I made my
first Arabesque Bag and loved how it turned out using scrappy strips set vertically. Then I thought this would be a cute bag if I reduced the size of the bag for women who don't like a large bag. I also used scraps set vertically. Both the original size and this smaller sized one sold at a small craft show I did in November. So I knew this was a good bag to make again in both sizes.
This time I dug through my batik scraps and made the smaller version, which is at I think 75%? I forgot to write it down, but have since made another one at 80%. I quilted in variegated thread in a wavy horizontal pattern. The nice thing about this bag is there really isn't a lot of hardware involved. You could add rivets and such if you wanted to, but it only needs a closing zipper. Inside I did add one slip pocket and one zippered pocket, even though the pattern calls for 2 slip pockets only. I like to turn my bag through the zippered pocket, so that is why I added a zippered pocket inside. No pockets outside, although it wouldn't be hard to add a zippered or slip pocket if it was needed.
This is a basic looking bag and easy to sew and a great scrap buster. I think the patchwork strips add character to the bag. I may try making another Arabesque in one fabric and add some exterior pockets and see how that changes the look of the bag. I might also try changing this into a cross body bag with an adjustable strap, instead of 2 straps.
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| I used all batik scraps for this smaller Arabesque. |
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| Back of bag. |
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| Other side of bag. |
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| Interior is a good size. |
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| Slip pocket and zippered pocket across from it. |
Linking this to Elm Street Quilts Bag It 2017.
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