Despite facing some challenges at the beginning of the year, I have been doing some sewing. It's the one thing that keeps me relaxed - at least until the weather warms and I can be outdoors more.
I recently finished the first item from my Make Nine 2023 plan: Oro Rosa Magdalena.
Listen. I LOVE this bag. Everything about it makes me smile. I feel like I say that about every handbag, but it's true! 😅 It came together as I envisioned and I am pleased with how it looks. Though I debated about using contrasting thread, I'm glad I followed through with it. It adds more visual interest and compliments the hardware nicely.
Sewing was mostly straightforward. There were a couple of mishaps that resulted in having to cut new pieces and restitch some areas (looking at you strap connector). Also binding the raw edges with bias tape is still a struggle, so it's not as professional-looking as it can be. In all, this was fun to make and I am very happy with the finish. Even the dude said it looks good. =)
This is my entry into the Bags and Wallet contest on Pattern Review. Here's a recap of my review:
The finished size is: 10 H x 10 W x 3 D (in.)
and 25.4 H x 25.4 W x 7.62 D (cm). There is also a smaller,
wristlet-sized wallet (purchased separately) that measures 5 H x 5 W x 2
D (in.) and 12.5 H x 12.5 W x 5 D (cm).
I did not make any changes to the pattern. I did not include the supplies/hardware needed to wear the bag as a backpack.
I did not make any changes to the pattern. I did not include the supplies/hardware needed to wear the bag as a backpack.
Alexis (designer for Oro
Rosa Patterns) writes wonderfully detailed instructions. Pictures are
clearly illustrated and include figure numbers that correspond to the
written instructions. For more complex designs or designs that have
several pieces, labels are included for printing and assembling cut
pieces into stacks. As this is the third pattern I've made from this
company, I appreciate the careful thought and consideration Alexis puts
into planning construction and writing the instructions. She even
includes statements of encouragement cheering you on to finish.
Additionally, she invites you to view YouTube tutorials created by other
bag makers who walk through the instructions step-by-step. When needed,
I referred to SiahSwag's Magdalena video.
I used two types of vinyl: black faux
leather and textured reptilian. The lining is a cotton print in colors red, black, and gold.
Hardware (in antique bronze finish unless otherwise noted):
- 2 x cut lengths of #5 nylon metallic coil zipper tape (grey/antique bronze; black/gold)
- 3 x #5 metal zipper pulls (2 x antique bronze; 1 x gold)
- 1 x metal "Handmade" tag
- 10 x large double capped rivets
- 2 x 1" strap ends
- 1 x 1" extra wide strap slider
- 2 x 1" swivel clasps
- 2 x 1" D-rings
Structure: I used three different interfacings for structure:
SF101 black fusible woven interfacing (all lining pieces), Decovil -
light (strap connectors), and Decovil - heavy (gusset, zipper panels,
front & back panels).
Construction: I sewed the bag on my semi-industrial straight stitch machine. I used a 100/16 leather needle, stitch plate for thick fabric, Teflon foot, and hinged zipper foot. For thread, I used Gutermann Tex 100 polyester thread in black and antique bronze in the needles and regular-weight thread (Tex 30) in the bobbin. Other notions used include wonder clips, duct tape (to prevent the back of the "handmade" tag from damaging the lining), and leather silver marking pen. The interior seams were bound with 1/2-inch wide black double fold bias tape.
To apply the rivets, I used my KAMSnaps table press. Interfacing was fused with my Elna press and regular iron.
Resources:
Construction: I sewed the bag on my semi-industrial straight stitch machine. I used a 100/16 leather needle, stitch plate for thick fabric, Teflon foot, and hinged zipper foot. For thread, I used Gutermann Tex 100 polyester thread in black and antique bronze in the needles and regular-weight thread (Tex 30) in the bobbin. Other notions used include wonder clips, duct tape (to prevent the back of the "handmade" tag from damaging the lining), and leather silver marking pen. The interior seams were bound with 1/2-inch wide black double fold bias tape.
To apply the rivets, I used my KAMSnaps table press. Interfacing was fused with my Elna press and regular iron.
Resources:
- My PunkBroidery (vinyls)
- Wawak (interfacing, zipper tapes and pulls, double-sided tape, thread, bias tape, needles)
- Emmaline Bags (hardware)
- JoAnn Fabrics (interfacing)
- Tandy Leather (rivets, silver marking pen)
Originally, I wanted to make this bag in all black with rose
gold hardware, but I decided on this combination because...squirrel! I
really liked the reptilian vinyl and when I saw it, the vision of this
bag would not leave my mind. I'll likely make the original all-black
version at some point or try Oro Rosa's Erica Bowler which is comparable
to Magdalena with a different shape.
This is the third bag I've made from Oro Rosa patterns (previously made Catalina and Quilted Alice).
This is the third bag I've made from Oro Rosa patterns (previously made Catalina and Quilted Alice).
(left: Catalina; right: Quilted Alice)
I am very pleased with the newest handbag; it will definitely get a lot of use!
More pictures of the hardware and interior:
Below, the bag is hanging on one of my dress forms for scale.
 |
| (top: Simplicity 9385; skirt: Simplicity 9375) |
***
I've started the muslin for the Closet Core Kelly Anorak. I also started cutting out the pieces for another Catalina cross-body bag. Methinks the handbag is going to take priority over the anorak. =)
L
