Bags for All Occasions
Fourteen members of Asby WI were delighted to welcome nine guests (just one from another WI) to their August meeting. It was an open meeting (hence all the guests) at which Suzanne Herbert was the speaker. Suzanne’s subject was entitled ‘Bags for all seasons’. She brought with her an amazing display of skilfully hand-made bags of all types together with additional items illustrating her talk. As well as making bags of her own design Suzanne tests bag patterns for forthcoming books, particularly those by Lisa Lam.
The talk was divided into three parts – ‘Bags for purposes’ in which she showed and passed round items such as light shopping bags, clutch purses, iPad bags and travel bags made for keeping essential documents and emergency supplies to hand while on the move.
In ‘Bag-making’ she discussed the various fabrics and linings used. These ranged from unusual and attractive cottons, through laminates, to Harris Tweed, the last coming direct from the weavers on the Isle of Harris. She also listed the various fasteners – zip, clip, clasp, twist-lock and magnetic; the hardware available – eyelets, claws, frames, sliders, handles and feet; and the basic equipment she used besides her sewing machine – cutting board, marking wheel, magic markers, clips, needles and colour-headed pins, and magic tape for securing zips.
Finally, she gave a brief demonstration of the steps taken to make a simple purse based on a 4″ clasp frame. Beginning by drawing out the basic pattern on paper she then cut out the main fabric together with a contrasting lining. Both of these were then lined with various interfacings before being stitched (she had a Blue Peter ‘one I made earlier’ for this!) and then finally glued into the frame. Simple, but effective.
A number present had questions to ask and then Louise Reeve gave the vote of thanks for what had been an extremely interesting and instructive evening.
Those attending then had the opportunity to purchase some of Suzanne’s stock while enjoying refreshments provided by the Asby ladies. Before leaving Mrs Herbert judged the competition for a summer posy – first, Rachel Forrest with a mixed flower posy; second, Louise Reeve with wonderfully scented sweet peas.