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Post by koffipot on Jun 13, 2016 4:45:27 GMT
Teri, if you make thin felted ropes, you can then machine a wide but close zig zag stitch which encloses the rope. It makes a strong, but maleable cord. Perhaps use a thread with some sheen to contrast the matt "tweed"
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Post by Teri Berry on Jun 13, 2016 6:27:50 GMT
Thank you ladies, some interesting ideas about to strengthen a felt cord here! I suspect Sue is correct, if I felt the hard enough the shouldn't stretch, at least not so much that the function will be affected.
I'm thinking of changing the colours along the length of the rope to match the base colours of the jacket so am reluctant to stitch over the top, but it's an interesting, if fiddly, idea.
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Post by Teri Berry on Jun 13, 2016 6:38:16 GMT
Great little pouches. I could use one of the round type for my earbuds and some of the extra wires , oh and my square card reader. I think I know hw you would do it. How would you feel about a quick tutorial post on the blog? They are very simple to make and there are lots of blogs demonstrating how to make them (I looked one up to remind myself how, before I started yesterday). this one is for the boxy bag link
and for the earbud pouch link
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Post by lyn on Jun 13, 2016 10:01:53 GMT
Beautiful little pouches Teri - very useful to keep earphones and charging leads from tangling about in a handbag.
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Post by lyn on Jun 13, 2016 10:13:36 GMT
Teri, if you make thin felted ropes, you can then machine a wide but close zig zag stitch which encloses the rope. It makes a strong, but maleable cord. Perhaps use a thread with some sheen to contrast the matt "tweed" I agree Judith, it makes for a lovely strong cord and as you suggest, a thread with a sheen works well on felt. One of Annie's first little bags (about 7" wide, green felt embroidered with red roses) had handles made of green felt cords oversewn with bright, shiny red. Apologies for the not-so-good early photo.
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Post by carole aka craftywoman on Jun 13, 2016 13:46:58 GMT
Annie's bag is gorgeous, the handles look good and firm too.
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Post by Pandagirl on Jun 13, 2016 14:10:33 GMT
Annie's bag is indeed gorgeous!
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Post by Shepherdess on Jun 13, 2016 16:21:43 GMT
Thanks Terri I will definitely have to make some of those.
Great bag and great way to reinforce handles.
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Post by elizabeth on Jun 13, 2016 17:28:16 GMT
As I deconstruct thrift-store clothing, I save the zippers, elastic, buttons, etc If I have a 12" zipper that I want to use, but only need 6", can I just sew across the end a few times, then cut the remainder off?
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Post by Shepherdess on Jun 13, 2016 17:43:13 GMT
yes shortening a zipper is that easy. Making it longer, now that's a challenge. LOL
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Post by halay on Jun 13, 2016 18:42:01 GMT
What a beautiful bag, Lyn. Good idea for strengthening the handle.
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Post by jwugg on Jun 14, 2016 5:38:54 GMT
Judith & Lynn, if the felt ropes are thickish & firmish do they stay roundish when sewn over? Those handbag handles look great; I have been stopped in my attempts to make bags because I couldn't sort handles out.
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Post by lyn on Jun 14, 2016 6:31:56 GMT
Judith & Lynn, if the felt ropes are thickish & firmish do they stay roundish when sewn over? Those handbag handles look great; I have been stopped in my attempts to make bags because I couldn't sort handles out. Yes, they do stay round. Sorry we don't have very good photos of our early stuff, but I hope you can see the roundness of the handle from the photo below. Handles can be made in lots of ways and can be attached to the outside of the bag in a decorative way as it's sometimes easier than trying to attach it to the inside: ~A simple felt rope can be attached by making small slits in the felt bag to thread it through then knot the ends on the outside of the bag. ~A knitted i-cord in 100% wool can be fulled to make a firm, round handle (lots of videos on youtube for knitting i-cord). ~Wooden handles are very easy to attach as they have stitch holes in them. ~Bamboo/wooden handles can be covered with double crochet to match your bag. ~Clear flexible tubing (sourced in tropical fish shops) can be filled with fabric, tinsel or other pretty stuff to make handles. ~Chain is very easy to attach. ~Cord that can be bought in haberdashery shops comes in loads of thicknesses and colours. ~Pretty straps that are sold for cameras, guitars etc can be sewn on. ~Cheap tatty charity shop handbags are worth considering - although the bag may be worn the handles are often ok. Throw away the bag and keep the handles to re-use. There are lots more possiblities when you start to look at things differently and wonder if you could re-purpose them.
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Post by Teri Berry on Jun 14, 2016 7:50:54 GMT
Absolutely Elizabeth, plastic zips are easily trimmed with a pair of scissors (but don't use your best pair), even metal zips can be cut, you just need to be careful to cut between the teeth.
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Post by Teri Berry on Jun 14, 2016 7:55:20 GMT
Great reference list of handle options Lyn, thank you!
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