DIY BUCKET BAG

14th May 2013

Ever since Alexander Wang brought out his studded Diego bag (so long ago now!) I’ve had a whole lotta love for the bucket – something about it is just so easy to wear – to me it’s the perfect chilled out summer bag. This season I’ve been seeing bucket bags everywhere – from classic minimal ones to neon brights to crazy patterned ones, and I love them all! I had some metallic PU fabric that I didn’t know what to do with and decided to try my hand at making myself a bucket bag – not the most simple project around but definitely one of the most rewarding. Read on to see how I made it, and how you can make one too!

You need:

• 2 meters (2.2 yards) of PU leather, heavy woven fabric or light leather
• 2 meters (2.2 yards) of stiff fabric for the lining
• Scissors
• a measuring tape
• a ruler
• matching thread
• a sewing machine
• pins

How to:

1. Determine the size you want for the base of your bag. I hunted around in the kitchen and used a strainer because I thought it was the right size (don’t laugh – it was the only thing I had in that perfect size – in between a plate and a saucer!). Use a pen to trace it onto the leather/fabric.

2. Cut out the base.

3. Then cut out the side panel. To do this you need to work out the correct length so measure the diameter of the circle you cut (from side to side going through the middle) and then times that by π = 3.14. Remember maths at school? Circumference = diameter x π. If you need a little assistance – use the calculator here. Make the height of the side panel equal to how tall you want your bag to be – with a few extra inches to allow you to turn over and sew down the edge.

Click on the template to enlarge.

4. Fold the side panel in half and then sew along the short edge with your sewing machine, leaving the top two inches open (so you can turn down and hem).

5. Pin the side panel (which will be a cylinder now) to the base.

6. Sew the edges. This can be tricky so take it slowly.

7. Recreate the exact same process for your cotton lining.

8. Pin and sew the lining properly, and then, with the seam facing out, slide it into your bag.

9. To secure the lining in place, fold the top edge of the outside fabric over the lining onto the inside and sew down. You may have to trim the lining shorter to fit it properly. If you are using fabric for the outside you should double over the edge so you don’t get any fraying.

10. To make the holes for the drawstring/strap you have a few options. If you are using fabric I would use a grommet maker so that you don’t have any fraying happen from the strain of the drawstring, however if you are using leather or PU leather, you can cut slits instead – which is what I did. Measure where you want the holes to go – you want to do an even number of holes so the strap comes out at the back on each side of the seam.

11. Cut the holes, making sure they are the same height and avoid cutting the lining.

12. Sew your strap by folding over and sewing down, make it around 1 m (1.2 yards) long. If you are using fabric for this I would sew the strap inside out and then turn right way out so you don’t have too much fraying,

13. Thread the strap through.

13. Centre the strap so either end comes out beside the back seam and then link the strap up and sew together (by hand or machine) so the drawstring also acts as a long shoulder strap.

There you have it – I can’t wait to use this all summer!

Wearing: DIY Bucket Bag, Macgraw Shorts and DIY leather collar denim shirt

This was the first time I’ve tried to make a bucket bag and I think it turned out a-ok (practice makes perfect after all!) – I can’t wait to make the same style in some thick white fabric (I’m thinking neoprene!) for summer.

Photos of the finished product by Lauren Engel

TREND TO TRY: MESH

13th May 2013

By now you’ll know that mesh is one of my favourite fabrics for the coming summer, I wore my on-high-rotation DIY mesh pencil skirt on Day 1 of Sydney Fashion Week and loved how easy it was to wear – comfortable and yet statement making. I’m also busy planning my next mesh project – this time using crisp white for that perfect tropical/sport luxe feel. However, after speaking to a few friends I realised that many of you might not be quite sure about mesh yet – so I thought it would be fun to share some ideas about how to wear mesh over at Harper’s Bazaar Australia. Read the full post over at Harper’s Bazaar here.

Photos by my love Margaret Zhang

DIY INSPO: SUMMER CROP TOPS

8th May 2013

If you’re only just starting out with DIY and wondering where to begin, my answer is: scissors. They’re the easiest thing to get hold of (literally) and nothing’s more straightforward than cutting into a secondhand piece of clothing – just make sure to cut straight! And with high summer just around the corner, what better time to give the humble tee a makeover? Namely a crop chopping – I’ll be wearing mine with high waisted denim shorts (thus taking the public’s eyes off my abs – or lack thereof) and gladiator flats, what will you be wearing yours with?

Images: Vanessa Jackman, Oracle Fox, Mr Newton, Le Fashion