Wednesday 11 August 2010

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 ....

16 comments:

SJB aka SUELYN J-B. said...

Very nice.

PengPeng彬彬 said...

Thank you SJB :)

Reanaclaire said...

hey..u r very creative in arts!

PengPeng彬彬 said...

thanks claire... i really really love sewing and thanks to Fely who helped me discover that :)

Anonymous said...

What a great bag - really cleverly thought out and beautifully made. Go on, make another one using the fabric you got for it (the fabric you really really want for your bag) - you know you want to!

Attic24 said...

wowsers, how amAZINg is you bag???!!!
I am so totally inmpressed, that sort of pattern construction would be completely beyond me.
Fab to visit with you :o)xxxx

Fely said...

LOVELY!!!!! Pin pricks and undoing stitches all part and parcel of a gorgeous product such as this! Well done you. Make another one I would say. You know that Clark & Clark is just begging to be used!!
Again, well done you. Such a great handmade handbag!

Isabel said...

Hello I'm portuguese and I've found sewing just a couple of months ago with patchwork, and I'm very exciting with that. Today I've start to search something with oilcloth for my daughter and I've found you with this beautiful bag. So, if you don't mind to send me the patterns to try to make one bag to. The oilcloth I've bought has lot of stonnes designed on it so I think it's funny to make a bag like yours with it.

I'm Isabel Pereira and my email is:
bordarideias@gmail.com

Thank you very much
Isabel

ohboyaitszoya said...

Hello! I was looking up oilcloth bags and yours looks great! Would you mind sending me the pattern? My email is ohboyaitszoya [at] gmail [dot] com. Thanks so much!

Annette said...

Hi Ive been searching for a pattern for a bag like this for ages! Could you please send me your pattern. My email is annette_tim2003@yahoo.co.uk
Thank you so much

poppenatelierkris said...

Hai. I like the bag. Can i have the pattern for it? My email is poppenatelierkris@hotmail.com.

tanks.

poppenatelierkris said...

sorry the email is poppenatelierkris@hotmail.nl

karine said...

Wowww !! you're a very talented lady :)
Could I also have the pattern, pleasssssse
my email is karine@thepinkfairycake.co.uk

Anonymous said...

fabulous bag!!!! i have also been looking for a cath kidson lookalike bag with no luck until i happened upon your sight.. please, please may i have a copy of your pattern.. ninnylou@hotmail.com thank you

Anonymous said...

Wow this is brilliant. Can I please also have the pattern? Lucie.
tip993@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

This is amazing, I love this bag. Would you mind sharing pattern with me please. Mightydeliverer@hotmail.com.
Charleen

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