Pip 'n' Milly Creations » handbag

Another neutral

admin — Tue, 04 May 2010 04:09:59 +0000

As mentioned in the previous post, I made two bags using neutral-toned fabric. The second bag was also a roomy, yet sleek messenger bag as a Mother’s Day gift. The exterior is constructed using a faux lizard skin vinyl. The lining is a very pretty and soft sage green print from the home decor department, with a pattern of swirls and circles. It also incorporates some of the double sided print I used in the last bag.

Faux lizard messenger bag

Interior

Rear magazine pocket

Just don’t tell Mum!

Put it in neutral

admin — Mon, 03 May 2010 14:58:16 +0000

Many, many bag makers these days use very bold, vibrant prints which immediately catch the eye. They are incredibly visually appealing, but that certainly does not mean that they are practical or necessarily well thought out. Even if the interiors are pretty, they often have just one or two pockets. These two bags which I made recently are just the opposite of this. A custom order for a neutral, understated bag – without flowers – was a new challenge, as many of my fabrics are brightly coloured and/or incorporate floral elements. I’m also steering away from lightweight cotton exteriors at the moment, as I like more of a structured feel in the messenger bags. I know adding interfacing will help make cottons more suitable, but I also want to make sure most of my bags are washable and that they will retain their original look and feel. Anyway, a trip to the store was in order and I found a number of fabrics that I hoped would fit the bill. The client’s requirements were: beige/blue/black, no flowers, subtle, goes with everything. The end result was just that! The bag features a wide, adjustable strap, rear magazine pocket, divided pockets under the flap and inside the bag, a key clip, zippered pocket and parachute clip closure (aka side release buckle). I used three different drapery/upholstery fabrics, one of which was double sided, so in effect four fabrics, plus fleece interlining for structure and durability.

Neutral-toned messenger bag

Interior

Demonstration of capacity

As you can see, this bag is deceptive! It looks small, but it can hold so much! This is a large wallet, essentials pouch with countless bits and pieces, pencil roll, sketch pad, pens, notepad, cell phone, shopping bag and a magazine in the rear pocket – and there is room for more!

Magazine pocket

Another custom order

admin — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 06:28:44 +0000

I have just completed an order for a custom messenger bag. The lady chose a selection of pink and yellow fabrics and is going to love the way it all worked out together. The bag features an adjustable strap, parachute clip closure, a magazine packet at the rear, multiple pockets under the flap and inside the bag, as well as a key clip. She is going to be a very stylish and organized mom on the go, with her one of a kind bag!

Pink/yellow messenger bag

Open messenger bag

As always, the interior is just as beautiful as the exterior.

Lovely new bag

admin — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 06:27:26 +0000

I just finished this bag and couldn’t wait until tomorrow to take proper pictures! I love this bag so much. It is made in super soft pearlescent creamy vinyl for the exterior and the interior features two Joel Dewberry fabrics in gorgeous yellow and grey tones. The bag has a divided pocket under the flap, another divided pocket in the interior, a key clip and magnetic snap closure. The bag is interlined with Armo fleece to give it a soft structure and the strap is double sided, interfaced and sewn with multiple rows of decorative stitching.

Pearlescent vinyl shoulder bag

Interior, Joel Dewberry fabrics

Open bag

Front view, pearlescent vinyl shoulder bag

New products

admin — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 23:50:41 +0000

I am adding two new products to the range. The first is a messenger-style bag which is the perfect size for your daily needs and will keep you organized in style. Well, at least your handbag contents will be organized, even if your life isn’t! The finished size is approximately 9″ across, 10″ high and 3″ wide. The bag features a full flap with a parachute clip closure, multiple pockets under the flap, as well as inside the bag, a rear pocket, a key clip and a sturdy adjustable strap. I use a combination of fleece and interfacing for structure and durability. Prices start at $75 Cdn, and will vary depending on the materials used.

Under flap of messenger style bag

The second bag is similar, but is 11.5″ across, 9.5″ high and 3.5″ deep. The rear pocket is designed to hold a magazine, plus there are pockets galore for cell phone, pens, notepads etc. There is also a key clip to save you scrabbling around and an adjustable strap so it can be worn on one shoulder or across the body. These will start at $85 Cdn and pockets can be customized to suit your needs.

Under flap of bag, multiple pockets

This particular bag is made in designer fabric by Amy Butler, along with three coordinating cotton prints.

New bag

The Winking Frog — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:50:32 +0000

I made a bag for my wonderful neighbour, Elaine. She is a lovely woman and is very tolerant of the girls talking to her endlessly and making her dog run up and down along the fence line. If we go out in the garden and he’s not there, they call for him! They also pick daisies and dandelions and pass them to Elaine over the fence.

Deluxe big bag with lots of pockets

Interior of bag

The exterior of the bag is made with home decor weight fabric with beautiful bold flowers on a warm brown background. The front features a divided, lined pocket. The lining is the same fabric as the upper facing inside the bag. The lining of the bag itself is a medium weight cream cotton and the base and pockets are made with a quilting cotton with a print of butterflies on a cream background. I wanted the interior to be light, so that it is easy to find things – I learned my lesson from making my own bag with a black interior – not so good! The interior of this very spacious bag features a key clip, as always, and pockets for cellphone, pen and notebook, as well as several other pockets. Even with the pockets filled, the centre of the bag is still available for carrying a sweater, shopping, snacks and drinks or whatever you need. The closure is a reinforced magnetic snap.

Mama's got a brand new bag

The Winking Frog — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 05:13:39 +0000

I am supposed to be making bags to sell, but, truth be told, I am having a hard time letting go of this one! I am so pleased with this little beauty. The exterior is decor weight fabric, lined with a coordinating quilting cotton and interlined with fleece for a softly structured feel. I haven’t quite got the hang of working with iron in interfacing and I like the feel the fleece gives the bags. The interior of this has a key clip and a divided pocket for a cellphone, pen and notepad. Guess who is a list-writer!

Lovely new bag!

The Winking Frog — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 06:22:59 +0000

I just finished this bag, a first attempt at sewing vinyl. As much as I love the bag, it was not the easiest thing to sew, so it may be a little while before I try again!

I used a soft black vinyl for the exterior and a gloriously blue and green floral print cotton for the lining, as well as a plain blue cotton for the zippered pocket. The zippered pocket “Eureka” moment came when I found this tutorial, for which I am forever grateful! http://creativelittledaisy.typepad.com/creative_little_daisy/2007/02/dont_fear_the_z.html As usual in my bags, I included a key clip, which I forgot to take a picture of tonight. I made it quite long in this bag so that you can open the door without having to unclip your keys. Very handy when carrying baby on one hip and trying to stop the stroller/shopping trolley from rolling away across the car park with one foot…. I know I am not the only one this happens to!

Bye for now!