Foam Lining Trial

Foam For Lining?

(warning this post has attitude)

Yes, that is the short answer, but its not going to be easy to get to the finish line if you don't have a machine that can handle sewing foam or you just don't know what you are doing. Lucky for me I got one out of two this round. 

Lets start at the beginning. I love making my own unique sewing projects because I can design and use my own flair in each project. This time I wanted to use this amazing fabric by Daisy Kingdom, called "Embroidered Glen Border". I've had this fabric for awhile now and really wanted to show case it in the best way I could. If you google search Daisy Kingdom Glen Border -  beware cute puppies pop up everywhere. Here is what I'm talking about.

As you can see, this fabric is killer with its large and small check print and floral border. Who could resist. Letting this sit around any longer would have been painful for me. 

After designing my purse on paper, I set out to start making it, using this Pellon Foam as the structure that would help the purse stand up. And my first attempt at using this product.

 

I decided to just go for it, no pattern, no Youtube help, no brains, well ok, I kinda know a little about sewing, but I haven't made a zipper purse in a very long time. I've only made large tote bags for the past couple of years. 

That was my first mistake, not refreshing myself to the nuisances of bag making. 

My second mistake was underestimating the thickness and durability of this foam. 

And thirdly, just making it a little too large. "Think big" doesn't apply in this situation. 

Break down: go to this video and learn how to make a bag with this lady, she is wonderful with her video tutorial on bags. Foam Zippered Bag

Read the foam instructions and/or use my tip at the bottom of this post. 

Cut away some of  the foam edge. I left myself a fabric seam edge to sew on with no foam. 

Skip putting in the zipper if you are a relative beginner at sewing, I would also suggest  using a jean needle size 80 as well.

Set your stitch length to 3.5 or 4 on your machine.

And voila, the finished piece. LOL - I didn't take one single photo of the process and for good reason, it was a disaster from start to finish. Now the end result is ok, I can use this, but not as an actual purse, but more of a tote to take to and from work. Its large enough to hold a water bottle, numb chucks and whatever I need to ward off zombie attacks. It won't show blood easily either (bonus).

Look at all those sparkles, those are heat set rhinestones, my latest addiction in the crafting world. Perfect for burning out my attackers eyes. Cause you know I used those good Swaroski Crystals on a practice bag right? 

So to sum things up,  here are my final points to remember when building any kind of a bag.  

Take your time, think things through. 

Pockets get added first, not later, straps need to be measured from edge to edge and centered, not eye-balled.

Foam lining is a pain in the ass. 

If you've stayed with me for this whole post so far,  thank you. And because you are a valued reader, here are my best tips for making any type of bag.

Tip #1 - use webbing inside of the straps, its got a nice weight to it, its waterproof and relatively inexpensive.

Tip #2 - Spray regular felt for a sturdy lining instead of paying the very expensive price you pay for this foam. (there I just saved you hundreds of dollars - you can send me "thread" as a thank you gift for that tip) LOL

Tip#3 - if you are going to use the foam, quilt it to your fabric first. Read all of the foam instructions. This step really helps. (but do it first, not when you're finished)

I hope you enjoyed this little insight into one of my sewing adventures. I work hard at this craft of mine, but like everything we do in life, if you don't practice old & new skills, things will and can take a turn into the twilight zone!