Burda Style For people who sew

Description

… or: Tote Bag of Bucolic Happiness.

Once upon a time, this little seamstress here frolicked through the streets of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines. Suddenly she stopped cold, pointed at a street vendor selling tote bags and exclaimed, “I want this bag!”. The street vendor asked for the outragous sum of 60 Pesos (which is about one euro), but said seamstress’s grandaunt disapproved. “Sloppy work”, she said, examining the bag closely, “I’d say we give you 50 Pesos and call it a deal”. And this is the story of my beloved 50 Pesos Bag.

I’ve been using this sloppy work bag for two years now. This is what I call a smart investment. But lately I’ve been thinking of retiring this bag. I had discovered a lovely pattern in a Gothic Lolita Bible, so I went on a long and frustrating fabric hunt. It is nearly impossible to find an original fabric that doesn’t show either flowers or butterflies. But then we went exploring Lindau, a lovely medieval city at the Lake Constance, and in a small shop there I discovered this fabric. It was love on first sight. The saleslady was awefully nice and granted a discount on the fabric plus pretty much gave me the lining for free.

I didn’t use the Gothic Lolita Bible pattern in the end for several reasons, but recreated my 50 Pesos Bag. I used a piece of felt for the bottom and lengthened the handles. I am quite pleased with the outcome. I think I could sell it for 60 Pesos.

Material Notes

Exterior fabric of unknown material, taffeta fabric for the lining, a piece of felt, a zipper

Categories

For

Women

Garment Type

Accessories