times where it crosses the strap
connectors. Trim the seam to^1 ⁄ 4 in- except for the ends of the strap
connectors: don’t trim them. Trim
as much of the foam/fl eece out of the
seam allowance as you can, to reduce
bulk. Turn the bag right side out
through the open bottom edge of the
welt pocket. Turn in the bottom edges
of the welt pocket by^1 ⁄ 4 in and press.
Topstitch across the pocket close to
the bottom edge to close.44
Roll the seam around the top
of the bag out and fold the
zipper panel to the inside of the bag.
Press. Topstitch around the bag^1 ⁄ 8 in
from the top edge ensuring that the
zipper panel remains folded into the
bag. Reinforce this stitching over
both strap connectors and each end
of the zipper panel.45
Feed the end of the shoulder
strap that doesn’t have the slider
attached to it down through one of the
rings on the gusset. The wrong side of
the strap – the side that you turned the
end onto – should be facing out, away
from the gusset. Feed this same end up
through the slider, over the centre bar
and back down, so the end attached to
the slider is sandwiched between the
strap. See Diagram 14.46
Feed the end of the strap
through the ring on the gusset
on the other side of the bag, checking
that it’s not twisted.47
Slot the ring into the fold and
stitch two or three times along
the row of topstitching you added
earlier and as close to the ring as
possible. See Diagram 15.48
Press the bag to reshape it
and it’s ready for fun.LISA RATFORD
Where do you live and work? I live in Mackay
(Qld) and, unfortunately, I have to share my
sewing room with our off ice, but I make the most
of what space I have. I’ve adapted it to suit my
needs and now think it works quite well. I have
my cutting table with storage underneath
(having repurposed an old kitchen cupboard to
make it); my pressing table, which has drawers
underneath for fabric storage; my sewing table;
and a floor-to-ceiling bookcase for my notions,
patterns etc. It’s quaint and really only big
enough for one person, but it works for now.
What’s your family structure? m married, I’
with two little girls, who are currently four and
six years old. We have a mini fox terrier dog.
My husband is extremely supportive of my little
business, and both girls seem to already be
developing a love of fabric and bags. Oh, dear!
Why this particular craft? I guess because
I’ve always had a bit of a love (okay, maybemore an obsession) with bags. My mum taught
me to sew when I was very young, and I really
enjoyed it. She taught me well, so I always felt
I could tackle any project. Plus, I took sewing
at school, including a pattern-design course,
and it kind of just stuck.
Have you tried plenty of others? Oh gosh,
yes! My mum is a very crafty person, so I was
always surrounded by lots of crafts. I went
through a cross-stitch phase, have done quite
a bit of scrapbooking, have made small felt
ornaments for our Christmas tree, dabbled
in appliqué work and much more. Oh, and
learning to crochet is on my bucket list. But
I seem to always gravitate back to sewing ...
particularly bags.
If you weren’t doing this, what else would
occupy your time? Probably back working
as a primary school teacher, which is what
I was doing before I had children.
What does this craft mean to you? verything! E
I think I’d go slowly insane if I didn’t get some
sewing time in each week. As well as sewing for
my business, it’s just something I really enjoy- it’s my ‘me’ time. I love creating and trying
new things or playing with new fabrics and
techniques. It’s very much a part of who I am.
From where do you draw inspiration?
Everywhere. My customers, my testers,
bag-making groups on Facebook, Instagram
profiles I follow, even just out in the street.
I love seeing bags others use – whether
handmade or store bought – and often will
get inspiration from them.
What are your favourite materials to work with?
I prefer quilting cotton for most of my bags.
However, I’ve recently discovered cork fabric
and am very quickly falling in love with that,
too. It’s so nice to work with, sews up a treat
and gives a great finish to any bag. Of course,
great interfacing and fleece/foam also helps.
Do you teach your skills to others? es, I do. Y
I’ve just started teaching bag-making classes
this year, and I’m loving it. I love meeting some
of my customers face to face, seeing the
awesome fabric combinations they have chosen
and helping them through my patterns. I also
love passing on little tips and tricks that I’ve
found help with the construction, and they seem
to appreciate the extra knowledge, as well.
How would you describe your style? What
makes it unique? d describe my style as I’
detailed yet classic – designs that are
practical and easy to construct. Most of my
bags are designed to be used by customers
every day, but still look amazing and anything
but simple. I love adding little features to my
patterns, to make them just that little bit
different. I’ve always been a bit of a
perfectionist, and I guess it flows through
to my patterns and the quality of my work.
What is your advice for beginners? Probably
my single biggest piece of advice would be
to start with a couple of easy patterns first,
before diving into that amazing pattern with
all the bells and whistles. I’d also say don’t
be afraid to ask questions. Join the pattern-
designer’s Facebook group (or connect with
them on other social media) and, if you get
stuck with something, ask for help. The best
way to learn is to ask questions – you’ll
probably find you pick bag-making up faster
by asking questions and ‘chatting’ with other
group members. Also, remember you’re not
the only person who’s never made a bag; we’ve
all been there, and it’s okay to muck things up.Gett ing to know ...
Diagram 14Diagram 1596 HomespunHSP1810_p086-096_My First Handbag PROJECT.indd 96HSP1810_p086-096_My First Handbag PROJECT.indd 96 8/21/2017 10:11:45 AM8/21/2017 10:11:45 AM