OFF TOPIC - has anyone ever made a garment bag

This isn't off topic, so I removed the header. It's about sewing. A good topic for us.

Since you've read directions on line, what parts don't you understand? You can make them button or zipper. Are you talking about the bags that go over a hanger?

Dianne

Cheryl Isaak wrote:

Haven't decided a button or zipper yet. I can't find any resources that do more than give vague material lists and am not going to be near the one decent fabric store around for a few weeks (well when they are open that is... It is near the rink, but they close before practice starts).

I want a fairly simple > This isn't off topic, so I removed the header. It's about sewing. A

Cheryl Isaak wrote:

Cheryl, how much sewing experience do you have?? I can "walk" you through the steps but I need to know how much to explain. In a nut shell, you lay the hanger(s) you will use on a piece of paper and trace around the top of it, leaving a hole for the top of the hanger, rounding the shape to accommodate the bulk of clothing AND adding a seam allowance. Now determine how long you want the garment bag to be -- either from the center down or the shoulder down -- draw this line on both sides adding about 2" to the total length. Next connect the two side lines. Remember to add a few inches all around for the bulk of the clothing. The easiest thing to do now is to cut two pieces of fabric using this pattern and sew them together wrong sides out making sure you leave an opening for the top of the hanger and leaving the bottom open -- turn right side out and sew down the seam allowance at the hole on the top. Make a casing along the bottom leaving an opening and insert a drawstring of some sort. That's about it -- put the garment bag over the clothing that is on hangers like you would one of those plastic bags the dry cleaners use. Close the bag by tightening up the drawstring and you're ready to rock & roll. There are much fancier ways to make a garment bag using zippers or buttons or velcro but I'm not sure you want to go to all that trouble for hockey gear. Besides, this type of bag can also be used to pack anything that will fit inside and not fall out the hole at the top for the curved part of the hanger! If you want directions for something a bit more "upscale", just let me know. CiaoMeow >^;;^<

PAX, Tia Mary >^;;^< (RCTQ Queen of Kitties) Angels can't show their wings on earth but nothing was ever said about their whiskers! Visit my Photo albums at

C

Does your local library have a copy of Nancy Restuccia's book, "Hold it!"? There's an easy muslin garment bagthat can be done to any length you want -- uses a zipper in the side seam and a drawstring in casing around the necks of the hangers. Really fast construction. Nancy writes very good instructions -- the only thing I'd do differently from what she does is in zipper installation -- it goes so much easier if you cut 1" seam allowances for zippers instead of 5/8" for dress zippers, 1.5" for sport zippers. And interface the zipper seam allowance.

For a bag that will be carried, I'd probably use a lightweight coated nylon oxford and delete the interfacing in the zipper seam allowance (though I'd still increase the width)

Kay

I'll go look later today - though after looking at Amazon, I may need that one!

C

And if they don't, remember they can get it through Interlibrary loan!

Joan the librarian :)

I LOVE interlibrary loan!

Elizabeth (in research mode)

I should ask if they can find it. I got the "totes" book they had today.

C

So do I.

Cheryl (a thought that should a separate post)

There's a CD version they might be able to get electronically, too.

you'd like to see the sort of instructions Nancy writes, here's one of the projects from the book: are a *lot* of incipient gifts that don't take much time in that book.

Whta are you researeching Now ? mirjam always in that kind of mode !!! Esp last week just back from international Conference ,

When sewing i never take `time` in my considerations ,, i think about the intenended reciever , and if i feel it is the RIGHT present for that reciever i go ahead and make it ,,, Sewing for me is always a gift to myself, as well as to others, it always gives me the feling that no matter what i can take care of me and others , I make most my own clothes, and from the left overs or recycle , bags, cushion covers , toys , fiberart , aproms , tablecloths , curtains ,,,, sewing is my heaven. It has carried and supported me through life, There is always something that needs sewing. mirjam

Nancy Restuccia's Hold It! is a book with good instructions on making bags of various types and descriptions, ranging from tote bags to duffles to tool rolls to jewelry rolls.

Kay

>