These two new bags are variations on a theme. This initial piece began with the fabric. I found it on our trip to Ockracoke and I tried to create a design that would complement the fabric. The bag's shape accentuates the stripes. A smallish shoulder bag with diamond shaped side panels.
Accept.
I took the same shape and varied the fabric and created a different interest. Everything about this bag, I think, is more successful and a better reflection of my design aesthetic. This bag is about the wave panels and the subtle color variations between the lining and the outer fabric. The reverse of the wave panels is the contrasting lining. I thought that the panels would show and move more, but after it was assembled I realized they were actually quite static. This is an idea to explore in future designs. I enlarged the pattern a few inches in both directions and the extra room is convenient without becoming a burden.
I always learn from a design, but I am not always proud of the finished piece. But this bag I love. I love the subtle texture created with the wave detail. Though I am often attracted to patterned fabric I always find myself designing to the pattern which was limiting my designs. In this case I created the pattern myself with the panels. I like having this control.
Also, the beauty of this simple gray fabric isn't coming across that well in this photographs. It is incredibly soft, yet durable and substantial enough to take the wear and tear thio top its purse will be exposed to. To top it off - only $2 a yard!
Reject.
I spent alot of time on this design. Again I was working with the idea of creating my own pattern with two different contrasting fabrics. The pattern is two overlapping leaves. I was working with the idea of quilting without changing the fabric, but still including all the seam work. I inserted a strip of yellow ocra fabric in the seams to accentuate them. The edge of that accent fabric is raw. I'm practically done with the bag, I even put in a zipper! but it has been abandoned and forgotten. I fell out of love with it. I just wasn't coming together cohesively. Perhaps I'll adjust the design and resolve some of the issues I have... but for now it is dead to me. I spent an intense week working on this piece... sometimes loss and failure is part of creation.
Oldies but Goodies
These two pieces are worth mentioning just because they have withstood the test of time. I use both of theses bags often. Durable fabric, good design.
I really like the wide mouth of my gym bag. It is perfect for easy exchange of large objects like shoes and jackets. I also like the contrast of the lining to the simple black and white seersucker. I created interest here by adding a series of very small pleats, again, creating texture and interest on my own terms instead of relying on the fabric. Also, I used snaps for the first time in this design with success!
I found the print of the green palm leafe bag on Etsy. Really like the design of the leaf pattern. This bag is lined with a reversal pale green as well. This was a very early bag, one of the first explorations in bag design in my Atlanta days.
Both these pieces have been well used for at least 2 years now and are still in pretty good condition.
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