Sewing World Bag Aug 08. Reversible Heidi Handbag in Linen.

I hope you are having a really lovely weekend everyone (there's a still a few hours of it left!)  It's lovely and sunny in my neck of the woods.  I'm almost tempted to say that Summer is here, but you know what will happen if I do that...

Al has been away all weekend which has meant that I have managed to do quite a lot of stuff like (another) Ikea visit, putting up some shelving, a long walk with the woofer, finishing On Chesil Beach, an amazing visit to Kew Gardens (more about that next post), and I have finished this months Sewing World Magazine Bag - yay!

The theme for August month is 'the colour yellow and quick makes'. So in keeping with the theme I  designed this reversible handbag in Linen and quilt weight cotton (sorry about posting loads of pics; it's for when I sell the bag at a later stage):
.

So this is the first time I've sewn a linen bag (yes, talk about slow to catch on...) and I'm hooked (well I should be seeming as I bought 5m of the stuff from Ikea).   I made a cut out underneath the handles so there is room to slip your arm though should you want to use the bag as a shoulder bag.  The fastening is a ribbon tie.  I have used this fabric for the lining and these bamboo handles.

The bag has darts in the bottom to give it a 3D shape and a flattish bottom. The yummylicious ribbon is from an incredible trimmings market stall in Amsterdam.  It has cute flowers which have been embroidered onto a transparent gauze, so pretty.  In fact the reason I have called the bag Heidi is because the ribbon and linen combo makes me think of The Swiss Heidi.

Inside



and for a different look flip the bag out and reverse it.

Comments

[méri]

I love work with linen! I didn't know that Ikea is selling linen. I have to see, here.
Thanks for the information.

[Kyoko]

Absolutely beautiful bag. I love it. It is very unique the fact that the sort of bag is reversible. Very nice!

[oge]

Hi Lisa
I really like this one. Bamboo handles are one of my favourites. One of my first ever bags featured bamboo handles with one of your tutes. Keep up the good work

[Ali]

Did you love 'On Chesil Beach' as much as I did? Great book.

And I thought Ikea had stopped selling the linen - they must've been out of stock on my last trip. The big blue cube is beckoning...

[Estee]

Hi Lisa. Yet another beautiful bag. Tres chic.

[julia]

Oooh I just bought a shed load of linen too, must be the weather! Ikea has some lovely linens.

[Joanne]

Lovely lovely bag! That trim is exceedingly pretty, and the cut out for arms is great.

I *still* need to go to Ikea. Perhaps tomorrow...

[Suzi]

That's gorgeous!

I wouldn't know which way round to have it - both really pretty!

[Ursula]

Gorgeous! I love the trim, its so pretty
x

[claire]

Love this bag Lisa, it's very cute. I've got a massive stash of bamboo handles that I've been meaning to use - think I might go home a dig them out!!

[Heidi Elliott]

Love the look of linen, hate the ironing part of it :) The bag is absolutely gorgeous. And with a name like Heidi, what could be better ;)

The ribbon is divine too. I love it when I find use for all the bits and bobs that catch my eye while I am "window" shopping. My husband looks at me weird sometimes at the things I pick up. But then he sees it in a finished piece and likes it. He is too funny.

I was actually named after the story. My mother and father had determined I was going to be Kristy LeAnne, but after I was born my dad said, "No, the girl with the goats." Confused my mother finally said, "You mean, Heidi." "Yep, that's her name." My mom then explained to dad that it was Peter and Heidi's Grandfather who had the goats. But it was too late. The name stuck, and here I am :)

[Ickle Pickle]

I love reversible bags and this one is gorgeous. Love the way you've cut some fabric away so it can be slung over your shoulder.

[le bec]

so cute !!
i love it !!

[Mary]

Hi! I love your bag. Didn't know that Ikea sold linen. Must have another look next time I'm there.

Mary

[Mallory]

Ah ~ how gorgeous & inspiring!!! I love the tie closure and the dip in the bag for using as a shoulder bag! How thoroughly lovely and even reversible. TOO FABULOUS!

[mycraftyways]

Hi Lisa !
Moving from one place to another, I missed a few of your new adventures ;) and I'm now reading through them.
This is one lovely bag : very summery ! I especially like the stripy side, It has a beach-y flair that I like/miss.