My next bag will be the Pony Express by Ujamaa Bagettes. This bag is a tribute to the classic Dior Saddle Bag. Vintage versions of the bag have velcro as the closure but the latest versions have a flat magnetic clasp as the closure.
I decided that mine needed a magnetic closure. I have lots of magnetic purse snaps (left over from last summer's hand sanitizer pouch blitz.) but those show and a single snap didn't look like enough . So I started looking for something like the Dior bag has. It is encased in fabric (or leather) so the magnet is invisible.
After cruising the internet, I found these.
They are intended to be used instead of a pin closure on a name badge. They came in a package of ten, so I have room for experimentation.
They go on either side of the fabric. Without fabric between the magnet and the keeper, they are really hard to get apart. So I started by trying them with denim between the layers.
With 4 layers of denim between them, they hold firm, but the fabric needs to be stiffer.
Bring on the stabilizers.
In my stash I have Fast2Fuse, Stiff Stuff by Lazy Girl, and Fashion Fuse (woven fusible interfacing). The Fast2Fuse and Stiff Stuff proved to be too thick to get a good bond from the magnets. However, the Fashion Fuse was just right.
Next step was to figure out how to make the fabric holders. I cute two strips the size called for in the pattern for the Velcro. I added the interfacing and ironed them to shape.
If you clip the folded edges while they cool the folds stay in place .
Time to find the rest of the required hardware,
I think this will work. I still need a magnet snap for the exterior pocket, but I have lots of them near the machine.
Now to sew. I tried sewing as close to the edge as possible. I ended up with a mess.
As you can see it is hard to keep the stitching straight. Also, the flat keeper fit into the channel but the magnet half was too thick. So, I will add a half inch to the width of the fabric and try again.
Meanwhile, I am sure the foster cat fans would like a current picture of Maggie, Foster # 187.
Here she is, enjoying a nap on a quilt. Cats are so good at that.
