Wednesday 11 May 2011

Home-Made Vintage: Bucket Bag

 In Which I Am Let Loose In Cabbages and Roses heaven.

Hey peeps,


Here's the part I've been super-looking forward to.
The bit where I put the book I reviewed on Monday,
through its paces.


It's all very well a book looking all
wanton and foxy and tempting,
but does it deliver the goods?
Can it hit the high notes?
Will it dance the fandago?

Big questions for any craft book.
And here's the thing.
I reckon they can only be thoroughly answered by actually
making the projects in the book.

The only way.

So that's what I propose to do.
I've picked a few of the crafts
from Home-Made Vintage
and I'll be sharing them here.
Yes, just for you.

The first project I've picked out is this:

The Bucket Bag.
(photo from Vintage Home)


I've been enchanted with its
beautiful bucket-y loveliness.
Simple. Elegant. Classy.
{Umm, yeah, no brainer, I'll make it.}

Now, the most important thing with any project is fabric.
Fabric. Fabric. Fabric.
So important.
 And, guess what?
let me pick out
some of their
g o r g e o u s
linens.

*huge squeal of delight*

After a lot of umming and aahing,
like a little girl let loose in a sweet shop,
I chose the utterly romantic 
for the outer
...and the echo-of-a-deckchair 
for the lining.
Both perfect for English Modern Country Style.
Now let's get down to the nitty-gritty.
How did the making of the bag go?


Step 1: Cutting out the pieces.
Once I'd got over the significant hurdle of photocopying
the pattern to 200% larger, it was plain sailing.
Lovely easy shapes to get snippy with.


Step 2: Pinning.
To be honest, I was so in love with the fabrics,
that even this was a joy.
{Am I the only one who's bored stiff by pinning?}
  

Step 3: Sewing.
Once the pins were all in place, this was really easy.
Like beginner-beginner easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy easy.
Are you getting how simple this would be for you to make?

As long as you take extra care
when matching seams, it'll all be hunky dory.
  

Step 4: Pressing.
Your iron truly-ruly is your best friend when it
comes to getting a good finish on projects.
 Pressing makes a gimungous difference.
Even fairly basic sewing can be made to look
Harrods-best with a bit of pressing.

The verdict.....
True bag love.
It's perfection.

I'm thrilled with
the shape
and style
and look
and feel
of My Bucket Bag.

It's even reversible,
which the pattern doesn't let on.

It was like a delicious secret
waiting to be discovered
as a reward for finishing.

So I can have a Hatley bag, with a Jolly Stripe lining.
Or a Jolly Stripe bag, with a Hatley lining.


Even Mr Modern Country approves.
And that's really something.
Bags aren't his bag,
if you know what I'm saying.
 
My Bucket Bag is gorgeous for a few bits and bobs
to pop down to the Farmers Market on my bike,
but equally as gorgeous with a lippy, purse 
and phone for a night out with the girlies.
That's Modern Country Style!

But my favourite use of all?
Well, you'll have to wait until Friday for the big reveal.

Let's just leave it at this for now...

  


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76 comments :

WobiSobi said...

Big tease!! I can not wait to see. Love the material you picked!!

Connie in Hartwood said...

It sounds like I'm going to have to go order myself a new book. This type of project is my favorite ... straight forward, easy to understand, progresses well, and WONDERFUL RESULTS. I wonder what I have in my fabric stash that I can use .....

Allie said...

Great post. Talk about leaving us all hanging... can't wait to see this on Friday :)

LaPouyette said...

Great post!
Will try to get the book, but living in France? Possible?

Just discovered your blog, like it!

Greetings from the Périgord,
Karin

Cindy said...

How wonderful to be able to make a Cabbage and Roses bag! It turned out beautifully! You are so right about the ironing part, it makes all the difference, doesn't it. So fun to see what you have created.
Hugs, Cindy

Unknown said...

beautiful bag
Have a nice day
Mari

The French Bear said...

