This tutorial demonstrates how to machine sew a lining for any type of bag. The included lining worksheet helps you calculate the lining dimensions based on the measurements of your own bag. Each step is accompanied by a photo.

I did snag some yarn yesterday (which I'll tell you about later), but I actually *finished* a project, too.  Yay!

This is for AmberCake.  We agreed to swap over 8 months ago, setting it up for the fall.  We were both too busy then.  She's probably too busy now, too, since she's expecting!

I made longer straps at her request.  She also wanted a dark bottom and handles.  I think it frames the birdcage nicely.

I'm gonna keep what I'm getting from her a secret until I get them, to keep the pressure off Amber.  She's got way more important things to worry about.  I am SUPER excited, though, because she is making me the most wonderful knitted things E.V.E.R.

The Experiment
How does the acrylic felt I use stand up to washing in the washing machine?

What I knew
The cotton yarn I use comes through the washer great. I've washed my handbag lots and it comes out looking better every time.  I dry it about half-dry in the dryer on low and then air dry it the rest of the way.  But my handbag is all yarn.

I've seen two of my handbags with felt embellishments months after giving them away.  On both, the felt looked a little 'brushed,' but otherwise the felt and embroidery seemed to hold up well.  One had been washed in the washer and one hadn't.

The Test-ee
I sewed on several felt pieces, did a little embroidery (including French knots), and attached one seed bead. I made sure to use pieces of felt with sharp points on them.

The Test
Washed in the washing machine on normal in cold with Cheer Free detergent.

The Results
I couldn't tell the difference once it dried.  The sharp points of the felt were intact and, as you can see, everything looks exactly the same.  It seems to me, the 'brushed' effect felt gets is from daily use, not washing.  And, that is easily remedied by carefully trimming away the wispy bits if/when they appear.

Conclusion
I would feel foolhardy recommending that you toss one of my birdcage handbags into the washer without putting it in a lingerie bag and/or using the gentle cycle, but, I'm proud to say, it could probably handle the washer all on it's own.

I just noticed how perfectly this brooch matches my bag. Brown Pants sent it to me as part of her birthday giveaway.  Thanks again, Kristie!

I made this little shoulder bag for myself.  When we go on vacation or even just up to New York for the day, I like to bring a large tote to carry all the guide books, umbrellas, purchases, bottles of water, band aids™, etc.

Also inside the large tote is a small bag where I keep my wallet and other important stuff.  When we go into a store where I have to check my tote, then I can just pull out the little bag so I can still pay for my purchases.

I bought this fossil tote for our trip to San Francisco.  My New York tote is black, to hide the dirt, and I wanted something cheerier for the west coast.

I had big plans to make this little bag for the vacation, but I only got as far as crocheting it and cutting out the lining before we had to leave.  So sad.  Then, of course, I let it sit until we made plans to go to New York for The Fourth.  I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning to finish it before we left.


I sized the bag so it would fit easily under my arm.  The zipper has little fabric tabs on either end, which you can hold onto while zippering it.  I should have made the zipper ends a little longer, though, because when the bag is fully opened, the zipper opening is smaller than the bag opening.

I lined the bag with the striped fabric Andrew bought me for my birthday last year.  It is perfect for so many reasons:  it's striped, it's got flowers in it, and it's just the right colors.

The bag has one fabric shoulder strap. I used some tiny rectangle rings as connectors.

There are a couple minor adjustments that need to be made, like the strap being too long, but overall, I love this little bag.  I would also recommend that you not use metal teeth zippers on a handbag, because they catch on your fingernails a lot.

The only big problem, is that the bag doesn't stand up on it's own. In Andrew's top photo, the bag looks crisp and smart, but what it looks like all the rest of the time is the photo above.

The other bags I've designed all magically stand up and keep a flat bottom (mostly).  I really like the structure and shape of my handbags and I was disappointed when this one became a lumpy bundle under my arm.

To fix this, I first thought I should reinforce it with all sorts of interfacing, but I'm starting to change my mind.  I'm liking the idea of working with the soft slouchiness of crochet and making a more organically shaped bag. I don't have the whole idea yet, but it's forming.