tortoiseshell cat with accessory bags

Stocking Up on Accessory Bags

tortoiseshell cat with accessory bags

Sienna models the accessory bags.

I spent the dreary weekend stocking up on handmade things, like these accessory bags, plus totes, dishtowels and more. But for now, Sienna is most excited about the accessory bags!

I create my own “fabric” swatches by pressing the pattern on fabric using a fabric transfer, the kind often used for t-shirts and other garments, and the ones I use for various other projects like ornaments, coasters and tiles. I use a heat press to ensure even coverage, and I can print several bags and in a fraction of the time it would take with an iron.

Along with reusing and recycling many other things in manufacture and packaging for my handmade goods, I also reuse or recycle fabrics from household goods, like old tablecloths, draperies, and other fabric items that can’t be donated (if I don’t use them for TNR).

22 Cats small accessory bag.

22 Cats small accessory bag.

I love these transfers! I don’t mind mentioning the manufacturer’s name because they have been so helpful in working out issues with the various fabrics I use, and when I tag them in my posts on social media they share my posts. You know the level of detail in my artwork, and also how I love bright colors. With these transfers the pattern is clear and bright, true to the original. And with a tortie supurrvising my process, how could it go wrong?

I have always thought little bags were neat things and I’ve received some as gifts. Of course, these became an object for study when I immediately pictured my artwork on them, which is where most of my gift items begin. I had given purchased accessory bags a try a while ago but found the fabric transfers didn’t comform well to the seams and hems and such, leaving some areas unprinted and some distorted.

Inscrutable Patterns small accessory bag.

Inscrutable Patterns small accessory bag.

That meant I’d need to transfer the pattern to flat fabric and sew the bags myself. That’s not too hard, and I love to sew. I used my heat press to efficiently print up a lot of different projects—with an electric machine that’s set to 400 degrees I want to keep it on for as little time as possible, rather than turning it on and letting it heat up and then only using it for a few minutes several times. I had everything lined up, organized the finished printed fabrics, and made sure I had all my thread, zippers and other parts I needed. Spending a rainy day at my sewing machine with sleepy kitties all around me is kind of a day of bliss.

Inscrutable Patterns small accessory bag.

Inscrutable Patterns small accessory bag.

Find similar items

You’ll find all my accessory, tote and other bags on Totes, Accessories and Purses.

Other items with the same art or design To find all items on this site with the same art or design, use the search box for the name of the artwork and you'll find all that's available.

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