I love Cori Dantini’s work, but although I’ve collected panels from each line she’s done so far, along with a few blenders (always with the plan to use them in a bag), I never actually use them. Never. They’re beautifully folded waiting for the perfect pattern. This year I decided that I had to start to just use the good stuff, so having received a set of Hello World panels from my friend Allegory, I determined to make a bucket bag, with the shape of the top inspired by a bag I saw one of my colleagues at the day job carrying one day.
Originally I’d planned to put the giraffe on one side, and the bird on the other, and I pulled fabrics from the Indian Summer charm swap pack to make patchwork pieces that would make the bag up to the width I wanted, but having made up the panels, the wise gurus of IG said the colours didn’t really go together (I kind of feared that when I asked the question to be honest), so 2 bags it was.
Given time constraints, only the giraffe is complete at the moment, partly because on the bird one I wanted to add some embellishments and knew I wouldn’t have time to make them, so it will follow later.
To be honest it ended up rather deeper than originally planned, due to a slight lack of foresight when creating the front panel, but that’s quite okay as it means I can stuff it with all sorts of things when I’m away. It goes beautifully across the body because of the top shape, so you can tuck it behind you a bit when carrying it, however I think when I come to make another with this shaped top (not the bird, as it’s already cut to the same size!) I will go for a much shallower base, and perhaps not make it as wide as this one is either. Still, it actually works rather well to take to the market or something, as it would hold lots of things.
Inside is a basic zipped pocket, for the things you don’t want to lose in the bottom of the large main part. There’s also a simple magnetic snap closure for the bag, as I wasn’t really envisaging this as a handbag that would need to be secure.
There’s an adjustable strap too, depending on whether it will be worn on the shoulder or across the body. It was the first time I’d tried to effectively make a tab for the rings out of the side of the bag rather than separate pieces, and it worked rather well, thankfully.
Love it. I think you're really done the panel justice – well done! Juliex
Oooh that is lovely.
It is gorgeous! The patchwork looks so pretty too and I like that you put those prints near the bottom so it mirrors the flowers in the panel. Beautiful!
This bag is wonderful, even better seen in person.
I can see why you've been collecting/hoarding those prints, they are beautiful!! The bag is fantastic, nice work!
Really pretty. There's a really nice pic of you on During Quiet Time, have you seen it?
Love this. I may have to steal it 😀
Love it! Your patchwork squares complement the panel perfectly. Great design too.
It's a very cute bag-well done!
It is wonderful! I think it is very beautiful, you did an amazing job
That is so brilliant! I do envy your bag making skills.
A pretty and practical bag! Love the giraffe! Jxo
CUTE! That giraffe looks thrilled to finally have a home instead of being a resident of your stash pile.
Katy this bag is so so nice
Whaaaat? Love it!!! Great colors and it is sweet that it can be shoulder or across the body. Perfect for shoppin' (indoors or out!).
Man…I wish I had know you too were going to Market…I would have made the 5 hour drive!:)
It turn out well. I think its great to be too big for you. When you go shopping it will hold even more material.
It's so cute!
Giraffes have long necks – it's only natural that it be deeper than anticipated. 🙂
Really, it looks great – your colours are fantastic and that print is just too cute.
They really are gorgeous, but I would imagine t's hard to find a way to use them. Giraffey looks great on this bag though
how cute is that! The fabrics you chose go perfectly. I love the panels, i might have to try to track some down
Oh I love that!
Love your bag – such a great idea!! I used the giraffe from this cute panel to make a pillow for a christmas gift but I still have the elephant, lion and bird here too use….
This is really nice Katy. Such a great use of those sweet panels.
Gorgeous!!!
oh, I recognize this!!! sad that it's so far away from me now…. :/
What a great bag!!
Soooooo…I really did kind of want to steal this bag, just so you know. It's really lovely.
I just love this bag!!! The colors and especially the giraffe panel. Anne and I have a thing for giraffes. Can't wait to see the birdie when it is all done!
Great bag Katy, you certainly did that panel justice!
Cute panels. Love the finished product
I hate having to use the fabric I love in case I mess up!! You most certainly haven't….it is a wonderful bag. xx
Thank you :o) Part of me fears messing up, the other part fears being buried in fabric ;o)
That's a cute bag! Now I want more Cori Dantini panels…