A Georgian Work Bag

Dear Ladies,

Needlework was an integral part of a ladies time, whether it was plain sewing for mundane things like nightgowns and pillowcases or more ornate work, referred to as "fancy" sewing, for decoration. In the late 17th century when styles changed and pockets were no longer in vogue, a necessity arose for a work bag to carry stitchery and sewing notions. Every lady had a work bag which she carried with her and while chatting with friends and family her fingers would be busy creating lovely embroidered patterns for her handkerchieves and other personal items.

For this swap we will be creating our work bag. To be clear, we will be making a bag for ourselves since this is a personal item. Bags of this era are generally medium to large sized with a drawstring closure. The bag itself should have the capacity to hold those basic sewing notions like thread, needles, scissors and etc. so you will have the latitude to decide for yourself just what size work bag is convenient for your use. A work bag is the plain cousin of the reticule and is usually made of muslin with some decorative work to it. Not much is written about the humble work bag and many, like myself, have mistaken it for the reticule. We'll explore the more ornate reticule in another swap. This swap is open to all methods of making a bag so that we may all participate. If sewing is not your strong point, and I readily put my hand up in this case, please feel free to embellish a purchased bag or to use fabric glue to make your bag. Do try to give it the feel of an 18th century bag, in whichever way you choose to embellish it.

In later swaps we shall endeavour to create some of the necessities to keep in our bags such as a needle case and a case for our scissors but for now we will concentrate on our bags. I’ve given two months for this swap as choosing fabric and trims can take time and of course assembling and decorating the bag will also need time.

We will each have one partner and to our partner we will send an image of our completed bag as well as some small item for our partner’s bag. Items you may consider sending are thread, needles, perhaps a sewing hoop, or some pretty beads. Use your imagination and as always, send something you would be pleased to receive.

Here is a link from Jane for a reticule that you can use for inspiration

and more inspiration here

Please feel free to comment below if you have any questions and let me know if more time is needed so I can extend the swap dates.