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Perforated Faux Suede Traverse Bag

March 12, 2018

I’m always a fan of Noodlehead patterns, so I’m not surprised that my first Traverse bag has become my favorite bag! It’s the perfect size for everyday use, and I love all the pockets. I’m a creature of habit so I rarely switch out my bags, instead I use one until it falls apart completely.

I did have a few complaints about my first bag, like how the rose gold picks up so much dye from my jeans, and how the strap started fraying because I left the edges exposed. I am constantly cleaning the dye off the back of the purse and fray checked the hell out of the strap so it still looks good, but I decided I needed a second bag in black. I was about to order some black cork leather when I found this faux suede at Fabric Place Basement.

Since the suede is perforated and backed (with a metallic silver!), there’s a lot of dimension to it as you move the bag. It doesn’t just read as polka dots. Also, it is SO SOFT.

For the hardware on this version, I used a turn lock, swivel hooks, and d-rings in nickel from Ning Bags, and black/nickel zips from Zipit. I’ve never used a turn lock before, but it was pretty easy to install. I had a drive punch in my bookbinding supplies that was the perfect size for the screws, and just used a sharp scissors to cut out the hole.

I finally used some of the amazing fabric Rachel picked up in Japan for the lining. These cats are the best! I also added in a 6″ wide zipper pocket in addition to the slip pocket because I always want more pockets. I was too lazy to cut down the 8″ zip so I just carefully sewed over the edge and then trimmed it.

I used the same construction method as the rose gold bag to attach the lining and exterior: I constructed both separately, folded the lining 1/4″, inserted it into the exterior, and then topstitched all the way around. I hand stitched around the strap holders because it was way too thick to get through with the machine. There was also no way I was going to be able to fold over the strap in a way to finish off the edges, so I just sewed it down, used a black sharpie to color in the white backing that was showing, and fray checked it. I’m sure I could have come up with a more elegant solution, but eh. I also opted to make the strap a fixed length.

I’m pretty thrilled with how this bag turned out!

Filed Under: 2018 makes, bags Tagged With: noodlehead, traverse bag

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On the way back from Skye we stopped at Blair Cast On the way back from Skye we stopped at Blair Castle where they had a great fashion exhibit from their collection. They also had a room of stunning needlework collected or created by one of the Duke’s daughters in the 1800s. 

With our extra day, we went to Lochcarron of Scotland for a fabric mill tour. We were going to spend the day exploring the Scottish Borders but found a giant bulge in the tire of our rental car so we anxiously drove back to drop it off, avoiding as many of the millions of potholes as possible. 

Then we headed to our stately hotel for our last day before heading home: a spa day complete with afternoon tea and yes another tasting menu.
We didn’t spend as much time in Skye as we thoug We didn’t spend as much time in Skye as we thought we would. Our hotel sucked and it was SO crowded. We drove to one hike and turned right around when we saw the crowd. But we did get some gorgeous views, a tour at Talisker, and an incredible tasting menu @scorrybreacrestaurant.
Photos from Oban: the drive was beautiful and we s Photos from Oban: the drive was beautiful and we stopped at Inveraray Castle. We went straight to Harris Tweed Oban where I got beautiful fabric. Then to our stylish B&B. The next day we headed to Skye but stopped at Glencoe for an easy walk around a beautiful little loch. 

The castle was a filming location for a Christmas episode of Downton Abbey, and there were photos everywhere. In the little cafe a woman asked if she could take a photo of the photo over our table and I said “sure, I love that show” and she looked at me dead serious and said “yeah of course!” Like duh.
Very full day in Edinburgh: National Museum of Sco Very full day in Edinburgh: National Museum of Scotland and the Dr. Who exhibit, lunch in a building from the 1500s, Edinburgh Castle, shopping, Dovecot studios (textile gallery), and the Scotch Whiskey Experience. We logged almost 8 miles of walking then took a taxi back to our amazing hotel.
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I'm a graphic designer, small business owner, occasional knitter, and reluctant sewist. This is my sewing notebook. Read more

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