Last week, I had this completely decadent selfish few days. First I had a massage that I have been waiting for 2 years to get. Then I went to the advanced screening of The Avengers with my pal, Lisa.
So I decided to continue my indulgence and sew myself a new purse after my old/new one ripped.
I sew it and loved it, but realized that I forgot to wash the fabric before hand.
I washed it…Eek! And shrunk it.
*sigh*
With all the stuff I need to carry around, it was just too small.
My sweet husband actually went back to the fabric store for me and bought me more of that wonderful linen-blend fabric. Thank you, honey.
And I made another one.
I remembered to wash the fabrics first, this time.
Jim and our girls picked out the mushroom fabric. I love it!
I used my special button off of the original bag.
I made the strap extra wide and sturdy.
You can see them side-by-side for comparison. The one on the left now belongs to The Bee. Perfect for my preteen who doesn’t have a lot to cart around, yet.
The clear advantage to making your own bag (click here for tutorial) is knowing your needs and customizing the bag to fit those needs. It works beautifully, that is, if you don’t shrink it. Heh.
My new sewing mantra:
Pre-wash. Pre-wash. Pre-wash.
Ooooom.
I will say that it felt good to do some selfish sewing…and then doing it again.
What have you shrunk sewn today?
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Oh I’m so bummed your old bag died…. I loved that one!!! But the new one is gorgeous too – both of the new ones actually – and I love that you recycled your button
Sewing a bag is the next thing I really really want to try… I’ll def be checking out your tutorial! 
I know:( Me too. I unfortunately used material that couldn’t withstand the abuse-LOL.
You could totally do it! Just a lot of stop and think time involved. Like “Where do I want a pocket”? and How long do I want my strap…and on and on.
I can’t wait to see it:)