Monday, November 3, 2008

It Contains Multitudes

Honestly, I've never had such a big bag in my life. I walked to work today, and I didn't have to carry my boots in a separate bag - they fit inside the Orange Enormity.

Which got an interesting reaction at work, I have to say. Several people loved the bag, but hated the color. Others loved the color but thought it was a diaper bag (with studs? now that would be a cool mom).

Whatever. I love it. I said in my review on PR that this is the first major project that I have no lingering regrets about - no "I should have done this" or "damn, why didn't I think of doing that?" None of that. I like the pockets, I like the size, I like being able to find my keys and know that my camera and phone aren't getting beaten up in the bottom of the bag.

I like going shopping at lunchtime and being able to stow my purchase in my handbag. All of them.

What strikes me about this project is that earlier this year, when I completed my leather jacket, I was pretty sure I wasn't going to do a major leather project again anytime soon. But ever since the weather started turning cool, I've been wearing my jacket nonstop and realizing just how much I like it and how I'm probably going to want to make another one in the not-too-distant future. Maybe a brown one.

Funky colors are all well and good for accessories, but leather jackets are eternal and I don't want to make something I'll get tired of.

So this was my project to get me back in the mood, and it was a good one because I learned a few tricks this time that I hadn't before, including just how much heat leather will take if you have a decent weight press cloth between it and the iron. I also used large quantities of steam-a-seam rather than gluing seams flat - since I could use heat, it seemed silly to waste time waiting for glue to dry.

Also - and this probably won't do me any good if I make another jacket - I figured out the perfect backing for the leather in this bag. Coutil may be meant for corsets, but you can't tell me that. Slather on a decent coating of leather glue and it's fabulous backing for a lighter weight skin - it keeps all the flexibility of the leather while adding stability and strength. None of the rubble I carry around with me is going to mark this from the inside; for the outside, I can't make any guarantees but I'm going to do my best to keep this looking shiny new for a while.

Today was a very gray November day and carrying this around cheered me up no end.

12 comments:

Maryissewfast said...

I love it and the lining is perfection! Mary

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

Then the bag did it's job...if it cheered you up on a gray day and you can't think of one thing to do to it to make it better!

Glad you enjoyed it!

NancyDaQ said...

It's a fabulous looking bag! I'm so glad you're loving it.

Lori said...

Wonderful job.

Becky said...

Big bags are the best. And I love the brocade lining!

Sherril said...

I have an Anne Klein raincoat in the very same color that I bought at a steal for about $30. I think no one wanted it because it was orange. It cheers me right up on those dreary days too. Your bag is wonderful, especially the lining.

luckylibbet said...

Those projects that make you feel GOOD are d**n rare.

This one definitely falls into 'This makes ME feel good.'

Personal opinion? I WANT IT. That is one SERIOUS bag.

I sure hope you wear it LOTS.

Elaray said...

Put me in the "love the bag" column! I love the color, the lining and the size (and the studs).

Melissa Fehr Trade said...

I love it! Huge hangbags are perfect for throwing a whole packed lunch, umbrella, hats, gloves, etc in. I just keep my keys on a leash and rummage for everything else.

And this reminds me of the first time I made HP's Nairobi bag (still my favourite bag ever!) for a friend - her comment was "I love it - I can fit a whole bottle of vodka inside!". Well, it WAS Christmas party season!

Gretchen the Household Deity said...

That is a gorgeous bag! And I really love that lining. Yay for bright colors!

Vicki said...

Great bag! And the inside is just as gorgeous as the outside.

Bunny said...

Fabulous bag! Everything about it is wonderful.