Handmade Yoga & Gym Handbag designed for ION ACTIF

I was really excited when Ion Actif told me that they would like me to do a yoga/gym bag for their Fall Collection.  We got together on Jan 8, 09 for discussion because we wanted to get a sample ready for photo shooting on 25th Jan, 09.  This means that I only had 10 working days for designing, selecting fabric, ordering materials and putting the bag together.  Well, I have to say this is quite an experience and I'm glad that I was able to finish the final sample before the photo shoot.

More photos of the bags will be posted on ION Actif website later.

www.ionactif.com

HEAVY CRAFT STABILIZER/INTERFACE FOR MAKING HANDBAGS

If you want to find out which interface/stabilizer works best for making handbags, you should pick up HEAVY CRAFT STABILIZER, PELLON 70 or PELLON 71.

Walmart sells heavy craft interface/stabilizer for ~$4.50/yard.  You can also get the heavy craft interface from Joann, (I think it is Pellon 70) price at $5.99/yard.  Although, Joann seems more expensive but you can usually get 40% off with the Joann's coupon.

The one from Walmar and Pellon 70 works really well for tote bags or small handbags, but if you want something really firm then you need to use Pellon 71 from Jo-ann.

Pellon 71 is the one-sided iron on (heavy craft) interface, Joann is selling it for $7.99/yard.  Somehow the glue on the iron-on surface gives it extra firmness.  However, if you try to iron your fabric onto the Pellon 71, you'll notice that the bag or fabric will become creased or wrinkled.  To prevent the crease/wrinkle I SEW the fabric onto the interface, I DON'T Iron the fabric onto the interface.

You should try it and see the difference...

MINI PINK & BROWN CHOCOLATE HANDMADE HANDBAG

MINI PINK & BROWN CHOCOLATE was created on 3rd Jan, it is the 1st bag designed for 2009.  I was inspired by a Re-Gift Exchange Party after the New Year.  I wanted to dress-up for the occasion but the party was casual and laid back so I made a cute and mini handbag to go with my casual-smart outfit for the evening. 

I bought the handle from an etsy seller.  She made this gorgeous handle with very good quality webbing material and she added a touch of leather at the top.  The handle really enhance the classic look for the bag.  

Mini Pink & Brown Chocolate is not available for sale yet.  I need to test use this bag first and order more materials before I can start selling it on ETSY.  However, you can check out my ETSY shop for other handbags.

Please let me know what you think of this bag.