collecting the various bits and pieces to try and make a Cath Kidston Wannabe.

I started looking online for a suitable pattern that I could use to make a similar looking bag but tried as hard as I may, do you think I could find anything?! NONE. There was nothing on the Internet that really took my fancy and most of the designs were boring and uninspiring. So I decided that I would draw my own pattern, based on how the bag is constructed.

I even constructed a 'mock' bag out of thick glossy papers from old posters just to make sure that my pattern was going to work and that it would turn into a bag eventually.
I got everything cut and ready and was about to start when I realised that I haven't got enough webbing for the handles. So I had to order more webbing before I could do anything. Then when I finally got the webbing, I realised that I haven't got a pair of magnetic clasps for the front pocket, so yet again the project was put onhold. So it was a week later that I could start stitching everything together. Of course, with oilcloth, it was important not to make any mistakes because once the needle penetrates the fabric, there is nothing you can do to change it because it will leave a mark. So I had to be so careful in planning and stitching the pieces, and to work out which part of the bag to make first so that everything can be reached and stitched.

Slowly the bag was constructed bit by bit, starting with lining the inside with interfacing to make it thicker and then the front pocket, the handles, the zip....

I even made sure the handle was properly done and stitched with a leather strip over it.

Half a bag constructed...

Attaching the lining of the bag. By this time I have cursed more than a trooper and have been pricked by pins a million times!! The lining looks quite nice, kan?

Lining done and the bag was turned the right side out.

There you go. A Cath Kidston Wannabe.

Hung from the exercise bike.

I don't even know what the label says but I just like it...

As usual, it was a valuable learning experience making this bag. It wasn't too difficult, just tedious. But I can tell you that I won't be rushing to make another one soon!!

Oh in case you are wondering why I have chosen such a dull colour... the story goes like this... I found some bargain oilcloth and thought I'll use it as practice first, before I make a proper oilcloth bag with this piece of oilcloth that I got online, which was more expensive and nicer.

But, I like I said, I don't think I'll be making another oilcloth bag quite so soon yet. I need to let my skin heal from the pin injuries ....