So today I was coming up with a new design (I think I am going to call the Badass Briefcase, or maybe the B.A.M.F. Briefcase wanting it to appeal to men!) and I thought about taking pictures along the way to show
b.bags fans what goes into a newly designed, handmade, upcycled handbag. Mind you, I am not a photographer and my pictures are not amazing in any way, but I just wanted to share with you the behind the scenes of
b.bags!
And so we begin:
Here I am in my office researching a new design for the briefcase. I labeled the pic, like a nerd. My dog Bud loves hanging out with me during the day (see dog foot in picture) and would really annoy me less if he had a doggy door to let himself out! Ahem, are you listening Eric? ;)
Yes, that is an ENTIRE wall of fabric behind me. It is ridiculous. I still don't think I have enough!
There was a lot of math, dimensions, and calculations in designing this briefcase! Thankfully I got it all right and the way I wanted it the first time around! Usually I have a lengthy trial and error period that has a lot of errors in it...
Time to tear up that suit coat. I always save the buttons!
The front pocket of the suit coat, perfect for cell phone and keys.
Every single piece that I use in my bags are stabilized with an iron on interfacing (or backing) to give it more durability and strength. The stabilizer has a glue on it which melts to the fabric when it gets hot from contact with the iron. Since I am using mainly clothing and material that is not made for making handbags, opposed to a canvas or leather, I need to work extra hard and make extra effort to make sure that the fabric is stable and will not stretch, warp or tear. This process can be quite tedious, but it is all worth it in the end!
More stabilizing of pieces! Trust me, it's never ending around these parts.
What most people don't know is that only about 25% of my time is actually spent on the sewing machine! Most of my time involved in making a bag is cutting, ironing, interfacing and pinning.
Time to sew on the zipper
Pinning the outsides together is the best part because you almost get to see what the outside will look like! But then I forget that I have to do the whole liner thing too... haha
Oooh, lookin' good! Now to base stitch the straps on. I probably quadruple stitch every strap on.
Aaaand now for the liner. I added felt to this liner to give the bag some padding and body.
And TADA! That's a B.A.M.F. Briefcase if you ask me!
Two tote straps, one long adjustable strap, on slip pocket on the outside, one zipper pocket on the back, two slip pockets on the inside, magnetic snap to close the bag.
I hope you liked the little taste into the design and creation of this bag! All in all this bag took me about 4-5 hours to make today. I am hoping I become faster once this becomes a regular! Let me know if you like this design!!
- Lora
