Roped In.

Hello,

Back in May I received a phone call. Would I be able to make a tote bag I was asked. If it is simple I replied. I will send of the kit to you I was told. Look what I first saw when I opened the parcel. A huge bundle of rope 45 metres of it. Amongst the rope was the pattern and a batik jelly roll and some handles.

First off I had to join the 40 strips together on the bias. That was fairly easy. I only had one on the wrong way,the second last one I did luckily.

The next part was I had to turn those 40 strips that were joined together into metres and metres and metres of bias binding. There was a trick to doing it. At least a hour and a half ironing. Though I reckon I could have done with an extra pair of hands. Lucy was at school when I was doing this. When she got home she saw what I was doing and she said "It all is an experience" They know how to cheer you up immensely don't they!!! Plus I have to mention I do not iron. Ian is quite capable of ironing his work clothes.

The next part was to put the cord into the bias binding and make the piping. I had a little trouble with this as the adjustable piping/zipper foot on my Brother Sewing machine was making it a very slow job. Sue from my Friday sewing group had two attachments for my Janome to try out. A piping foot or a beading foot. The piping foot held it down so much better. When I got home from sewing on Friday I motored on for several more hours to get it done. The motto is never trade in your old machine not only do you not get enough for it having the second machine or third machine in my case always comes in handy for days like this.

I then had to cut several pieces in different sizes to make the base. Then I had to fold the piping material around the cord and attach to the base. This made it stronger. Then it was a case of zig-zagging the material to the previous row. After the first couple of rows the pattern asked you to lessen of on the tension. Well my bag was turning out like a flattened sombrero or even worse a fried egg. The pattern suggested you just rip it apart instead of using a quick un pick. What a mess of threads that left. Next time I would use my quick un pick. Well after hours of sewing a shape that was looking more like a basket formed. It was supposed to be a tote bag. I think this would be more useful. You can see what you have in it rather than rumbling around for things at the bottom of the bag. I tried several times to sew the handles on but the thread kept on coming through. I have told the new owner to take it to an upholsterers to get them to sew it on. I pinned the handles on for the purpose of the photo. Will I be making one of these again???? I don't know. I have kept a copy of the pattern but after 4 solid days of working on this I need a break and will do something completely different.
So there I have made my very first zig-zag bag.

Happy Sewing

Bev C