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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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Here’s a @noodlehead531 #woolandwaxtote with som Here’s a @noodlehead531 #woolandwaxtote with some amazing canvas from Japan. Which cloud are you? I’m really feeling the angry lightning cloud.
Here’s my #closetcoreblanca dress in Merchant & Here’s my #closetcoreblanca dress in Merchant & Mills laundered linen from @stitchsewshop! I’ve been wanting to make a dress version of this pattern for two years. This fabric is very good. Also my plants are very good.
Here’s my second pieced quilt, made for my very Here’s my second pieced quilt, made for my very special bff @s.a.m.r.i.v! We met 40 years ago as tiny bebes in the park, and through the years we drifted apart several times but always found each other again at various dance recitals, school field trips, beach clubs, fabric stores, and summer jobs. The universe kept shoving us together til it stuck. This quilt is a hug from afar. I might not be able to get up to New Jersey frequently but this quilt will be there for cozy/comforting times as needed. 

I picked out my fabric, then used a quilt generator at savoreverystitch.com (the last slide), then imported it into Photoshop and colored over it (second to last slide), basically changing the whole thing, but it was an awesome starting place.
It’s our 9 year anniversary and 22 year friendiv It’s our 9 year anniversary and 22 year friendiversary so here’s a nice photo! 📸 @maggiewinters_
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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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