I love it!!!!!! Love the fabric you used...although all their fabric is gorgeous!
Can't wait till Friday!!!!
Hugs,
Margaret B

Sunshine and Lavender said...

This may be a summer project for me... I have been drooling over bags of this style for a couple of months. I love your fabric choices! :)
~Alison

Susan T said...

Mmm lovely bag you made. Gorgeous fabric too. I MUST get that sewing machine going again.

chris said...

Well done! I love the bag, the fabric, AND the reversibility. It's all around fabulous.

Brandi said...

Beautiful job Sarah! I'm not sure what I love more your bag or your gorgeous photos of the process!!

Elizabeth and Gary said...

Hi Sarah,
I love the bag! and the fabric I adore.
I can't wait to see your next project. I think I'll go the book store this weekend and purchase Home-Made Vintage.
Have a sweet day and hugs, Elizabeth

Kim said...

Absolutly wonderful ~ that's what that bag is!

High Street Cottage said...

Sarah, my oh my, this is a gorgeous bag! And it goes perfectly with my decor hehe. In all seriousness, I love it! The stripes mixed with the florals too, all wonderful. And the shape, divine. Can't wait to see Friday's post, tami

Loo xx from Jumbles and Pompoms said...

Sarah, you make it sound soooo easy. You are a legend that's for sure!

Loved your comment on my post about the slippers. I laughed. A lot.

Can't wait til Friday. xx

WhiteWhispers2u said...

You can't go wrong with the fabric and the style of the bag.~Cheers Kim

Robynne's Nest said...

Well done Sarah, the bag looks gorgeous! I love the hatley linen...I have a cushion in the charcoal. Can't wait to see your next project. Robx

Sylvia N. said...

I have a great iron....just for sewing! I can't be paid enough in this world to iron clothes on a regular basis, but sewing!!!!! I love LOVE to press seams!

Bag is a beauty!

At The Picket Fence said...

I think you might just be the only person I have ever heard describe a book as wanton and foxy and tempting! LOL! Can I just tell you that I was seriously distracted by your gorgeous sewing shears? And I can't wait to see the rest of the bag in that divine fabric. :-)
Vanessa

Anonymous said...

Hi sugar booger!

Look at all that gorgeous... in a tote! I LURVE it, Sarah! The fabrics from Cabbage and Roses are so beautiful! This would look great in my kitchen, haha! Much lovelier on you! I couldn't agree more with the pressing part. It makes all the difference. YOu did a great job! Love your photos, too!

Wouldn't you know it's raining today. I had to go and open my yap:)
Hugs,
~Michelle

niceday4asulk said...

Can't wait to see this, and the future projects as well. The fabrics you picked are gorgeous!
Gaelle

Blondie's Journal said...

I am in love!!

XO,
Jane

paola said...

Wow!! Very very good job Sarah! This bag is lovely ;)
I think I'm going to buy this book..
A big hug
paola

It's me said...

Nice bag !!!..one for me please ???...hahahahha!! lovely evening...love Ria...xxx...

Young Adventures... said...

I love the fabrics you choose Sarah! I can't wait to see the finished product.

Dawna said...

What a georgeous bag!! I love the fabric choices you put together! Have a great day and hope youfind lots to stow in it!!

the fishermans cottage said...

Beautiful Sarah, really love the fabrics you chose too, so handy for those quick dash to the shops :) x

Miranda @ Pressing On said...

Stunning bag! I am a total sucker for bags...the less structured, the better. I adore Cottages and Roses fabrics! You are such a lucky (and talented!) girl. Beautiful. I can't wait to see what else you make ♥

Amanda said...

Amazing! I like the nod to A.A. Milne in your subtitle xx

Rachel Noelle Pallas said...

I LOVE it!!;) I think you need to sell it to me~ Hugs, Rachel
French Farmhouse 425

Courtenay@Signal Hill Interiors said...

