Sweet Talk

I made another bag from Sara Lawson’s newest book, Windy City Bags! This time I chose Sweet Talk, which is perfectly retro and was calling to the Melody Miller typewriters in my stash. I also tried out glitter vinyl for the first time. I had planned on sharing what I learned with working with the glitter vinyl but it actually was so easy to work with I didn’t have to do anything differently at all. I even kept my same presser foot. I did make sure to increase my stitch length a bit because I’ve heard that if your stitches are too close with non-woven material, then you can perforate it.

Sweet Talk has a front pocket with a flap and that front pocket is perfect for a fussy cut. You can choose to match the front of the bag, like I did, or make it a feature and have it different. Each side has a set of magnetic snaps, which you can leave closed, or open them up to make the bag a bit roomier.

The top panels are firm and close with another magnetic snap. There’s also an interior zippered pocket. I used the interfacing and stabilizers called for, but I like my bags a bit more structured, so I think I’d add some Craft Fuse or Decor Bond to the lining next time, and use foam for the side panels instead of Thermolam. I think a firm base for the bottom would be good too, but I can always add a removable one to this bag.

The size is absolutely perfect for an everyday purse. I like to carry the essentials but I tend to bring too much if my bag is really big and then it’s too heavy to be practical. 

This was a fairly quick sew, especially once you finish the top panel assembly, then the rest is a breeze. I added rivets to my straps, mostly to bring out the silver glitter in the black vinyl, but also because I asked some sewing friends and the answer was a resounding “yes!” 

As I mentioned above, working with glitter vinyl was so much easier than I expected. I actually put my walking foot on, but then tried sewing with my regular foot and it was just as easy! This vinyl from Sew Sweetness is thin enough that you don’t need an industrial machine, even when sewing multiple layers like the straps. I sew on a domestic machine, and it handled this bulk without hesitation. I do suggest trying on a scrap before sewing the real project, but I do that with any fabric combo I’m about to sew. 

I’m not sure what would happen if you ironed the front of the glitter vinyl, but I suspect it wouldn’t end well. I did fuse some interfacing on the back of mine with my iron on a lower setting, and didn’t have any problems. 

For straps, I simply folded the vinyl and then used my point turner to make a crease instead of with the iron. 

Now the hard part is deciding which colour vinyl to choose next! There’s flat rate shipping to Canada and US too!