When schools shut down in mid-March for my kids’ school, I knew something big was happening. In addition to US news, I follow a lot of news out of Asia and the outlook was pretty bleak for us in the states. So when the government, along with a multitude of healthcare organizations said we short on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE,) I was shocked. But then came the pleading of all sewists to start making fabric masks…and I was just like you…How can a FABRIC mask do anything against an airborne VIRUS???
But I fell in line like a good soldier and just started making masks with the guidance given by the CDC and a host of other online resources. Initially, I tried out this Fu Mask version that was more contoured to the face, but it left a lot of room around my cheeks and even my husband’s (which is more full with a beard.) The fit was not the greatest and I ended up folding a dart in to take out the excess room. However, I knew if I was going to make and donate masks, I needed to make a version that was going to fit the largest range of faces AND be conducive to production sewing…aka…sewing a TON of them at a time.
The standard pleated surgical style was it. The rectangle shape makes it a quick sew and the pleats allow a roomy fit for all different face shapes. But instead of over-the-ear elastic, I chose to use fabric ties help accommodate for different head sizes and for medical sterilization purposes. Early on, we just didn’t know how elastic would hold under continuous high temperature washings at medical facilities. Also, elastic was hard to come by with everyone making masks for the lack of national PPE supplies. My first 200 donations went to private practice doctors, police officers and workers at a mental health facility. So I wanted to make sure these could all be cleaned in industrial washing machines without compromising the integrity of the elastic. With all of this, I also had to choose a style that I could personally make the quickest way. So this is the technique I used.
Click into my video below to watch the entire mask-making progress. You will need:
- (2) 9″ x 7″ rectangles of fabric – one for lining and one for exterior. I used fleece for the lining when it was still cooler outside, but then switched to quilt cotton for both layers once weather began to warm up.
- (4) 18″ Ties – These can be make from bias strips as shown in the video but can be swapped out with twill tape, ribbon, shoelaces, and even piping rope.
Although, the first few months of the pandemic were quite frantic with home-schooling and then making masks, I’m still so thankful to have the gift of sewing in my life. I felt my heart swell with every mask made and delivered to those working on the front lines. <3
Take care of your loved ones and WEAR THAT MASK!!!!
Cristy
This bag is named after another one of my sweet nieces, Megan. Every time I would see her, she always carried around a large purse and I knew a generously sized bucket bag would HAVE to be her’s! She was always an avid reader and so this bag can carry around a small library if needed. Megan loves theater and has SUCH a beautiful voice. It only made sense to have plenty of mix and match bag options for whatever “role” would come next. Like my dear Megan, this bag is practical yet has just enough edge to stand out from the crowd.
I’ve made nine different versions of the Megan Bucket Bag, starting with the OG, made with buttery taupe cowhide, which you can read about 
This was another prototype version you can check out here. This was my first fabric version I made while, of course, holding onto the leather details. I still love that extra thin piece of leather on top of the strap….I’ll have to remember that for my next Megan bag!
After teaching many bag classes and workshops, I know that many students want to make professional looking bags, but don’t necessarily have all the right equipment – including a heavy duty sewing machine. So my goal with the construction, was to use some alternative techniques to take the bulk out of bag-making. This helps to think outside the box so you can make bags with a wider array of equipment…not just industrial grade machines.
“The Megan Bucket Bag is a fresh take on the classic slouchy bag silhouette, but with a more pronounced cube shape. The lines are clean with side seams hidden by overlays and rivets. There are two different views whether you want to make the Megan out of one fabric, or if you would like to use a raw-edge accent fabric to add a little more depth to the look. With this pattern, you will learn different strap making techniques to take the bulk out of your fabric and gain ways to present a welt zipper pocket with plates or a cover. You will also learn an off-set bag technique for the overlays that won’t compromise your side seam stitching. There are plenty of options with snaps and the use of accent fabric for you to mix and match for your perfect bag.”
This is a pattern for you to learn:
View A was designed for a single fabric and perfect for a newer bag-maker who wants to just use canvas. This is a great way to start and learn new purse techniques without having to deal with other substrates. However, this same version can be used with a single faux leather and still have a striking look. This view has a handy outside pocket with a cover to keep the look smooth and sleek but still has other details like the strap loops to add more interest.
View B uses an accent fabric such as leather, suede, cork or vinyl that can be left raw edged without fraying. These substrates are great looks to add more depth and texture to a bag. The accent fabric is incorporated on to the side overlays, strap, and is used as decorative plating against the zipper pocket and slip pocket. However, you can also swap out the accent fabric with some webbing to speed up your project.
This pattern was written with mid-weight accent fabrics in mind with 2-3mm thickness to have enough structure in the strap. However, I know there are a number of other fabrics you may want to use that are lighter and thinner – especially many types of cork. Consider adding a second layer of accent fabric to the back of the strap as shown below. Play around and see what you like!
The main aesthetic element to the Megan Bucket Bag is the side overlay with a row of bright beautiful rivets. Although I’ve used rivets for a long time with my bags, they were only in the patterns as alternation options for securing straps and such. This time, the rivets are the featured stars and are not just for looks, but also for structural purposes. They help secure the strap in place around the gorgeous O-rings. This give such a strong, yet delicate look.
To help hold the shape of the bag and keep contents safe, four sets of snaps are added to the lining. They help keep the cube shape of the Megan while still staying slouchy like a good bucket bag does. The purse can then be easily expanded by just releasing the snaps.
Although the pattern includes the use of rivets and snaps, there are no actual instructions to install them. Since there are SO many different types of hardware out there with multiplied by different tastes of the sewist, there was no way to include instructions for everything. Rivets can be single sided and double-sided. They can be shaped like pyramids, domes, or flat like burrs. Snaps also have a number of different sizes and features as well. I prefer “spring” double cap snaps, but you can use magnetic or even sew-in snaps too! This pattern allows you to use YOUR preference of material. But just like with interfacing, you must remember to follow manufacturer’s instructions. I’ll be showing my preferred methods of rivet and snap installations all next week, so keep an eye out!!!
There are truly SO many different ways to make the Megan Bucket Bag. If you are ready to make your own, click below for the pattern AND the hardware kits….it doesn’t get any easier, right?