I love the humungo strap it's got. I love the fabrics you chose too. Very late spring, early summer.

Doda Smith said...

Very nice! Love your choice of fabrics too!
xxx

Shelly Wildman said...

O.K., I am obsessed with linen (and burlap!) right now. Obsessed, I tell you. This bag is right up my alley. Would you make me one? (Just kidding, of course, but I just thought I'd throw that out there.) :)

Carla @ Hammers and High Heels said...

Gorgeous! I love the prints you chose!

Anonymous said...

awesomeness!! love the fabrics, love the casual shape of the bag and LOVE the next big thing that we can't quite make out in the last image...can't wait!

michele said...

Lusciously gorgeous and sooooo modern country!

You go, bag lady!

Michele

Valerie@chateaualamode.typepad.com said...

Aren't you the creative one! Love the fabric. You did an amazing job. Yay you!

bikim said...

that is so pretty!
perfect! it reminds me of the summer days to come!
can't wait to see what you're up to!
take care,
Rosa

Anonymous said...

Hey woman! Nice bag! I want it....ohhhh I guess I just have to like yours....melissa

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

Oh it is looking just beautiful!! I love the fabrics you chose!! Hugs, Courtney

Holly said...

It's looking gorgeous! Love the fabric, you lucky girl!
I checked, and my library does not have that book. Boo hoo.

CHRIS said...

hi Sarah, Just gorgeous book,fabric and bag. Just found your blog, love your pics of Kate M. didnt know she Always gets it right(never seen most of the pics here in Aust.Love that style and really enjpyed reading your blog. Happy days. Chrisb.

Anonymous said...

Love love love it! The fabric choices were perfect. I hate pinning so much that I rarely bother any more - unless it's a large heavy fabric or it's slippery. I just want to get into the good bit - sewing.

xx

Michele said...

Love the fabric! I bought a simple fabric bag at Target last year; it was Liberty of London for Target. It's one of my very favorite. This one is lovely!

Heaven's Walk said...

Awesome job on that beeautiful bucket bag, Sarah!!!! In my world, however...there's no such thing as easy-peasy sewing. I haven't a clue on even how to start! lol! You should make a bunch of them and sell them to rookies like me! :)

xoxo laurie

G said...

Tricia said...

LOVE the fabrics you chose Sarah! I can't wait to see the whole bag, you tease. Your photos look very pretty by the way :)

hugs ♥ tricia

Meera @ firstsense said...

L O V E it!! The design and the beautiful fabric!! A bonus that it's reversible! I want a bucket bag now :-)

Can't wait to see the big reveal!

Meera xx

Unknown said...

I think I might have to order that book! That bag design (and fabric) are absolutely gorgeous. C&R never disappoints. How awesome that you were given some of Christina's fabrics. That's a laundry dream right there! Can't wait to see the whole bag. I'm with the other girls..."tease!"

Privet and Holly said...

S W E E T !!
BTW, How DID
you figure out
how to photo copy
to 200%? I don't
even thing that is
a normal enlargement
size on a photocopy
machine. Maybe I
could just hand it
over to the person
at Kinko's and let
him/her figure it out?
Love your bag, Sarah!
xx Suzanne

Privet and Holly said...

PS: Just popped
over to Amazon and
did not find this
book. They did have
one published in 2006
with the same title.
Is this an updated
version of that one,
or 40 new projects?
Thanks!
xx Suzanne

Sarah @ Modern Country Style said...

I photocopied it in two stages so I doubled the size and then doubled that photocopied version too...but that had to be done in various stages to get the right parts of the pattern on the new photocopy!!

But that was, seriously, the hardest part of the bag-making!!

Sarahx

Sarah @ Modern Country Style said...

Yes, that's the one. The 2006 version is the same, as far as I know.

Sarahx

Debbie @ OtRD said...

Love your photos and the bag turned out just lovely!

