Sunday 13 September 2015

Not Sure...

Yes, I'm not completely convinced I like my new bag.  Well, there are things I like about it:  the colour, the yarn, the stitch… but I'm not sure about the closure I used.  I actually like how easy this type of snap closure is to use, so quick to open and shut your bag (better than a zip or a snap where you have to look for the other part and line them up) but it's the look of it… Does it look too…."old"?  I'm saying that with some trepidation, I don't want to offend anyone!  But fashions are cyclical aren't they, perhaps this style is coming back into fashion??  :-)  I can start a trend!




For the strap, I decided to use the same stitch which I crocheted flat like so:

(evening photo, the colours are off)

Then I sewed it up like a tube which makes for a nice firm strap with more body than if I'd just used one layer.  I wasn't sure how to attach it to the bag:  if I'd sewed it up at the ends, it would have pulled too much on the crochet fabric when the bag was full.  Sometimes these metal closures have rings to attach a strap to but this one didn't.  So I ended up sewing it as far down each side as I could (taking into consideration the curve of the clasp), sewing first into the crochet fabric and then right into the holes of the closure too.



I will be adding a plastic base to it as I did to my little black back.  I also want to line it but I don't currently have any fabric to match.  I shall get some this week.




I will use it and see how I feel about it.  My mother-in-law exclaimed how much she liked the bag when she saw it so I will have to make another one in green (her favourite colour).  She did say how wonderfully old-fashioned it looked and the kind of bag they use to have (which reinforced my view expressed at the beginning of this post!).

I think I'm going to search for a large square closure of that type too, wondering if that would look a bit more modern and up-to-date.   The closure really is very practical… maybe I just need to get used to the look of it.  We'll see.

Best wishes,
Frivole

14 comments:

  1. Yes, it does look old-fashioned, but I really miss having a purse with that type of closure! I'm not really fond of zipper or magnetic closures, and I detest velcro! The snap closure just seems more secure to me. Now I'll have to go on a search for bag frames so that I can make one for myself!

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  2. Really like this great job and closer too!

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  3. The word you are looking for is retro. The styles of the mid 20th century are actually quite popular right now. The clasp is highly practical, so enjoy it! I love the color and design of the bag!

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    1. Thank you Miranda, yes, I like that word "retro", sounds much better than old-fashioned! :-)

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  4. Yes, call it vintage or retro and you're fine!

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    1. I love vintage and retro things and fashions so you and Miranda are right. I will look upon it as my vintage/retro bag. :-)

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  5. I hate to say this as an 'older person' (rather like your MIL) but I like it a lot. Now if you really do fall out with it then you could always send it to me!!! Oh, hang on - that would be a good excuse to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe to match!!! Seriously I think it's actually timeless. Lovely bag.

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    1. So glad you like it Jane - thank you! I'll keep you in mind if I don't get used to my new bag… :-)

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  6. Hmmmm....Very retro! Lovely crochet... Looks very professionally crafted.

    Yes, you could start a new fad. : ))

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  7. Personal opinion here: I think I would like it a lot better if the straps were not so bulky. I would re-make them 1/2 the width and sew them onto a leather strap.
    I like the shape of the bag. The straps just seem to be for a larger bag.

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    1. I see your point… perhaps a daintier strap would be better. That's what I did with the last bag (although it was still a "widish" strap but I made it one layer only and sewed some cotton ribbon on the back to prevent the strap stretching). It does look a bit bulky now but I thought it would stretch and flatten with wear. I also think a wider-thicker strap is more comfortable on the shoulder.

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  8. Like Jane I believe that handmade bags are timeless. They never go out of style. Love the color and love crochet bags.

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  9. It's very fun! I love the pattern. The closure is quick and (forgive me) a snap to use but I remember getting my fingers caught in that kind of closure...

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  10. I think it looks great with the design of that bag!!! :) And I think your bag looks fabulous!!! :)

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