Other: Lisa Lam Organized Office (Lisa Lam Organized Office) - Type:Accessories
Review submitted in Handbag Contest Contest  | | Viewed 161 times
| | Review rated Very Helpful by 5 people | | Reviewed by: | Celticstitcher | 
| About Celticstitcher | | UNITED KINGDOM | | Member since: 5/7/11 | | Reviews written: 8 | | Sewing skills:Intermediate | | Favored by: 1 people | | patterns reviewed: 8 | | Bio: more... |
| | Posted on: | 2/10/13 8:43 AM | | Last Updated: | 2/10/13 9:49 AM | | Project Photo: |  | | Pattern Photo: | Pattern Info provided by Celticstitcher | | Pattern Rating: | Difficult, but great for Advanced Sewers | | | | Fabric: | Canvas [See other projects in this fabric] | | Related Links | Click on  to add a link |
| Pattern Description: A messenger style back with an optional lap top strap
Pattern Sizing: one size
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? yes, except for the changes I made
Were the instructions easy to follow? yes, these instructions are clear and well laid out with lots of photos. The only issue I have is that the book is laid out with a series of 'technique tutorials' and these are then referred to in the pattern so there is a bit of jumping about.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the versatility of this pattern, you can adapt it to your own needs with ease and many of the techniques you need are on the book. I didn't like the laptop strap, it seemed too insubstantial to me so I made a quilted pocketinstead that could be put to other uses when I don't have my laptop.
I like that the book covers so many techniques and has loads of tips e.g. using sewing clips istead of pins for thick or coated fabric - I improvised and used mini paper clips.
Fabric Used: untreated cotton canvas that I dyed, embroidered cotton curtain fabric and a photograph printed on artists canvas; also used fusible interfacing, sew in interfacing and sew in fleece applied with spray on adhesive.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: my inspiration for this bag is a photo that my friend took and I thought it would look amazing on the front of a bag - then this competition came along and I settled on this pattern.
I extended the length of the front to accomodate the photo and display.
I changed the laptop strap for a quilted pocket.
I arranged the internal pockets to fit my mobile phone and e-reader.
I added a zipped pocket on the back for easy access to car keys and plane tickets when travelling.
I used rivets to secure the strap.
Due to the thickness and unworkability of the printed canvas I decided to use a different technique to join the outer and lining - I completed both then zig zaged them together and bound them with co-ordinating fabric.
I added a quilted shoulder strap the pattern was in Lisa's other book A Bag for All Reasons.
The pattern called for ultra firm fusible interfacing and fusible fleece, but I only had sew in, so I used spray on adhesive to attach them.
I've made bags from curtain fabric before and come a cropper in our lovely wet summer weather, so this time I've sprayed the entire bag with canvas waterproofing - the type you use to re proof tents.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? yes and yes, although I wouldn't recommend it to beginners, there are other bags in the book that are better.
Conclusion: a great versatile pattern within a book that has loads of techniques and tips for bag making, I learned loads from this project - I don't like putting on twist locks and I need to practise top stitching through multiple layers. The bag itself is a little bigger than I would normally use as it's designed for to carry a laptop, however it will be great for travelling by plane and using for meetings at work when I have to carry files and papers.
|
|
 Pattern with more than 5 reviews!
<< Previous Next >>
10 Comments
Login to Add a Comment |
|
|Login|Help]
Absolutely beautiful. You did a great job with this. the colors are breathtaking and all of the photos are very helpful.
2/10/13 10:23 AM
Well done! The photo on your bag is gorgeous :)
2/10/13 10:46 AM
wow!! great job, what is the flower?
2/10/13 2:37 PM
thank you Nanacy the flower is a pansy
2/10/13 2:44 PM
Your fabric is stunning! You did a great job on it & this project really showcases it!
2/10/13 6:06 PM
Wonderful. The fabric is terrific.
2/11/13 9:22 AM
Excellent. Custom made is so great.
2/11/13 11:06 AM
Wow! That looks so professional! It would take me a year to make such an epic project... Amazing bag.. and I love the photo you used.. Well done!
2/11/13 6:35 PM
I love that you had the picture printed for the face, and that you dyed your own fabric. Great job!
2/15/13 10:37 PM
thank you for the lovely comments
2/17/13 9:45 AM