Notes from Nancy
NANCY ZIEMAN

For a sophisticated effect, Nancy selected favorite design details from each template collection to create her bags. For both styles, she used textured faux leather to add richness and substance. The faux leather makes a durable and practical bag without sacrificing style. Using her Place ’n Stitch embroidery software, Nancy also added a machine-embroidered floral design to coordinate with the bag lining colors for added femininity and dimension. The finishing materials also add to the bags’ professional polish. Nancy used magnetic snaps for the closures and Clover Shape ’n Create Stabilizer to add sturdiness to the bottom of both bags. She lined the straps with bright bias tape created from the lining fabric for an extra pop.

Nancy’s Top 5 Favorite Handbag Tips:

1. Choose a bright lining fabric. Dark linings tend to hide or disguise the things at the bottom of your bag.

2. Select upholstery vinyl for a faux-leather look. A roller foot will speed up the seaming process with this specialty fabric.

3. Use the front of your bag as a palette for creative accents. Try out a new embellishment idea on your next handbag.

4. Back the snap closures with a scrap of Shape ’n Create Stabilizer. To reinforce the snap area, add interfacing and a scrap of the plastic bag support for extra durability.

5. Double up the D- or O-rings for a designer look. Insert two rings at each strap connector; one is functional and the other is decorative (see the camel-colored bag above).

Appeared in:

February/March 2009 Issue

USER COMMENTS

Vicvonnie7

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In the Bag

I want to make the bag of the cover. Where can I find the embroidery designs?

Jun 27, 2009 at 08:42 AM

itzywear

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Just signed up

Totally confused. I am trying to get information and save as documents on my computer but can not find ANYTHING. SewNews subscriber since its beginning.

Mar 23, 2009 at 07:05 PM

swirley1

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non-user friendly

what's up with this new format on your site...can't find ANYTHING!!!!You really can do better than this!

Mar 22, 2009 at 05:53 PM

SandraL

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pattern for bag

I, too, would like to know where to get the pattern for these bags. Especially th bag on the front cover.

Feb 24, 2009 at 02:58 PM

Vikingd2

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Website

I hate this new format for your website This is hard to navigate. I have been a loyal subscriber to the Sew News magazine but I will not renew it but this website is not user friendly.

Feb 19, 2009 at 11:52 PM

sewitseams

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pattern for bag

Where do I get the pattern for these bags??

Feb 18, 2009 at 12:10 PM

brefling

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Where can I get the pattern for the ginko leaves?

I love the bag on the front cover and would like to find out where to get the pattern for the ginko leaves. I checked Embroidery.com and had no success. BR

Feb 15, 2009 at 12:28 PM