T is for Template

T is for template. I got tired of toting my socks in progress around in ::cough:: plastic zip bags, so I finally made a project bag following Dragon[knit]fly's tutorial, with a few tweaks. The result is this box bag, which looks rather like a dop kit gone deplorably wrong. Hey, it's a prototype.



Mods: Because the fashion fabric is directional, I pieced and seamed it so the motifs would be right way up on both sides of the bag, which had the added benefit of securing the interfacing. The inside raw edges are finished with improvised binding (oh, for a bias tape maker or Creative Little Daisy's clever tutorial!). The handle is simplified and has a contrast lining, there's a loop at the bottom of the zipper to provide something to tug against whilst zipping, and there's a zipper pull. There's also a zipper guard, to keep the zipper from snagging on sock yarn. It took an incredible amount of time and re-sewing to get it just right and, sadly, the fabric shows the wear and tear.



The bag interfacing is mediumweight Pellon, which gives the bag substantial body. I could see using lighter interfacing or skipping interfacing and even the lining for a soft, unconstructed look. I don't think I'd use anything like Timtex for an Amy Butler-esque look. I also don't think I'll use rayon thread for the topstitching again – it's 'way too fragile and was a slithery horror to work with.

Overall, I'm happy with the bag. It easily accomodates a sock in progress plus wallet, keys, and cell phone. The same concept with different proportions could be used as a lingerie bag or a shoe bag. I'm going to make more box bags – I certainly have enough socks in progress to fill quite a few. Hm... a smaller bag with pockets would be nice... hm... I wonder if left-handers would rather have the zipper guard on the other side of the zipper?

Meanwhile, I've been enjoying looking at political carved pumpkins. I'm a total klutz when it comes to pumpkin-carving, but the DIY stencils are giving me hope!