Hey guys!

Today, a DIY with a twist! yes, yes, a little dexterity but not too much either, the transparent polka-dot bag (neurotic me?) you're going to tell me that a transparent bag is a funny idea, privacy-wise we're approaching level 0, but look at the practical side of things, you'll find everything at a glance without even opening your bag. If, like me, you're unfamiliar with the concept of a purse: a purse? what's the point? I've got a handbag... well, when it's 3 a.m. and you're looking for change at the bottom of your dark bag to pay for your cab, and the meter is running... Think of me and my translucent bag, it's like backlit! I could tell you all about the many practical benefits. But to be honest, it's just too cool! Roll up your sleeves, and what's more, it's a bag that'll cost you next to nothing... so you can take a cab home more often...

For this bag you'll need..:
  • 1 meter of transparent oilcloth (thick, I insist!)
  • 1 meter of black plumetis tulle
  • 3 meters of black piping
  • 1 zip of at least 30 cm
  • 30 cm cotton or gabardine fabric
  • 1 rivet clip + 6 rivets.
  • 2 snap hooks, 2 rings and webbing (all optional if you don't want a shoulder strap, but just want the small handle).

 Download pattern HERE.

To begin, trace the pattern on the waxed canvas, pin the duster to the waxed canvas and cut 1 cm from the line (2 & 3). Pin the piping to the line along both sides of the bag, then machine stitch (4). For the depth of the bag, repeat the operation: trace, pin, cut and stitch. Join the 2 ends of the depth to create a closed circle. Pin the depth strip to one side of the bag (5). Next, prepare your martingales and handle, now it's time to attach them to the bag's depth, using rivet pliers for the martingales into which you'll have passed the rings before folding them in half and securing them (6 &7). The same goes for the handle, which you can machine-stitch before securing with rivets, just to be sure (8&9). Now pin and stitch the zip between the 2 martingales, centering it in relation to your handle. Finally, pin the second side of your bag to the bag depth strip (on the reverse side, of course) and stitch it in place as if nothing had happened. You've just assembled a zip, by the way - congratulations! Turn your bag inside out and TADAM! To finish things off nicely, you can fix the strap (approx. 120cm, it's up to you) in the loop of the karabiners with a double stitch for added strength. Hook the snap hooks into the rings, and you've got a round (top), transparent (crazy), polka-dot (hot) and shoulder bag (the best)!

As a bonus, you can also use it as a cat bag... All kidding aside, Frida is just suffering from sacotomania, the handbag disease, you know...

[:]
March 07, 2012