OT More handbag stuff

I either make a drop-in lining & then tack it in a few spots or cut a strip of binding & bind the raw edges. Your system may be easier, but both of the methods I've used are pretty easy to do.

That is how I make my tote bags - with French seams. I use two sided prequilted fabric. Sew a rectangle - cut squares in the bottom for the gusset and sew across. Then turn down a few inches on the top for a contrast. I cover webbing in fabric for the handles. Since I have an embroidery machine, depending on the fabric, I may embroider a design or a monogram.

L>Now I have a dilemma. I do not like raw seam edges inside the bag. Some

Linda PATCHogue, NY

I assume you don't have a serger? That would give a nice finish. Are you not planning to use lining? Encasing the seams in bias tape should also work. Gen

I'm not quite sure why you have raw edges on the seams if you are making a lining? The lining is supposed to cover the raw edges? So, you make you bag outer layer, (including batting and quilting) then you make your lining, right sides together you sew the top edge of the outer layer to the top edge of the lining, push the lining inside the outer layer, and you have no raw edges.

Is this not what you are doing?

If you do have the potential of raw edges inside, I'm sorry but I would not buy a bag like that (nor with serged or oversewn edges). I mean, I would buy it because it was yours! but not from anyone else >g<

An alternative to the French seam is the 'flat fell' seam. It comes out flat and would be a better seam than the French seam which is quite obvious. I could describe to you how to do it, if you need it - if you can't make the seams disappear by doing a lining joined only at the top. Or, I just Googled for 'flat fell seam' and got loads of good-looking sites with tutorials even - so you don't need my long winded (probably) approach! . In message , Leslie & The Furbabies in MO. writes

and if you want to quilt, just use a bit of stitch and tear, or a very fine bit of cotton that wouldn't add bulk to the bit you want to quilt, and then trim the surplus away (like the stabiliser on the back of sweatshirt logos). Then pop in the lining as described. You can easily put extra pockets in the liner too.

The plain muslin bag I described didn't have a lining, but only had one seam which was in the back centre of the bag. the base was done but machining across the corners and pressing well and then stitching on the outside.

Sally at the Seaside~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~uk

Patti wrote:

You could use some wide double fold bias tape. That helps seal the inside edges very nicely. I am not terribly great at using binding in that application, but it made the inside seams of the Loud Pink Backpack come out very nice. I've never tried the French seams but maybe someday I will.

Yep, that's a French seam. Sometimes you can trim out some of the SA to reduce the bulk.

If I buy a bag, I want to be at least as good as I'd make myself, so no raw edges! Roberta in D

"Leslie & The Furbabies in MO." schrieb im Newsbeitrag news: snipped-for-privacy@mid.individual.net...

Just had to laugh with you, Patti. I thought about a flat felled seam too but figured it would take me at least 3 days to explain it. Polly

Pauline wins in the raw seam debate. I used the French seam in the Organizer and it worked okay but I don't like the bulk. It does look neat and there is no raw edge. I switched to the drop in lining as Pauline described for the walker tote and that worked out really well so I will do it that way for the rest of the Organizer bags. I'm going to make them all different shapes and sizes but stick to the many pockets on the inside as that seems to be a good feature. Thanks to all for the suggestions and a special thanks to Pat and Polly for *not* describing the flat fell seam! LOL

Leslie, Missy & The Furbabies in MO.

Now I think you should send us all one to use for a while so we can let you know what works and doesn't. We'll be your R & D team.

I can't believe you said that >g< !! . In message , Leslie & The Furbabies in MO. writes

Do I win a Spunky Lady bag too:) The bags look great Leslie. I have not doubt they will sell well. Have you figured how you're going to price them yet? I think it is very stylish with some pizzazz & yet suitable to work with many different outfits! Well done!

Noooooo idea what to price them at! I've been wondering and worrying about that. I want to price them high enough to earn the church as much money as possible, but not so high that I get stuck with them if they don't sell. It's a fine line. Given the low incomes around here.... I just don't know. (Many of our population works at assembly in factories, WalMart, fast food and restaurants, the hospital, etc. Of course, we have the doctors, lawyers, other professionals, etc. but I don't know if they go to the craft sale.) I know there are formulas for pricing crafts, but that doesn't always work, either. I will have around $ 10-12 in materials and anywhere from 4 to 6 hours in labor- depends on how serious I get with the quilting, etc.

Any thoughts and/or suggestions?

Leslie, Missy & The Furbabies in MO.

It is indeed a fine line. Around here, you could probably get between $30 - maybe $40 for them. Maybe in your area $20 - $25? I know that will never cover your labor - but we all know that most people are not willing to pay the actual value of a handmade item. DH & I just had a discussion about this a few days ago. He is a wood turner & has made a few things for me - stiletto, appliqué stick, needle case. Friends are now buying them & students I take quilting classes with at adult ed. He enjoys doing it (for the most part) & so for him, he just wants to recoup his materials. If charged what they were really worth - nobody would buy them. He thinks it's so unfair that he can turn out a vase or bowl or stiletto in a very short period of time & depending on the market, sell it for quite a bit of money, while, we quilters can spend months on a project & not find anyone interesting in paying what it is worth. (Not that I am in the market to sell anything I make, unless at a fund raiser.)