I'm always looking for my next new bag. In my recent searches I discovered this fascinating set of bags by Josh Jakus. I like my geometry a bit more random than he does, so I decided to adapt the idea to a more non-regular surface. The design and construction are pretty simple and, assuming you can get your hands on a sewing machine, you should be able to pull this off for less than $20.
Please leave comments, I'd really appreciate it!
Please leave comments, I'd really appreciate it!
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Signing UpStep 1: Design your bag!
This step isn't absolutely necessary. If you want, you can just use the two pdfs attached to this step and make the example purse and wallet. If you want to make your own, you'll need a computer with some kind of modeling or drawing software (I used Rhino, which is currently in beta and therefore *free* for Mac users), a printer, and some tape. Just follow the steps below:
1. Draw a curve, really any curve.
2. Copy it and rotate 180°, move the second curve so that its endpoints join with the endpoints of the first curve.
3. Repeat with several more curves, then print out small versions of each.
4. Cut out the shapes you've just printed and tape the edges together. Pick the one(s) you like the most and, if it going to be a bag, decide where your handle is going to go.
5. Back on the computer, draw an ellipse for your handle at the positions you decided on in step 4. Make sure that you place both holes the same distance from one of the two vertexes and has the same orientation with the curve (check out the attached example).
6. To actually make the purse, you'll need to have a zipper. Measure the zipper from the beginning of the teeth to the end. This probably won't be the length on the package so you really do need to measure! Scale your drawing so that the length of one of the curves is that length.
7. You'll then need to offset both curves 1/8" toward the interior to allow space for the zipper. Connect them with two short straight segments. This, and the ellipses you made, are the lines you'll be cutting on.
8. Print out your pattern and cut off most of the excess paper.
1. Draw a curve, really any curve.
2. Copy it and rotate 180°, move the second curve so that its endpoints join with the endpoints of the first curve.
3. Repeat with several more curves, then print out small versions of each.
4. Cut out the shapes you've just printed and tape the edges together. Pick the one(s) you like the most and, if it going to be a bag, decide where your handle is going to go.
5. Back on the computer, draw an ellipse for your handle at the positions you decided on in step 4. Make sure that you place both holes the same distance from one of the two vertexes and has the same orientation with the curve (check out the attached example).
6. To actually make the purse, you'll need to have a zipper. Measure the zipper from the beginning of the teeth to the end. This probably won't be the length on the package so you really do need to measure! Scale your drawing so that the length of one of the curves is that length.
7. You'll then need to offset both curves 1/8" toward the interior to allow space for the zipper. Connect them with two short straight segments. This, and the ellipses you made, are the lines you'll be cutting on.
8. Print out your pattern and cut off most of the excess paper.
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I can't really make out-- are these are two-way zippers? I'm sure it'll come clear when I can see the thing actually in front of me.
Hmm. I have a very long orange velvet thingamajig (for putting a cushion inside). It fits about 4 king-size pillows with space left over--and, here's the best part: the beautiful brass zipper! I brought it at Goodwill mainly for that zipper -knowing it would prove itself as precious- although
I'd always thought to build a long narrowish bench to put it on.
hmmm. One thing I thought was interesting, following the trail of crumbs from Joshjakus to treehugger was someone's post about working in a recycled felt factory and becoming very sick--it was attributed to the fibres. She made the point that real wool felt is a renewable resource and stated she wouldn't
have the recycled stuff near her, touching it everyday...
anyway, I'm thinking these would be great in my thick velvet, maybe with interfacing.
I found these bags too, and also wanted one. I posted about them in the forum here.
Nice work on working out the shape. I played around in my CAD software for ages trying to get the shape. I didn't have the same results as you - I couldn't get the edges to match up by rotating a curve and alighning.
I liked the "Tote" version, and it took me ages to get the shape. It all fell into place when I found the non-round fillet technique.
Nice work on the project, well documented.