It took sew much time

These are the craft books I borrowed from the library last weekend, and I still have yet to go through all of them. The Erika Knight book I've seen before but had to take it home again to admire the photos. On top of the pile are two Japanese craft books I bought recently. One of them is this:

A guide to hand sewing with crystal clear pictures and instructions, and simple yet beautiful projects. There are 3 sections; the first runs you through the basics of sewing stitches, finishing techniques and methods of adding embellishments to your project, perfect for a sewing novice like me. Contained in the second section are instructions for making small items like tissue paper bag, spectacle case, drawstring bad and 2 types of full size tote bags. The third section discusses tips for sewing garments.

I chose this drawstring bag to practice with. Don't tell me sewing is faster than knitting because for me it isn't. The teeny drawstring bag took me 3 nights to finish, from the drafting, cutting and actually hand sewing. For a simple project like this, I still managed to mess up with the cutting and dimensions (maybe I was working too late into the night) and I found out that once the material is wrongly cut, there's no going back, no ripping, unlike for knitting. Then I was a bit worried that the hand stitching would not be strong enough so I did it two times and now the bag should hold. And the little pom poms at the end are a killer, they took me over an hour to make them and the work is still shoddy.

So here it is. The flat view. Click here to see the running stitches along the top that scream 'handmade'.

I love the inside too.

And with something stuff inside to prop it up. I'm happy with it for a first sewing project since high school home economics. But I really have to credit the excellent instructions from the book. The next project I'll try from this book would be this simple tote bag.

I got this book to try out hand sewing and to see if I could get away with buying a sewing machine. But alas, the sewing machine stayed in my thoughts and tormented me day-in and day-out until finally, I bought one. It'll be delivered tomorrow.

For those interested in Japanese craft books, do check out this recently set up site.

Comments

[Charleen]

It is so cute. I love the ends of the drawstrings with the little fabric poofs! You did a great job and each time will get easier.

[Robbyn]

I think your bag is wonderful and I LOVE the little fabric pom-poms.

But also, thanks to your post, I went and looked up sashiko (which I'd never heard of) and am going to do a library search for books on the subject. I haven't hand-sewn in a long time, but this seems like just the thing to re-acquaint myself with it.

Thanks, Siow Chin :)

[Jennifer]

The little bag is so cute! Great fabrics!

[A.J.]

You did a terrific job. Yay on the sewing machine purchase. What kind is it?

[lyn]

That's a cute pouch! You did a wonderful job sewing it. Don't you just love Japanese craft books? I have not picked up a sewing one yet because I'm a little hesitant about using my sewing machine again... the noises it makes scares me :-)

[erin]

so cute. You chose the perfect fabric. Look forward to seeing your new machine!

[marjorie]

a very pretty pouch. you are doing well and I can't wait to see you making bags!

[eyeleen]

Your pouch looks great! Have fun with you new sewing machine.

[Peggy]

The bag is gorgeous! Nice to see you branching out to sewing... I guess it's more suited for HK's icky weather.

[Pubah]

You probably have already discovered this, but with delicate sewing, your iron is your friend. It is helpful to fashion cardboard straight edges of various depths: 1/2", 1/4" etc or the metric equivalent to use to turn up a raw edge and press with precision. It can make a very frustrating job much more fun. Pre-measured "aids" like this, kept at the ready,are wonderful.

[monica]

You did a beautiful job on the pouch. Your stitches look pretty good. My stitches never look that good.

[Eva Shiu]

Surely sewing take more time than knitting. Your little pouch looks great ! BTW, do you want to see my fabric stash and books about patchwork and sewing ?

[Michelle]

that cute little pouch looks really cute!! i'm really bad with sewing..hehe

[Eilene]

Great job!! I love your cute little purse! I love the lining. I think knitting is easier also. It is much more portable also. :-)

[Bag Nutter]

That drawstring bag with the little pom poms is adorable! You did such a great job with it.