I've got to find this book!!!

What a teaser, can't wait til Friday...

Little Leslie said...

Wow, you sure got a lot of comments. I guess we all love the bag.

Arabella said...

Fabulous - I absolutely love the fabrics you chose and the fact that it is easy to sew is my kinda project LOL! Looking forward to hearing about the other projects in the book. Have a great weekend.

Visiting from Vintage Inspiration Friday

Courtenay@Signal Hill Interiors said...

Well, well, well. Look who just joined the Twitter dark side! So excited!

Tiff said...

You have inspired me! I loved your review of the book and am delighted to see the patterns are easy to follow! I think those totes would be a fantastic gift idea..... If you can bear to give them away once you've finished them! I am going to have to get that book! X

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Sarah...

Oooh...I love, love, LOVE your Bucket Bag! I know I would love to have one! The fabrics that you chose are simply gorgeous...gotta love a cabbage rose! Sounds like a great new craft book...thanks for sharing it with us..as well as your new bag! You did GREAT, my friend!

Warmest wishes,
Chari

Debra@CommonGround said...

LOVE it!!!! makes me want to get the book and try one myself. Thanks so much for the how-to and for linking up with VIF!! xoxo Debra

Unknown said...

What a fun project book! I love the fabric!

Crafty Brooklyn Army Wife said...

Great fabric and love the bag!! That book looks very intriguing!

Stopping by from Chic on a Shoestring Decorating and your newest follower.

This is what I posted on the linky party: http://craftybrooklynarmywife.blogspot.com/2011/05/wool-buffalo-check-coat-finished.html

Maria said...

That's so pretty, I absolutely love the fabric!

Simply Bungalow said...

Beautiful. I love the fabrics you chose.
~Heidi

Audrey Pettit said...

Ooh, the bag looks gorgeous! I want to see the full thing, girl! And you actually have me wanting to sew. :)
Visiting from Show & Tell Friday. TFS!

Teacup Moments said...

sarah, i can so imagine you on your way to the farmers market on your bike with that bucket bag! you can be an adeline adeline bike model, you know. :) and yes i agree it IS gorgeous enough for a girls' night out too. LOOOVE. xx T

Anonymous said...

Your bucket bag is adorable. I want one! :)
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Unknown said...

Oooh lovely and how delicious to be able to pick your fabrics from their truly modern country collection!

The iron is the only thing that saves my sewing projects from looking absolutely entirely amateur (which of course they are) and allows them to look presentable! lol

My question is how did you increase the pattern to 200%? Did you do this manually or take it to a photocopier? xxx

mercedes scott said...

Gorgeous! I think the fabric makes all the difference between an "OK, it's pretty" project and a "WOW! I love it!" project... you sure did pick the WOW! fabric here... can't wait to see more!

erinbonnieshoes said...

Yhis is beautiful! so vintage like! and your descriptions so detailed.

Gwen @ Gwenny Penny said...

Beautiful, Sarah. The fabric combination is sublime!

Heidi said...

Love the bag! I'm sure yours is only the first of many you make now that you've made one! WISH the one shown was here in my arms---darling!
~Heidi

Green Plum Design said...

Hi Sarah,
I just found you via Beach Cottage and love your blog. As a Brit out across the Bay from San Francisco, I am especially glad to find a great blog that is so English. I will be coming back!
Ros

Anonymous said...

You sure made me want to try my hand at making one. Totally in love with the red stripes and floral together!!! Easy peasy is my thing and my Mom always told me how important ironing is in the sewing process and it's true! Love the bucket bag!!

LIZ said...

I've got the book and have tried to make the bag. I can't work out how to get the seams of the lining INSIDE the fabric so that it looks neat like the handles. Any ideas peeps?
Thanks

CatCat said...

"True bag love.
It's perfection"

Definitely agree! Love the style and design of the bag, eh. Great DIY. :)

Cheers,
Cathy@nurses uniforms

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