My first Non Cotton Bag

I love my cotton bags...but I found some pleather type material on clearance that I thought was unusual. And it was pretty thin, so I didn't think it would be too hard to work with. I grabbed it up to give it a try. If it didn't work, then I didn't have a lot invested in it.

 

Here is my first non cotton bag.

 

 

Now I know, it is screaming for some kind of embellishment, hardware, pockets, something. But again, this was my first one, and I was experimenting with something completely new. So I didn't put a lot into it other than just trying to sew it. I couldn't even tell you exactly what kind of material it is. It feels like a leather, but again very thin. The girl at the desk didn't know what it was. A polyester of sorts, but is shiny. I apologize I'm not real helpful here. If anyone else has seen this and knows what it is, I would be interested to know.

 

Here is a view of the back. Again, just a simple zipper. I did have a lot of trouble top-stitching it. Its very sticky. The foot was kind of dragging across the fabric and would hop from time to time. I'm a big Google fan, so I googled "sew on sticky fabric". And it was recommended that if you didn't have a Teflon foot, then put tissue paper in between the foot and the fabric. I tried that, and it did go a bit smoother, but then you have to pick tissue paper out of your stitches. Wasn't fun.

 

 

 

A view of the inside. I couldn't iron this fabric, so I had to use all sew in interfacing. And I couldn't press the straps, so that was a bit of a challenge. But on a good note....I tried something new. I had to use new techniques, and I had to use unfamiliar supplies. So while this particular bag is not eye catching, I learned something new. So that makes it worthwhile to me. I would use this fabric again after I find this Teflon foot to make it easier. It has that leather look to it, and with the right embellishments, you wouldn't think it was homemade. And the next one, I promise to jazz it up a bit with some hardware or rivets.