Zakka - Sakura (Cherry Blossom) Bag

The daffodil bag's a perfect project for a beginner like me. I made 4 bags in different sizes. Now I can't wait to start on the sakura bag. Thank you, Pavla, for the pattern and instruction.

I've really enjoyed making the daffodil bag, so on my watchlist this will go!

Pavla, could you make fabric recommendations for the bag? When I made the daffodil bag of regular quilt quality cotton it was way too stiff. I made another of slightly softer cotton and it worked better. But it would have been best with slinky fabric or something very drapey. Anyway, I would appreciate a head's up about the best type of fabric for this project. Thanks for doing this!

I have used Joanne Fabric type cottons which are much thinner than quilt store cottons. Cotton Gauzes work well. Crepes and satins if you dont mind the slipperiness.

Small bags like these were traditionally made from old kimono, I often make them with old silk shirts from the thrift store:D

So yes, any softer drapey fabric would work.:D

This is how I teach my class, once you have made on of any project you have the knowledge to make any size/variation you would want. Honestly, knowing the technique is everything:D

I really enjoyed making the daffodil bag. Is there a photo of the cherry blossom one?

I have been looking, I dont even have a finished bag left to take a picture of. Give me a few days and I will keep trying or make one and take a photo.

Basically, it is very small, looks like a five petaled cherry blossom.

I hope I can do this okay, I got a sewing machine for christmas so hopefully it will resemble a bag =)

Eeee I'm a bit nervous as my sewing skills are quite novice, do you think I will be able to manage anyway? ^^

Ready to get going on this bag!! ! I love this group. You are awesome to share this craft. Thank you. Mary

To anyone who is nervous about sewing this bag, I would advise you to just take your time, be careful, and ask Pavla if you have any questions or run into trouble. I would also suggest that you let your partner know that you are a novice seamstress. I apreciate knowing that and personally love receiving something that someone is trying for the first time!

I am not a novice but this thing is making me CRAZY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am not a novice at sewing either and I'm having a lot of trouble with the directions. Pavla, an actual photo of a competed bag would help! Hopefully, it'll make more sense once I actually get started, too.

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Sorry, guys I am working on a photo tutorial, may take a few days, hand sewing:(

I promise, once this bag makes sense, you will be able to make any of the shaped bags. The first one is always the hardest, which is why I start with the daffodil bag. But once you have the 'eye' you will be able to figure out the 'sculpting' with fabric:D Hang in there!

Part one of a tutorial is on its way via email, let me know if it helps:D

I think Ive got it. Thankyou Pavla for the photo tutorial.

Yes, thanks so much for doing a tutorial, it helps tremendously!! I'll complete the back through part 1 and wait patiently for part 2.

Oops, I meant BAG, not "back"!

Hopefully I havent missed the part two instructions :)

Patiently waiting for part two of tutorial......

is everyone stuck? No one has sent yet!

Part 2 has been sent :D

If we need to we could extend the send by date so no one is in a panic. This IS a learning type swap after all :D

So maybe we should extend the date to next "year"! About the time I think Ive got it-something doesnt work right.

Done and sent!!! HeatherT enlarged the pattern to 150% and it really made it easy to sew. I am very happy with my results.

Finished mine today and will send out tomorrow. Pavla, I think the sentence"If you can sew a straight line, you can do this project" is a bit misleading! This is not a beginner project. I wish I'd done like HeatherT and enlarged the pattern pieces because this was a fiddly little thing to sew. Turned out really cute, though!

I finally finished mine today! Ive put inover 6 hours on the darn thing. Thats longer than it takes me to make a quilt top or blouse. Ive made it 3 times- first, last, and only!

Right on Denise - me too!