'Lucy Bag' - 'Ta Dah'

Lining Stitched in place, very 'Flower Power'.  I found this quite a challenge, but I received some good advice and help via blog comments and on Ravelry. 

Straps sewn on.  I think these would make great guitar straps.

Blue Shell edging and six bloomin flowers sewn into place.  I couldn't just settle for four flowers, it seemed to be crying out for six.  Flowers are really fun to crochet aren't they?  Possibly a bit addictive, especially if you are trying to avoid sewing in lining or housework.

This bag is perfect for my hols as it could hold the kitchen sink!  I did use a plastic 'canvas' insert that was sourced and sent to me by Gingerbread Girl to alieviate my saggy bottom. Thank you Carole you were very patient with me and a great facilitator helping me with written explanations, photographs and then diagrams for my stitchery challenged brain.  Carole is a busy Mom to four children, she writes an inspirational blog and still found time to help me.  Blogland never ceases to amaze me along with the kindness of other crafters who are willing to pitch in, help, motivate and encourage each other.

I finished sewing the lining into place just after midnight.  There was an old Ewan Mcgregor movie on TV 'The Island'.  I wasn't impressed.  Thankfully I finished sewing and didn't suffer the entire film.

This morning I boinged out of bed to photograph my bag in all it's lovliness to share with the world!  Not a 'saggy bottom' in sight!  Is there?

The Battle of the Crochet 'Lucy' Bag WIP

I last showed this in May.  It is my 'Lucy' bag from 'Attic 24'.  Yes it is still a 'Work In Progress'.  There are hundreds of these bags on the net that people have made, completed and lined beautifully.  I have been battling with mine for what seems like an age.

This is how I left it at something past midnight last night.  I didn't pack it away as the lining is all pinned out.  It still needs unpinning and pinning out again.  I am going to try a running stitch tack to get the rectangular side to fit the circular base.  Does that sound like a plan?  Oh I wish I had paid more attention in sewing classes at school, but to be honest I was frightened of the machines, once I had broken a needle or two.  I still don't know how I managed to do that.  I made an unfinished skirt, where I had cut the pattern out wrong, so all the will in the world wouldn't make it fit together.  In woodwork I used to break the saw blades often too!  I only made a letter rack.   I will be hand sewing this.  The completion feels so near yet so far!

I have used the waste paper bin and an upturned washing up bowl as a spare pair of hands.  I obviously don't think with a sewing brain, because there must be an easier way to line this bag.  I have read tutorials and looked at lots of other examples, yet I am still having a mental block.  I hope when it finally gets it's 'Ta Dah' moment you will join me and raise a glass in celebration.  I think it is going to look like an eight year old has lined it and there are probably eight year olds that could do a better job of it.

These pretties are waiting for their new home!  Everyday for the last three days I have thought 'today is the day I will finish the bag!'   'Maybe today will be the day I finish the bag!'