What are you talking about? A serious project by a serious handmade enthusiast

It's Miyu.

Those who have been reading my posts recently might not know this, but I actually love handmade crafts. When I was obsessed with sewing, I even sold my items on handmade marketplace sites (like minne).
Back then, I was approached by a publisher and had a few of my pieces featured in a craft book.

The bag on this cover is one I made. This is my little secret pride.
However, I did have some mixed feelings about being featured in that craft book. Well, since that was the only time I was ever approached, it's fine.

Anyway, as a serious handmade enthusiast, I suddenly felt the urge to do some crafting for the first time in a while. I was hit with a sudden impulse: 'I want to use my sewing machine!!' lol

I have all the materials at home, so I'm going to rummage around and gather them up😊

Here we go⭐️
I've gathered the materials. I'm smiling wryly at how easily I was able to find everything.

I'm going to use my special Liberty fabric! (Though I still have plenty of it left, haha)
This isn't lawn fabric, but canvas. It looks like I won't need to use fusible interfacing.
I'll use linen for the lining. It's leftover fabric from a dress I sewed, so it's actually quite nice quality.
I also prepared some Tyrolean ribbon, handles, and felt.

Now, let's cut the fabric!
I thought about making a pattern, but this time I just drew the lines directly and cut it out.

I cut the outer fabric, lining, and inner pocket, and also cut the Tyrolean ribbon to the right length.

Now, I'm going to start sewing with the machine!💪

I own three sewing machines, but this time I'm using the 'serious' one.
I'm using my industrial sewing machine for the first time in a while. It only does straight stitches, but it's powerful and produces beautiful seams.
It's a Japanese-made iron sewing machine, which is quite rare now. I bought it used about 10 years ago. It's about 30 years old, but it still sews perfectly. I bought it after it had been serviced by a sewing machine shop, and it's a wonderful machine that requires almost no maintenance to sew beautifully.

This time, after a test run, I only had to adjust the thread tension slightly to get it working.
I'll be sewing, and I'll be ironing after each step of the process.
Usually, when I sew things for myself, I'm a bit casual about it, but this time I'm sewing as carefully as if it were for sale.

Ta-da!✨✨
The main body is sewn. I tried sewing it with the Tyrolean ribbon sandwiched into the side seams.

Next, I'll hand-sew the handles onto it.

The bag is finished!!
It's been a while since I sewed a bag, but I managed to do it quite well. Seriously, I made it as carefully as a product for sale, haha.
30cm wide, 25cm tall, 6cm gusset.
That's the size. It's not too big and not too small—just the right size for everyday use.

This is the bottom of the bag and the inside.
The seams of the gusset and the bottom are perfectly aligned!
The inside is also sewn neatly. I added the Tyrolean ribbon to the pocket as an accent. I attached a magnetic snap, so the bag opening won't flap open.

I also took out some felt as part of the materials.
What on earth is this going to become!?

Four colors of felt, thread, and safety pins.
Let's start by cutting the felt!

I've cut it!
I wonder what this will become? 😊

I'll sew it by hand, stitch by stitch.

I added embroidery and appliqué!
It was a bit of a tedious task, but I did my best.
It's a marriage of mushrooms and 'What are you talking about'. This indescribable retro feel brings out the Showa vibe and it's so cool.
It's so cool, long live Showa retro! (￣∀￣)
Wait, what are you talking about? 💦
This is supposed to be a handmade article, lol.

So, I sewed a safety pin to the back to make it a badge.
I would have preferred a brooch pin, but unfortunately, I only had a safety pin.

I attached it to my bag.
I did think about the colors that would match the bag when I made the 'What are you talking about' badge.

This time, I attached it to the inside.
The reason is...
We don't always walk in back alleys, do we? I was worried that it might be a bit problematic to have this badge on when walking on the main street. So, I initially thought about making it a patch to sew on, but I decided to make it a badge instead.
But I don't think just taking it off is enough.
Even when walking on the main street, you have to keep the spirit of the back alley in your heart. I can't live without the back alley anymore. Even if I think I shouldn't, my heart craves it.
At times like that, I see the message 'What are you talking about' attached to the inside, and I find peace of mind. Because of this, I'm okay. I can walk down the main street with a straight face.

Shall we try arranging things using this 'What are you talking about' badge? 💛

It also goes perfectly with a simple Uniqlo shoulder bag ⭐️

If you attach it to a beret, there's no doubt you'll avoid the danger of looking like Jaiko!! lol

If you attach it to a simple and boring Uniqlo hoodie, it instantly transforms into a cozy piece of clothing 😆

This time, a serious handmade enthusiast seriously made a 'What are you talking about'.
'What are you talking about' has quickly turned into a fashion item!
Huh? Don't you dare call it tacky!!
No matter what anyone says, this is a stylish item, haha.
I really, truly wish they would feature it in the Oshare Majo Love and Berry fashion magic cards.

Thank you for reading until the end today too♪

#WhatAreYouTalkingAbout