I wish I could sew

[Zen]

This is really nice

http://www.etsy.com/listing/45332362/bicycle-basket-liner-and-reversible-bag?ref=sr_list_24&ga_search_query=bicycle+bag&ga_search_type=category&category=bags_and_purses&ga_page=5&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

[Bike Chick]

That's really cute and so clever! Why didn't I think of that?????

[sfa]

I drool over the Betty Basket liners (http://www.bettybasketliners.com/shop.html)and wish I could sew well, too. I can't justify $50 for a basket liner, and I look at these things and think "that could be so simple to make!" but I just don't have the skills. FWIW, I can manage a drawstring/elastic skirt (suitable for Halloween costumes) and I *did* make my son's Max (from Where the Wild Things Are) costume from a pattern, but it nearly did me in. I'm thinking now that if I had a basket liner pattern, I could probably make one of these, but I wouldn't be able to figure it out without a pattern.

Sarah

[Ana]

That actually doesn't look too difficult! Take some beginner sewing classes and I bet you could make that within a few months if you find a good instructor :) We have Rec & Ed classes here that are offered at after-work hours and are fairly inexpensive.

Some of the stuff on Etsy is made my expert seamstresses and I could never imagine how to make it! I can't browse Etsy anymore because I want to buy too many $200 items :( ;)

[PamNY]

That actually doesn't look too difficult! Take some beginner sewing classes and I bet you could make that within a few months if you find a good instructor :)

I agree; things like that liner are SO much easier to sew than clothes -- straight lines, no zippers or darts, no fitting over hips and bosoms and such. You can easily make your own pattern with paper, and do a "practice" piece on some inexpensive fabric.

[uforgot]

Hey, those are great! I'm gonna do a couple for my Nishiki. I was thinking of selling it, but maybe not.

[sundial]

I've seen cute basket liner but not one that converts to a tote. That is darling! And Zen, you need to sew for your TE'ers here. :D

[Zen]

Because I can't sew I don't own a sewing machine. :o

[kenyonchris]

My grandmother gave me a sewing machine as a wedding present. It was utilized as a clever doorstop, a makeshift step stool, a booster seat, a side table (with a towel over it, now that is classy...but we were in college), a device to prop up a shelf, and, finally, a dust catcher.
I can't sew on a button. But if I could, I would sew a cute basket liner. Which would mean I would need a cute basket, which would mean I would need the cool Electra cruiser bike I rode in California. Hmmm.

[spokewench]

Because I can't sew I don't own a sewing machine. :o

DITTO! That was my thought exactly! You always make me laugh Zen!

Lovely basket liner - i'd like that too

[shootingstar]

My grandmother gave me a sewing machine as a wedding present. It was utilized as a clever doorstop, a makeshift step stool, a booster seat, a side table (with a towel over it, now that is classy...but we were in college), a device to prop up a shelf, and, finally, a dust catcher.
I can't sew on a button.

Maybe if you are unwilling to sell it, at least loan it to someone who would use it down the street or be a Big Sister to a young lady in need of this valuable tool. Or speak with someone at a women's shelter who knows of a client in need..

It is tough economic times out there, I'm certain there is someone who would use it. I'm hanging onto mine, because I know how to sew and do alter my clothing at this time, if nothing else.

[malkin]

You could SO sew that.

There are people near you who will show you how and let you use their sewing machine. There are people far away who will do this too, but I'm guessing that we are not as useful.

[malkin]

Here's the pattern"

1. Measure each side of your basket.

2. Math: add 1/2" to each side of your basket.

3. Cut pieces to the size of your basket +1/2" on each side. Use scissors.

Note: 1/2" is the 'seam allowance. When you put pieces together and sew them, they will overlap by this measurement and the size of your finished project will decrease by that amount.

4. Cut straps to desired width and length.

5. Sew straps into top of bag.

This is completely not rocket science. If I can do it with a Right Brain Hemisphere made entirely of papier mache and budgie feathers, so can you.

[malkin]

BUT
watch The English Patient before you admit to anyone that you can sew.

[Zen]

I cheated in home ec sewing. I borrowed a friends project and turned it in as my own. I made my pincushion with the strap on the wrong side. I was a needle breaking champ.
Need I say more?

[malkin]

I've got a seam ripper, and I know how to use it.

[divingbiker]

Zen, come down someday and we'll buy the fabric and I'll sew it for you. Then you can take me out to lunch. :)

[Zen]

well if I have to buy you lunch I'm bringing a skirt to hem too :D

[uforgot]

Zen's thread had me looking at other projects (http://www.etsy.com/listing/44192122/handlebar-bike-bag-and-shoulder-bag?ref=sr_gallery_8&ga_search_query=bicycle+bags&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=9&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title) on etsy. I love this. Looks like a carradice zipped roll.

[Zen]

Spendy :(

[owlice]

Wow. Now I want a sewing machine, and cute bike bags, too!

[uforgot]

Spendy :(

No kidding. Especially when you interpret "vintage upholstery fabric" as "off of some old couch". I really thought she did a nice job with the straps though. I think I'm going to try it this summer.

[Zen]

Especially when you interpret "vintage upholstery fabric" as "off of some old couch".

:D :D :D

there's another one who cleverly uses old clothes. Not for bike stuff, though
http://www.etsy.com/listing/45683034/recycled-shirt-ipad-case-sleeve-eco?ref=v1_other_2

[uforgot]

Hmmm...that's just a little too "trying to be clever - looks home-made" for me. I somehow don't think there is going to be a big market for these with those that jumped on the ipad train.

[sundial]

I cheated in home ec sewing.

I never heard of anyone cheating in home ec before. :p

[Zen]

Clever enough to cheat but not clever enough to sew :o

[PamNY]

Hmmm...that's just a little too "trying to be clever - looks home-made" for me. I somehow don't think there is going to be a big market for these with those that jumped on the ipad train.

I agree. The cargo pants (http://www.etsy.com/listing/46335029/eco-friendly-ipad-case-sleeve-recycled) are downright disturbing.

[owlice]

Oh, cute! (That would look SO good on my bike!)

http://www.etsy.com/listing/49144237/upcycled-insulated-bike-bagcooler-for?ref=sr_gallery_32&ga_search_query=bike+bag&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=5

Oooooh, maybe this one instead! http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.147662303.jpg