This time my granddaughter came to visit knowing for certain that she wanted to sew herself a denim shoulder bag. I offered weatherproof materials too, and fabrics to choose from the piles on the shelves, but NO.
So I did not try to influence the choices of a young and trend aware person any further, and was simply the help.
I have already prepared the denim for sewing. It is washed, the seams, waistbands and pockets cut off, the worn places discarded. Sound, whole trouser legs in a stack on the shelf. Easy to take.
So the bag was to be for carrying on the shoulder, of denim, oblong, with a flap and with pockets on the front and inside.
We cut out the pieces of the bag together. Every last detail was chosen and fitted by the young designer herself. Where the pockets go, how big, what colour and how heavy the zips. What colour thread for the topstitching, where and what kind. How we design the flap, where we place the appliques, where the finished seams go and where the edge of the fabric must be left to fray. What colour the lining, which strap, which clips and so on.
Of the decorative seams and the topstitching we made several trial pieces, to choose exactly the right quilting pattern and thread colour. We rummaged head first in boxes of buttons and boxes of zips. We dug about in boxes of clips and rivets and in piles of fabric. The little lady clearly enjoyed it all and expressed sincere delight that I have SO MANY sewing things.
I must admit that I was pleasantly surprised by her choices. Both because they were fairly purposeful experiments and because the results were, to my mind, exactly the most beautiful and most tasteful ones. A very capable girl.
On the flap of the bag she wanted to sew my company's label, and showed me the exact spot. I thought myself that this bag is her creation and my label does not belong on it, but that wish too was firm and final.
A very pretty bag; I am very proud of her.
On the table you can see the trial piece, which was packed in with the bag.
