set sail

lately i've been interested in trying to make bags. 

the problem is that i have so many ideas

 and it is hard for me to focus on just one. 

 but the lil blue boo/ dharma trading design challenge kind of gave

 me the kick start i've been needing.  

i was inspired by her contact paper screenprinting tutorial 

and used some techniques from it

 [i didn't have all of the right supplies so i kind of had to finagle it]  

during the screenprinting process, which became the pocket pieces.

when i went to hobby lobby to buy screenprinting ink, they didn't

have a navy blue. so i bought a royal blue and mixed it

with some black fabric paint to darken it.  the texture still seemed okay,

especially for a bag.  i probably wouldn't have done 

that if i was doing a t-shirt or other clothing item.

i just picked a geometric looking shape and went with it.

 supplies i used:

about a yard of very thick and stiff natural, unbleached cotton.

a bit of medium heavy-weight cotton for the contrast.

screenprinting ink, contact paper, embroidery hoop

zipper

U-rings

i love this fabric for a bag.  i will definitely use it again.  i put 

it through the wash and i love the permanent wrinkles that

add to the rough aesthetic.  the natural cream fiber and feel of the fabric

reminded me of sailcloth.  combined with the color 

scheme, i thought this bag has a nautical feel. [hence the name]

i also was able to re-use a great industrial looking gray zipper i

took off of something else.

the pros:

i quite like the finished product and the embroidered lettering.

it reminds me vaguely of a mark that might be on a vintage sail,

with this year's date stamp.

i am a screenprinting novice for sure, but i also

like that the rough quality and bleeding around

the edges works well with the fabric/overall aesthetic.

also, i added in some U-rings so i could make a shoulder

strap to go on this bag if i want. 

the cons:    

i should've started simpler!  there were a few construction details 

i was unsure of. i was just kind of sewing on a whim.

i think i will start back at square one, and make a

simple zippered cosmetic bag.  and then build from there.

also, i just saw the contest the other day so i made this up 

really quick this weekend.

anyway, it was a fun little project. thanks for the 

contest and the kick start, lil blue boo!

i have so many other projects i've been 

working on that i need to show... 

hopefully i will get used to posting more often!