Retro Bag

I love the whole retro trend. Even when I was a kid I remember being fascinated by the then retro designs - my granddad used to have this shirt with Egyptian hieroglyphs on it that I had my eyes on. No idea where that went, unfortunately. So you can guess my delight when I came across an old suitcase full of old fabrics that was left in the old house I live in.

Now, a lot of the stuff in the "museum" (as I like to call my present residence) is actually quite old and hails back from the turn of the century before last (i.e. the 19th century). It is fascinating stuff - but I am usually too full of awe to touch it and make something with it. However, the aforementioned suitcase contained some material that looks as if it came from the 1960s. There was one design that I particularly liked - but there was very little fabric. Only enough to make a shoulder bag with it.

Using basically the same general pattern as my lunch bag l improvised and sewed this little shoulder bag. Not only sewing the edges right on right, I also created "stronger edges". (Forgive me if this doesn't sound very clear. There is probably a technical term for this that those of you who are accomplished seamstresses know. As an inspired improvisor I have no idea what that is called - I just do it.) And I added a little outside pocket for money or keys, giving it a little decorative trim by hemming along the upper edge with a decorative stitch from my sewing machine.



The bag took me an evening to make.