Monday 4 January 2016

Anya Shoulder Bag


After a short sewing break over Christmas I decided to ease myself back into sewing by making a bag. I don't make bags very often, probably because I've made so many reversible shoppers to sell at craft fairs it's almost put me off for life! The type of bag I needed was a shoulder bag suitable for family walks or trips to the park, but with a bit more style than a basic tote or calico bag (of which I have many!)

The Anya Shoulder Bag from So, Zo... seemed to fit the bill perfectly - it has a stylish rounded shape and I particularly like the pleat detail.


So on New Year's Day I spent a pleasant couple of hours hunting through my stash looking for suitable fabrics. I wanted a solid colour for the main bag to minimise outfit clashes and decided on a classic go-with-everything denim. The fabric recommendation is for a sturdy, medium-heavy weight woven fabric with no stretch content, so I used a remnant of dark indigo denim left over from my McCalls 6696 shirt dress. The pattern advises you to interface the outer bag fabric, but I chose not to as my denim was so robust.


The good thing about denim is that it complements absolutely any fabric, so I was able to really go for it when it came to choosing a lining. I used a goy-jus mustard barkcloth that I bought from Misformake in the summer (now sold out sadly).


It's printed with little houses and the overall feel of the fabric is very mid-century - I love it! I only had half a metre, which isn't really enough for garment making, but plenty big enough for a spectacular bag lining! Because it's barkcloth, it's also a reasonable weight, making the whole bag pretty sturdy. 

This pattern was a delight to work with. The PDF is super speedy to tile together (only four A4 pages). and the instructions include colour photos and very comprehensive explanations for each step. Making this bag was such a stress-free experience: all the pieces fit together perfectly so you can't really go wrong. And I still got to flex my sewing muscles by inserting a lining, top stitching and making pleats, just on a very small, simple scale!


My version of the Anya bag doesn't include the button tab as I don't particularly like them. At some point I'll make myself sew on a large popper to keep the top closed for added security. I also shortened the straps by four inches as the bag sat too far down my body as originally drafted. I'm really happy with the finished bag and I know I'll be using it a lot this year.

The Anya bag doesn't require much fabric (just under a metre for the outer bag and about half a metre for the lining) and can easily be completed in an afternoon. I can see myself making lots more of them in the future as gifts! All in all, a very satisfying first project for the New Year! x




26 comments:

  1. Happy 2016!
    I have had my eye on that bag too! Denim is a good choice, do you remember that Hemingway pink cream and mustard barkcloth print from last year? (i bought mine because of your influence!!) Might use that..?
    bestest ahley x

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    1. Happy New Year! Ah yes, I know exactly which fabric you mean, it would be perfect. That reminds me, I still have some Hemingway grid fabric left, I can feel another bag brewing! x

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  2. Having sorted through my boxes I might just have to dig something out and make a bag. I made a mermaid tail yesterday as you do. ;) Love your lining. Enjoy 2016. :) Fiona.

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    1. Thanks Fiona, same to you! A mermaid tail sounds like a good start to your sewing year! x

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  3. A satisfying make all round then Jane and I love that lining! I'm really wanting to branch out into more home and accessory projects this year, so lovely to read about this pattern.

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    1. Thanks Teresa! You should try a few accessories, they're so satisfying to make and you don't have to worry about fitting! x

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  4. Great bag and a great way to use up bits and pieces. Jo x

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  5. Really lovely, I like the idea of a denim shoulder bag.

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    1. I know, I can't believe I haven't made one before now! x

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  6. Lovely bag. Denim is perfect! I bought the Japanese slippers and a bag from So Zo - I hope it's this bag! (Can't remember!)

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    1. I just checked. Not same bag or same site!

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    2. Ha, I thought the Japanese slippers didn't sound familiar! x

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  7. Holy moly!!!!! This Anya bag is TOO GOOD!!!!!!! Thanks so much for the pattern purchase and the lovely write up Jane, you are awesome. So pleased (and relieved!) that you found the construction and enjoyable experience. When I saw that you had purchased the pattern I was a little nervous as I know what a total pro you are at bag making. BTW, we still use the lovely drawstring bag you gave Dolores almost every day. We used it today for taking snacks to gymnastics! Lots of love and happy new year to you. Zoe xxx

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    1. Aw thanks love, it was my pleasure (it really was!), !'m delighted with my new bag. And that's so lovely that you're still using the little drawstring bag, they're not v exciting gifts but they're sooooo useful! I'm just picturing Dolores doing gymnastics! 😀😀 xx

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  8. I love the little "secret" touches you put into so many of your makes Jane. That fab lining takes an already lovely bag to another level! Yay!
    Happy New Year Jane! x

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    1. Aw thank you, I'm glad somebody other than me appreciates them! x

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  9. Great bag, love your fabric chooses and the fun patter on the inside lining.

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  10. Ooh, that’s a very nice looking (and practical) bag! Good choice on selecting denim as your fabric, it goes with everything especially if you are looking for a bag you can use for walks in the park or when running errands! Love this post and glad I found other additional resources to kick my sewing inspiration with.

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    1. Couldn't agree more, that's exactly why I chose denim! x

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  11. Great bag! It is really awesome for everyday use! I love bright fabric that you have used for inside.

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  12. That is a nice bag. Well done. Thank you very much. There is a nice review to look through - http://buy-essay.us/essaystore-org-review/ Enjoy reading.

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