3¼in 3¼inbottom edges matching. Make a light
mark on the bag where you need to
add the female half of the magnetic
clip so that the pocket will close
neatly. Remove the pocket, and sew
the magnetic clip to the bag.25
Layer the large pocket back in
place over the bag rectangle,
and close the clip. Machine baste the
pocket in place around the three
edges with a^11 ⁄ 8 in allowance.26
Match the two bag rectangles,
right sides together, and sewaround the side and bottom edges,
reversing at the start and finish. Turn
the bag right side out and push the
corners out gently.27
Match the two grey lining
rectangles, right sides
together, sew around the side and
bottom edges and turn the lining
right side out. Fold the top edge of
the lining under by^1 ⁄ 2 in and press.28
Insert the lining in the outer
bag, wrong sides together and
side seams matching. Turn the foldedtop edge of the lining over the outer
bag by^1 ⁄ 2 in and pin or clip in place.
Topstitch close to the folded edge
through all layers to complete the
top edge of the bag.Finishing
29
Referring to Diagram 3, mark
the handle positions on the
top of both sides.30
From the webbing, cut:- Two lengths, 28in (or
desired length).
31
Pin the ends of the handles
where marked on the outside
of the bag, lapping them over the bag
by about 1^1 ⁄ 2 in. Sew a box with a
cross through the middle to secure
them very well at each position.32
Write your initials on the
centre of one 2in square of bag
fabric and transfer the tiny rosebud
design from the Pattern Sheet onto
the other one. Use red and green
12-weight thread to stitch the
designs by hand or machine.33
Fold under all four raw edges
of these squares and the two
plain ones by^1 ⁄ 4 in and press well.
Appliqué them over the ends of the
handles, with the rosebud design one
side of the bag and the initials on the
other. Now you’re ready shop!Some step photos courtesy of Minki.MINKI KIM
How often do you start a new project do
you think?At least once a week.
Do you have the new design completely
formulated in your head before committing
it to paper and fabric?Most times, I start
from a little piece, such as a simple thread
drawing on a scrap of linen, then I think about
the next step or the usage of the project
without entirely knowing the finished look.
Do you avidly follow other designers online
andin magazines?I try not to get inspired
toomuch from other designers, because then
it’s hard to keep my own colour or style.What is your least favourite part of
designingand making a project? It’s
always the beginning – coming up with
the idea and properly formulating it. Once
I’ve got the concept fully developed, the
fun part starts.
Have you been stitching since you were
achild?Yes. I made Barbie-doll dresses
by hand when I was in second grade in
elementary school and sold some of them
to my neighbourhood friend – for 10 cents
or 20 cents each.
Do you remember your very first craft
‘triumph’? If so, what was it and did you
keep it?It’s definitely the portrait of my
three girls – a thread drawing on muslin
done on my not-so-special domestic sewing
machine. Now, I use a wonderful Bernina.
Did you have professional training in
stitchingcrafts? No, I am self-taught, but
I have a BA degree in fine art.
Do you do your creative crafting in solitude
ordo you prefer to be surrounded by
others?I enjoy working alone, but sometimes
a chat with sewing friends gives me a whole
new idea to work on.
Do you travel for your craft – exhibiting or
givinglessons? No. But I dream about it.Gett ing to know ...
Diagram 2 Diagram 32½inMINKI’S MAGNETIC
SNAP TIP There are a
number of diff erent types of
magnetic snaps available for bag
projects. Most of them require
cutting slits in the fabric and
inserting prongs. For this project,
however, I’ve chosen to use sew-on
snaps, as they’re less fuss to attach.
It’s just a matter of positioning them
on the right side of the fabric and
hand stitching them in place by
working stitches through each of the
rings around the edge of the snap.88 Homespun