Tuesday, July 6, 2010

'ballet girls' satchel bag

I made this satchel bag for a little girl who loves ballet and goes to lots of ballet competitions. Her mum wanted a bag that could fit her ballet shoes and cardi in so I thought the satchel bag tutorial from Heleen at Ruby in the Dust would be perfect. I made a couple of these a while ago (here and here) but finally got around to learning how to put the straps in properly instead of just sewing them on afterwards- looks much more professional!


I made a matching toilet bag too as her mum said she needed a little bag to put all her make-up and hair accessories for the ballet competitions in.  Can't wait to make more of the satchel bags now!
I had some of the ballet fabric left over so I made a couple of cushion covers for Amelie's room.
And if you know a little ballet fan I made a ballet girls zip purse for my Felt shop too.
Well, I am thinking about getting a walking foot for my sewing machine-I'm sewing four layers together when I sew these purses so I bet once I use the walking foot I will wonder why I didn't get one earlier??!! Are they easy to use? I'm thinking it will come in handy for little baby quilts, oven gloves and other things that need layers of fabric sewn together as well. Just wondering if it would work all right with the plastic outer?  Any advice much appreciated!
Megan x

14 comments:

Renee said...

Gorgeous fabric!

I am just trying to teach myself how to sew with plastic so that I can make a couple of cute wee zip bags like that one...but I have failed epic-style every time I try and sew the plastic, outer fabric, zip and inner fabric...so I will be very interested to see if you go for a walking foot, and how it works out! How do you manage without one at the moment? Oh, and I've heard they're fine with the plastic...recommended, in fact.

Anonymous said...

That little bag is gorgeous, perfect for the little ballerina! That's what I needed when I was a little girl, with a sweet matching makeup purse... too cute.
I have used a walking foot in the past, but it must have been a while ago, because I can't remember when! It was simple, and really made a difference when sewing thick layers..
Flick :)

{call me satch} said...

thats a beautiful gift for the little ballerina :)

Knicky Knacks said...

Just gorgeous - I'm sure the little ballerina will be thrilled with your beautiful bag and make up purse.

Jacqui said...

So cute! I have some of that fabric to make up a bag too and I haven't gotten around to it yet, I feel inspired now!

Can't recommend a walking foot enough to be honest. I definitely feel like 'how did I live before it?'. I bought it for quilting and heavy stuff but what I've discovered is that it's the BEST for sewing knits too as it minimises stretch. The overlocker is great but I still need to use my regular machine at times and I always use the walking foot. Not sure about the plastic, although it does work by going up and down with the needle so it may be that because it spends a little less time in contact with the surface it might be better. But really, they're so brilliant for so many other things you totally need to get one!

Anonymous said...

Megan - it was Ruby's Birthday today & she just loves her ballet satchel & make up bag - will send a picture to you when we use it tomorrow to go to class for the 1st time since her Birthday. Beautifully made & all the extra touches - a very clever lady!!! Thank you Jo

Stitchbird said...

This looks great Megan!

Cat said...

I got a bolt of that fabric, it is so gorgeous eh, I love using it!

Amber said...

Definitely get a walking foot - you will not regret it! It's basically the same as using a normal foot once you've put it on (it's no big deal to put on either - only a little less easy than changing a normal foot).

How do you sew plastic at the moment? A walking foot will be perfect!

MooBear Designs said...

Megan it is perfect. I would rather my girl carry around something like than a big clumsy adult bag you know!!?? Too bad she doesn't do ballet... Hehe

Xo Steph

Jen said...

Hi megan, those are absolutely gorgeous. I have been meaning to make my daughter a little ballet bag for her shoes & cardi too but am still to find just the right fabric. Loving the pillows too. Are you doing zip closings or just flap? I think the walking foot will be good for vinyl. It was recommended in a tutorial I read where vinyl was used. Am also thinking I need to try using one for my change mats, so will let you know how it goes.

Ruby in the Dust said...

hi megan, I'm glad the new instructions made more sense for you :) the bag looks lovely!

Team Schmidt said...

Hi Megan,
I love this bag, and am so inspired to make one for my little ballerina's. Please tell me, where did you buy this fabric?? I love it and I can't seem to find it anywhere!
Thanks so much-
Jill

Megan said...

Hi Jill I'm pretty sure it is a Kokka fabric called Ballet Girls. I bought it from Stitchbird fabrics here in NZ but it doesn't seem to be there anymore- I have found it in Etsy though here is the link http://www.etsy.com/listing/80311346/l012a-cotton-linen-fabric-ballet-girl?ref=sr_gallery_8&ga_search_query=ballet+girls+fabric&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=ballet+girls+fabric&ga_view_type=gallery

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