Putting a fabric lining in a bag

[DorothyDot]

For my linings, I tend to go a little crazy. Nobody else is very likely to see it [usually] so I use this as one of the ways I make my own work totally, obviously Unique.

Wonky colors, weird prints, ancient-but-still-intact t-shirts - hey, knock yourself out!

Hope this helps,
Dot

[Marria]

Is there any specific kind of fabric you all recommend (e.g. cotton, etc.)?

[globaltraveler]

What kind of bag is it? You should suit the lining to the function of the bag.

If you're going to need to hunt around in it for things, choose a silver, gray, white, sky blue or other pale colored lining, because it's easier to see things on pale backgrounds. On the other hand, it shows dirt a lot faster; even if you tend to lose things on dark backgrounds, at least the dirt doesn't show as fast.

Otherwise, anything that's hardwearing and tightly woven, won't be harmed by keys, knitting needs, crochet hooks, cell phones, camera, etc. in the bag, and is -- oh yes -- decorative will work.

If it's a "whatever" bag, use whatever takes your fancy. If it's a bag that you really want to show off and showcase, then choose a bit more carefully.

There's a new magazine in the UK called The Knitter, kind of like a Threads for knitting. There's a beautiful cabled purse and tote project in tomato red alpaca that I'd love to make -- the designer used a Liberty print to line them...oooh, doesn't that sound lovely? And I'm so close to Liberty's...

[Marria]

This is the pattern:

http://www.theanticraft.com/archive/...6/silvanus.htm

I guess it would have helped if I'd posted it earlier, huh?

I want to use it, but not for knitting stuff, more like a purse.

[globaltraveler]

Oooh, it's so gorgeous! Something like that deserves a really beautiful lining. Maybe something like these?

[Marria]

Thanks! Those are very pretty. I love the one that's all the way to the right in the first row. Great! Now you have me thinking about learning to sew. Just what I need, another hobby!

[globaltraveler]

Upholstery fabrics are great if you need a heavy lining. Sturdy as heck, and usually fairly easy to keep clean.

Sewing is great -- my mother said that I started sewing at age 4, though i remember 6. Both my mom and my grandmother worked in the sweatshops in Chinatown in San Francisco, so I come from a family of professional seamstresses. I have to say that I find sewing much more entertaining when I'm not doing it for a living!