I'm very excited other people want to see how to make the Pixie Moss. When I showed it to my neighbor she said: "Michelle, you are a kook. I mean that in a nice way." We are friends, so I know she appreciates my funny craft adventures. I have many other slightly off-the-wall ideas that I will probably share over time. I'm just warming you guys up for now. So I'll start on the tutorial in the next few days.
Today I want to share some places to find the hardware for the messenger bag strap and one idea that might be really interesting, but I haven't tried it out yet...
First, let me just say you can make the strap less than 1.5", but I find the 1.5" width most comfortable. 1.25" would probably work ok too, but 1" seems to start digging into your shoulder if you put a few heavier things in the bag. For this bag, don't go wider than 1.5" or it won't fit the sides.
Many fabric stores will carry the two pieces you need (slide and rectangle ring). The slide might be called a strap adjuster, buckle, tri-bar. The rectangle ring could go by rectangle loop.
Here are a few etsy shops that have the hardware you need:
Sewing Supplies by Lora Lee - plastic slides and rectangle rings
Oriental Flea - nickel slides and rectangle rings
DAN's Bag and Purse Making Supply - nickel slides and rectangle rings
CottonTouch - antique brass and nickel slides and rectangle rings
Ok, about that idea--what about using a vintage belt buckle for the slide? If you can get the metal thing off in the middle, a belt buckle would probably make a really cute slide for your bag strap. I think these buckles would be fabulous on a strap!
Vintage Belt Buckles ~ Available at OldWaysPastPieces
Yes, it takes quite a bit of fabric to make the strap long enough to be adjustable. That's why I went with webbing since it is far easier and less expensive than using fabric. But fabric is definitely prettier!
Posted by: Keyka | November 01, 2009 at 09:34 AM
Thanks, I will check strapworks. I was going to make a fabric strap but I don't have enough of the fabric I was planning to use. Oh well, I may just need more fabric :)
Posted by: Erin | November 01, 2009 at 06:45 AM
Try here: http://www.strapworks.com/Polyester_Webbing_p/sbw112.htm
The seat belt kind is awesome--easy to sew and very durable. You can also make a fabric strap. I'll do a blog post for making a strap on Monday.
Posted by: keyka | October 31, 2009 at 06:32 PM
I can't find the webbing. I've been to 2 Jo-Ann stores and 2 Hobby Lobbies... I checked Etsy and no 1.5" I checked google but I don't need 25 yards of it. I will keep looking!
Posted by: Erin | October 31, 2009 at 06:19 PM