How do you solve a problem like Sophia?

Since I’d finished all the necessary bits I thought I would slip the lining into the bag to see what my bag would look like. I’m so glad that I did, because I realised I wouldn’t be happy with the end result. This is what the pattern tells you to do with the false bottom – simply lay it inside the bag. I don’t know about you but I have enough rolling about at the bottom of my bag(s) without the bottom roaming around in there loose as well. Other women might be able to keep better charge of their handbags but I am not of their number.

The solution:

I’d decided that it needed purse feet anyway, because the fabric is pretty, and so I decided to add another bag bottom. I’d cut two anyway, from the plastic grid that I use for bag bottoms usually – I can’t find timtex over here, although I hear that it is no more, so we’re all looking for replacements now. Only one piece of my plastic would fit inside the fabric covering for the false bottom, which is no hardship since it’s very sturdy stuff, so I decided to make good use of the piece left over.

Firstly, cut very small slits with your seam ripper for the purse feet. I measured 1.5″ from the short seam and 1″ in from the long seam. Make sure that you cut through all the layers.

Push the feet stems through the slits, and on the inside of the bag push through one of the holes in the plastic. Open out the wings and press flat to secure them. (You can do this by making a corresponding slit in your stabilise, if it doesn’t have holes.)

when you’ve done all four, take the false bottom and cover one side with some good fabric glue.

Press down on top of the other bag bottom. This will ensure that you can’t feel the feet or the plastic through the lining of the bag. Secure the corners with a few stitches if desired.

So I know I said I would follow the pattern to the letter but this is one instance where I felt the pattern let itself down. For other tips you can check out the flickr group for the Sophia Sew along which is being run by Monkey Foot designs and Stacy Sews. One tip I wish I’d known is to make the handles just a little bit longer, more so since I’ve realised that my iBook fits inside it. This means I not only want to make one more as a gift, but another for myself. I’m a glutton for punishment.

Now since the clocks went forward last night I’m feeling that I’ve been cheated out of some of my Sunday – the remedy can only be to find a costume drama on the telly and do some more of my blanket…