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Monday, December 30, 2019

Compass Bag

When Anna/noodlehead came out with her Compass Bag a couple of years ago, I really liked it, but I didn't need a new bag then, so passed it by. Fast forward to this fall when I did need a new bag, and when I saw Anna had remade the Compass using waxed canvas, I was sold. I decided to make the small version, 9½” W, 11” H, 4” deep, with the slip style exterior pockets. 
  

It took me a while to gather my supplies:

I already had other supplies on hand - lining fabric, Carolyn Friedlander's scallop in olive and brown from her harriot line; rivets; 1" leather for the handle. 



Now there's a couple of things to remember when working with waxed canvas

  • Do Not use your iron or you'll mar the canvas. All 'pressing' needs to be finger pressing.
  • Don't use pins either; use wonder clips if needed.
  • Expect the 'fabric' to become distressed as you work with it. To quote the Robert Kaufman website: "Fabric cracks, scratches, wrinkles and creases are a natural part of this fabric’s character as it ages and patinas."

So back to the bag itself.... as is my nature with bag-making, it's a thoughtful, methodical process, ie. not necessarily speedy. I take it easy, one step or two at a time. After a while, I reached the step where I 'got' to add some rivets, which was a whole 'nother thing. The Compass Bag hardware was some of what called me to this bag, but that doesn't mean I'm completely comfortable with it. A quick review of Anna's "installing rivets" tutorial, and I was feeling pretty good.



The bag also features two interior pockets - a slip pocket as well as a zippered pocket, in a configuration that is really unique - one on top of the other. I made the most of those details by fussy-cutting the scallop design of my lining fabric. 



So hard to get a good photo, but maybe you can look close and see the scallop inside the zippered pocket as well? I know no one will see that once the bag is in use, but you know I will!


There were a couple of options for the handle, and I loved the look of the leather. It involved a few more rivets, but that went well.


In fact they were one of the details I really loved - that and the handle hardware, and especially that D-Ring Holder and Strap Tab with an 'X' combo. Oh yeah.


So I took the bag out for a trial run yesterday and it felt great! It's a little bigger than I needed, but is definitely a pretty normal 'purse' size, and gotta say, I really love it. When I started, I didn't really realize it would be so distressed, and actually worried about that in the process, but as a finished bag, I'm really liking it, and am very glad I tried it!

   

Anyone out there like to make their own handmade purses? I looked back, and this is the sixth one I've made for myself since 2013. I think it's a fun thing for a maker like me.

11 comments:

  1. that's a great bag. I might have to make one for myself

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  2. Very nice bag! Thinking I must try waxed canvas in pouch or bag soon!

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  3. It's a gorgeous bag. I love everything about it - the size, the color, the details. I'd be interested in making a bag but I'd need to take a class. Every time there's a local class for one that looks interesting, I'm not available. Maybe 2020 is the year!

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  4. What a wonderful bag; I'm envious. I bet you get lots of compliments on it.

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  5. Great bag! I've had a piece of waxed canvas in my stash for a while, looks like time to use it. The canvas I have is pretty oily, tho. I'll need to wipe it down first.

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  6. I love it! All of the details like the rivets, leather, and hardware make it look so professional.

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  7. It looks great - overall and all the details. Enjoy your new bag! PS: I have not made myself a bag and am not inclined to. But I love my self made wallet :) xo

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  8. Your new bag looks absolutely amazing Debbie! The rivets, leather and fabric you chose really make it look professional.

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  9. Fantastic bag and thanks for the insight on waxed canvas and rivets. I've wanted to work with both but have been intimidated!

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