I’ve made two project bags, as I’m considering the idea of opening an etsy shop at some point in the new academic year and would like to build a bit of a stock up before I open it. I thought I’d start with project bags as I think people would want to buy them and I can make them quite easily. But I’ve hit a dilemma with the first one I’ve made as it’s got a wrinkle in it from where I’ve top stitched round. I’m reluctant to unpick it all and start again. So I’m left with the question ‘do I just keep it for myself or list it in the shop as a flawed item? ‘ what do you guys think?

Both the bags used vintage material… The owls one is left over material from curtains I had in my bedroom growing up, and the purply one is left over from material my parents had curtains from.
Then, with my mum’s help I’ve started to try to make myself a top following a pattern. The pattern reckons its easy, but I might question that! It is rather daunting being faced with all the big bits of paper with lots of code on them.
We’ve managed to cut all the pieces out, having learnt that it’s a very slippery fabric that moves whenever there’s a slight touch to it. Pinning the pieces to it usually took some time as several pins would need repositioning.

I also discovered that rather than working on the floor and cutting with scissors I got a much straighter, sharper line when I used my rotor blade on the cutting mat.
So, all the pieces are now cut and at some point I need to tackle the challenge of starting to sew it together. It’ll be a while as I’ve got a busy few days coming up.
What gorgeous fabric, that blue project bag is in! I would certainly think it could go in the shop as a flawed item at a reduced price, and I think it would be snapped up!
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Theyβre lovely, Julia π I would try to fix it by ripping the seam a few centimeters in both directions. Fill in the space and sew all ends under. Iβve done that before π Usually itβs not noticeable…Good luck πππ·
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lovely bags and can’t wait to see how you get on with your top!
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Thank you! The top is a bit daunting…. But hopefully less so now I’ve got it all cut out π
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I think the bags are lovely Julia and I wouldn’t have noticed the wrinkle if you hadn’t pointed it out to us. I know you’ll want them perfect for an Etsy shop, but I also think it lends charm to the handmade project.
The fabrics are gorgeous also. Please make sure you share your Etsy links with us if you open a shop. I will be happy to share them for you.
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Thank you for your encouragement. π. I’ll definitely let you know if the etsy shop ever happens
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I love the bags! Good luck with the top!
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Thank you π
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Lovely bags, but don’t sell the first one, you want to start with perfect items in your lovely new shop. Good Luck, full of admiration for sellers on Etsy.
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It may not happen yet… We’ll see! Thank you for your help
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Yay, opening an Etsy shop is a great idea. The bags are lovely – not sure I would have noticed the small flaw in the first one if you hadn’t mentioned it. Good luck with your top. I look forward to seeing the end result (I am deeply envious of people who can make their own clothes π )
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Thank you. The top making is turning out to be a highly frustrating project… I’ll blog about it soon
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I can’t see the flaw in the photos. Is it central? If so, how about adding an applique or a “handmade” label? Pattern weights might work better than pins for you with slippery fabric.
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Ooh, i’ll look into pattern weights… That sounds like a good idea. Thanks for the idea about a label… That could work
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