Amy B Sophia bag - who tried it? I need advice.

I have ordered my first pattern. I made couple of bags in the past, all my own design but now would like to try Amy's Sophia bag. Please bear in mind that I am very eager novice (got machine only last Christmas).

Fabric question- I would like to use white fur (probably faux fur) for one front of the bag. Do you think it's feasible since I hear it's difficult to sew through the layers. I have only very basic sewing machine, although I do plan on buying a walking foot. Should I use less interfacing on that side?

Handles question- I would like to use some leather handles (I will probably buy them). Again do you think my machine will cope? If not could I secure them with some rivets?

Piping question- I've never done piping but I'm prepared to give it a go. I was thinking of buying some flanged piping. Do you think it would help or be more difficult? Should I invest in piping foot?

Any advice from, even unrelated to my questions is very welcome and appreciated.

Thank you in advance

Hi!  What you can sew through is going to depend on your machine.  I started sewing about 2 years ago and I've gone through 3 machines - not broken them, but just kind of out grew their power.  My new Bernina can sew through practically anything.  Make sure you are using appropriate needles (denim, leather, etc.) and keep your machine oiled.  I've never sewn with fur, but if it's like Minky, I think the appropriate needle would be a universal or ballpoint because it is knitted (as opposed to woven cotton - I use 'sharp' Microtex needles for cotton)  And those are not going to be as sharp.  You could always use a bigger needle though.  Someone with more experience with this type of fabric will have more answers, I just wanted to give you a heads up about it.  I also use something called Sewer's Aid on my needles.

As far as the fur, the biggest problem I see is not being able to iron it.  You need to massively interface the sophia bag to get it to stand up.  What I would do, if you really want to try it, is use a layer of muslin under the fur, interface the muslin and then baste that to the fur.  This is going to add extra layers, but it's important to use the stiff interfacing to get the shape of the bag. 

You can use a zipper foot to do the piping.  If you are using the fur, I don't think a piping foot is going to help you much because it's all going to be too thick to send under the foot anyway.  Piping foots are most helpful when you are making lots of piping, which you won't be.

I hope that helps a little

Erin

Here's a couple reviews of the Sophia bag which might come in handy:
Pigs in Pajamas
Make Me Studio, (which by the way is one of my favorite blogs!)

I'm sure there are many more pattern reviews online, but these are the two that stick out in my mind.

I think you will probably by challenged by this pattern, but I think you should do fine. Good luck!

Thanks for all of your suggestions. I will keep you posted on how I get on. I really hope it's not going to be a disaster. In my head it looks so good, it's just the execusion that I am worried about.

I have now finished my version of Sophia bag and thought I'd leave a few tips from my experience.

There were lots of lessons that I have learned so it's just a summary:
-always know/mark a middle of all of your pieces
-well worth trimming your interfacing to reduce bulkiness of your seams
-if you are new at sewing I'd recommend starting with lining- you sew lining and outside shell in a similar fashion, so it will be a good practice before you do the outside with all of the piping and interfaced fabric
-I used flanged rope instead of making my own piping- not a bad result but next time I'll make my own as with flanged rope you need to sew closer to the rope than with your own piping (and sewing close is REALLY tricky)
-like most I did not use piping on the bottom and do not regret it one bit, I just wish I added bag feet to mine.
-for one side panel I used faux fur- if you want that look few tips (probably obvious to all but me): use really good quality faux fur or real fur and I would recommend short 'hair' variety and also I cut it out to fit just outside seam allowance and attached it onto a cotton (so did not sew my seams through it)
-my cotton lining was rather thin so in future I think I will use a better quality one. Also, perhaps it's just me, but my lining was a bit big and does not sit as neatly as I'd like so next time I'll make it just a bit smaller.
-having done all bulk reducing steps my new but very cheap sewing machine had no problems sewing through all of the layers (oh and I did not need walking foot for that)
-with regards to handles- in the end I made them as per pattern but I'd say my machine could cope with leather of 2mm.
-be prepared to rip some seems

I have followed above advice and all of it really helped me. An appropriate needle is a must as well as clean, oiled machine.

Thanks again for all of your tips and I can thoroughly say all of the work was well worth it.