Oh, My Weekender!

Well I've been admiring each and every Weekender Bag I've seen over the past year, right along with you. And never once did it seriously cross my mind that I would make one. I had one Amy Butler bag to my credit, "The Everything Bag", which I'd made for my daughter when her own daughter was born. And I confess, it made me cry.

But then a couple of weeks ago, I saw the quilted patchwork bag Oh, Fransson! had made, and then the one by One Shabby Chick, and before I knew it, I had purchased the pattern.

I will not say it was a walk in the park, but it's doable.

For the record, here's some notes about my tweaks to the pattern and other thoughts about the project. . .

• I started with a layer cake of Lotta Jansdotter's Bella, following the method Elizabeth told about - patchwork layered on batting (mine was Warm & White) layered on cotton duck, straight-line quilting as I went. Here's basically how the patchwork/quilting works.

• The piping was made with Alexander Henry's Heath, using the fusible tape method, which worked like a charm. This tutorial shows that technique (though I didn't know to use starch at the time - good tip though). It made for less worry about hiding previous stitching lines.

• I used fusible interfacing in the handles, but wish I'd gone with the peltex to make them a little heavier. Plus I wish I had made them a tad wider for the size of the bag. Rather than fold in 1/2" on each long edge in the first construction step, I'd prefer to cut the straps wide enough to press in half, then match each long edge up to that center fold and press. It would eliminate the need for measuring, which was a little fussy. (Edited to add: I did add 9" to length of handles, which makes it a perfect shoulder bag.)
• When it came to attaching the handles, I added a big 'X' between the attachment lines, just cause I thought it would look good, and I like it.

• The fusible tape came in handy again for the zipper construction, making that step very straight-forward. Only problem is that later when you are hand-sewing in the lining, your needle gets a little gunked up, but still totally worth it.
• I had read of the dreaded step #11, and it deserved every warning of caution. Even with Wonder Clips and binder clips it was tricky. Basically, they often slipped off at crucial times, and on one or two of the corners I needed to unpick and start again. Oh, and I also drew the 1/2" stitching line on the bag sides with a iron-away pen before sewing. It just helped me keep my stitching where it needed to be. Though I assume that the patchwork method is less bulky than with the Peltex, everything is still pretty darn thick and awkward. Be prepared to break a needle or 2, even sewing slow and steady. I broke 2, and I was being super careful. 

• I totally did not get how to slipstitch the lining (also Heath, btw) to the interior of the bag, so if anyone reads this and can enlighten me, please do. 
• And I purchased short on the Peltex, so didn't have enough for the bottom insert AND the false bottom. So I went with just the false bottom, which holds the lining snug in the bottom of the bag.
• Feet for the bottom of the bag + inside pockets would have been fantastic additions, but I just didn't have it in me. 

So yes, this bag is challenging. But not impossible for a somewhat experienced sewist. And the final product IS lovely.

And no tears were shed during the making of this bag.

Linking up with Let's Get Acquainted, {sew} Modern Monday, and At the End of the Hallway.