Flowering Gum City Shopper
This beautiful bag was made using the brilliant “City Shopper” pattern in Nicole Mallalieu‘s book, You Sew, Girl! I’ve used Ink & Spindle‘s stunning Flowering Gum in Olive and Robins Egg for the main part of the bag, their Lace Fans in Robins Egg for the outer flap, and Liberty of London’s Kate Ada tana lawn for the lining.
The pattern is superb. It’s easy to follow, and Nikki’s attention to detail makes for a tailored finish, and a professional look. Ink & Spindle’s organic, hand screen printed cotton hemp fabrics are a dream to sew with – such a soft hand, and their designs are breathtaking!
The small swivel hook and O-rings are from Nikki’s shop.
The ceramic button is from Open Drawer. If you haven’t been to this shop on Toorak Road, make a diary entry now to pop in there. Apart from the superb handmade items they have for sale, there is a gallery upstairs, and workshops you can sign up for. Fabulous! I applied a couple of coats of Jo Sonja’s Gloss Varnish to the back of the button, so it won’t rub against my fabric. I also used my pen, instead of my awl, and thick cotton thread (like that used for top-stitching on jeans) threaded double so I had 4 x sewing thread to create a nice thick, long shank under my reinforced button.
Flowering Gum City Shopper - the back
fabulous ceramic button
I finished the button loop so it sits nicely around the large button
the lining, in one of my favourite Liberty prints
like my colour choice for the zipper? too much? nah, I feel happy when I look at it, it's like a nice surprise
a nice roomy pocket
there's even a key fob!
beautiful nickel-plated O-rings
I’m absolutely delighted with my new bag. Reckon this isn’t the last time I’ll be using this pattern!
