Fly: Fly Bag

In my fibers class I decided to re-design the Fly Bag for my main project. I wanted to create something that seemed a little more finished than the previous version. I decided on a tote bag with lining, and since "fly girls" are always on the go trying to keep up with their creative endeavors I imagined she would like to keep her laptop handy. So I added a cushioned laptop pocket (ideally it would be attached inside, but I left it loose for now). I also felt the colors and details in the patterns would also make this tote bag feel a little more special. It was fun trying to figure it all out, but there were quite a few technical difficulties along the way.

I must say it was a very LOOOOONG process. Using inspiration from the colors on this site I dyed all the fabric from the lining to the handles in hot pink and sea-foam blue (my favs). It took a lot of sample tests to get the colors just right (see my sketchbook). Then I dye-printed the dots for the lining and feathers for the outer portion of the bag. The feathers didn't quite come out how I imagined...but whatever. Then crazy me said, "hey I'm going to embroider the Fly hummingbird as an additional pattern. That took forever! But I loved the way they came out. Sadly the fabric marker I used to sketch the birds is still visible! It's supposed to fade away after 24 hours - WTH!!! So that led to another whatever, what could I do, the project is due today and of course I was working on it up until 3am. The zipper was problematic and I didn't have enough fabric for the handles, so they're a little short. BUT overall I'm happy with it. It's only supposed to be the dummy before the final final bags but I couldn't resist going all the way.

Comments

you should have plenty on hand for your june 6th show!

loved watching the process oh and did i tell you yet...this site is amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by:heather | April 17, 2008 at 03:11 PM

This is so very pretty. As are you my friend.

Posted by:Pav | April 06, 2008 at 02:22 PM

That's so nice and inspiring! Great job!

Posted by:Jule | April 05, 2008 at 02:33 PM

This bag is great just like you said it was. You know i love it because you have my favorite design that you do all over it.. The huming bird.. :)

Posted by:Na'im | April 04, 2008 at 06:15 AM

Dope, wish I could make myself a bag!

Posted by:KrisTina | April 02, 2008 at 05:33 PM

This was a great post, thanks for showing us how you work :)

Posted by:Keyse | April 01, 2008 at 12:00 PM

Cool.
I like it so much. The pink and blue is my favour color. I want one.

Posted by:dearwater | April 01, 2008 at 04:44 AM

beautiful bag! you have a great styling!

Posted by:meg | April 01, 2008 at 02:01 AM

Hi everybody, thanks so much for the lovely comments on the bag. I'm so glad you all dig it! Maybe one day I can have them produced.

Andrea

Posted by:andrea | March 31, 2008 at 08:02 PM

really good job :]

Posted by:julia:] | March 31, 2008 at 07:22 PM

I want one NOW! This bag is too cute!!!

Posted by:edessedesigns | March 31, 2008 at 06:56 PM

sooooo nice!!!!!

Posted by:Ashlee | March 31, 2008 at 06:03 PM

Sooooo cute!! Love the colours! It could be nice to dye fabrics, but we haven't got a chance to do it in my school yet. But hopefully some day I can get to that kind of course! :) Until then, have to try it at home ;)

Posted by:Joan | March 31, 2008 at 06:01 PM

Lovin the whole project!!!

Posted by:Nina | March 31, 2008 at 05:21 PM

I love it!

Posted by:Rahil | March 31, 2008 at 04:59 PM

You are SO inspiring

Posted by:maria | March 31, 2008 at 04:46 PM

put me down for one please!..if u decide to sell : )

Posted by:crys | March 31, 2008 at 03:58 PM

Oh, for the fabric marker, you might want to try rubbing it with a cloth somewhere between damp and wet if it won't ruin the fabric.

Posted by:Dee | March 31, 2008 at 12:59 PM

Very cute. I like seeing the process, too.