NewlyWoodwards

an unconventional home

Yet another bag

by

I just cannot stop myself. I made another bag. This one. I love.

I found a great old seed/feed sack at the flea market for $3. It was pretty big bag with few stains and it was soft from years of use. So, it came home with me. I wanted to repurpose it.

Because I love a little history, I found out that Beamis was a St. Louis-based company. They began manufacturing seamless seed sacks in 1858 for milled food. I also found out that my $3 bag was a steal. Bags similar are going for at least $10 on Ebay, and as much as $40 on Etsy, and many look much dirtier than mine. Score!

My initial idea was to make a table runner, but I really have enough table runners. Then, I considered a pillow. But, it didn’t really have a home.

So, I made a market bag. It’s about 20 inches tall by 18 inches wide, making it a great size bag for the store or school.

It’s lined with cute red ticking fabric. It was $2.50/yard at Joann’s. I think this bag used about 1/2 yard total, so it ended up being a pretty good deal.

This is the first bag I’ve ever made lined. So, it’s reversible. Although, I think the sack side will always be out. But, it does look cute with the ticking side out.

As per usual, I didn’t do a tutorial. Bag tutorials are everywhere in Internet-land, and all are probably better than what I would provide. (Check out this tutorial at Film in the Fridge. I didn’t use this pattern, but it looks pretty similar.)

I just kinda trusted my gut. I wanted the stamp centered on the bag, so I started there. Once the outside and liner were sewn, I added one long strap with excess feed sack material and then added a little carabiner and a button closure. (I just used a black elastic hair tie for the closure.)

I broke a needle in the process. The material got too thick and I was going too fast. But, it all worked out in the end, even with some strings and uneven stitching. This may be my favorite bag yet.

I’m hoping to use this for a bag to take to the gym, or the store. So, the key holder and inside pocket will be helpful.

And, I still have a little bit of the sack yet. I’ve got a few ideas for what to do with it. More to come.

My challenge is always straight lines. Believe it or not, I’m not good at cutting them or sewing them. HA! It’s a miracle I can make anything.

But, I think the imperfections kinda make it beautiful.

What do you think?




Comments

  2. Great! I’m horrible with lines too, just last week I found a new little tool. It is a magnet that goes on the needle plate of the machine and has a long straight edge to just line your fabric up with. I may not be describing it well. It was $5 and made by singer. Totally worth it.

  5. Kim,

    This is just so cute! I mean, as a farmer’s daughter, I’m pretty biased, but I just LOVE LOVE LOVE this!

  15. Kim, I love it!! I like that you made it reversible. I think my favorite is the feedsack side though. 🙂 A nice feedsack is going to be on my list of things to hunt for now!

  17. A sack bag with cute reversible lining! You are the woman! Way cute and something I would totally pick up at a store. Props!

  18. i wish i was as creative as you. I really want a sewing machine so I can try to start something. any suggestions on one?

  20. I think that you are a genius!!
    Love the clip for the keys. I need, NEED one of those. It would save me hours of my life. 😉

    XO*Tricia

  25. Cute! Cute! Cute!

    I bought a bunch of feed bags a couple of years ago …. and I know there is one PERFECT for this project. Thanx for the inspiration!