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Saturday, October 6, 2012

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. . .
  • 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.

58 comments:

  1. So, so glad there were no tears while making this bag! It really is fabulous! Your choice of fabrics is great and I love the heath as piping and lining. Have fun using it!

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  2. It turned out awesome! You are an inspiration!

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  3. The bag looks great, you must be sooo delighted! I still think it sounds intimidating, I don't think I'm there yet, but you have my admiration!

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  4. Yes, the final project is amazing. Thank you for your critical eye on the pattern and sharing it with us.
    So, when is your weekend off with the bag?

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  5. You did a wonderful job. It's beautiful. I've been wanting to make this bag for ever now but am put off by the lack of photos. I'm a very visual person. LOLL Love it made up in patchwork.

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  6. I covet one of these bags, and one day soon I am going to give it a try. Your bag is wonderful and thank you for sharing all the tips.

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  7. OMGosh it's fantastic! My sister and I were just talking about this yesterday. I've been sewing forever, and it scares me. Are you sure there were no tears...of JOY? {Wild applause for you!}

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  8. Debbie, that is so darn fab!! I'm one of those who's scared to death of the Weekender, so I can only admire the ones made by others! Yours is amazing!

    Can't wait to meet you at Sewing Summit in just a few days!

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  9. Debbie, your new bag is fantastic! I wouldn't dare to start that project and I admire you! You fabrics are so perfect for this bag! I wish you great weekends with your weekender! x Teje

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  10. Well done, it looks awesome, looking forward to seeing it in person!

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  11. Oh, that is SUPER-CUTE!! As if it wasn't enough work, you went and pieced and quilted it! But it looks so worth it! I've made one (you've probably seen it ...tulips fabric... on Jess's blog?), and it's definitely a tear-your-hair-out project! But it's such a sense of accomplishment to make it through it all, isn't it?

    I could probably help you with the lining. Why don't you email me specific questions.

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  12. I love it and so glad there was no crying! X

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  13. It is totally Awesome! It makes me want to make one too!

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  14. You've done an amazing job of this! You should be very proud of it! Enjoy using it!

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  15. I look forward to making one. I hope they have the pattern at one of the shops on the hop!

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  16. Fabulous! Lotta looks perfect too. I almost bought this pattern...about four times. I just might have to do it :)

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  17. Gorgeous, Debbie!!! I'm sending you Flickr mail in a minute about this one so look for it!

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  18. oh, my willpower to NOT make this bag is wavering! I love yours so much, the fabrics are beautiful! I think I might just have to make one...

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  19. Fabulous bag, Debbie! I sure love the fabrics and the QAYG method! I had it scratched off my "do someday" list, but maybe it's time to put it back on!

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  20. This is fantastic, Deb! I love the patchwork versions I've been seeing lately. I love the "no tears" measuring stick. We're there also no curse words? :)

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  21. It turned out beautiful! Way to conquer the pattern! Love the patchwork look that's been popping up. I've always loved this bag but have put off making it because of the "horror" stories of putting it together! Seeing yours is tipping the scale towards making one!

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  22. Such a fabulous bag Debbie - love the fabrics too!

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  23. Your bag turned out great! I have yet to do it, but it looks like such a wonderfully functional bag, I may have to do it someday. Thanks for all the tips!

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  24. Bravo! I love your patchwork version.

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  25. Debbie, it turned out great! I am making one too- just have to get started. Thanks for the tips!

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  26. Debbie, it turned out great! I am making one too- just have to get started. Thanks for the tips!

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  27. It looks like it was well worth the effort! It's beautiful!

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  28. Beautiful bag and thank you for your insight into the pattern and it's variou steps.

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  29. This bag is everywhere!! Thanks for tips, I'm sure it'll be very usefull because I'm planning to make one very soon too :)

    I love yours !! It's so fresh :)

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  30. Just absolutely WOW, Debbie :) It looks just amazing! I am so scared of piping that I just drool over these, and yours is at the top of the list! I am sure you will enjoy carrying this :) WOW again!

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  31. Beautiful!!! You did an amazing job and thank you for the "lessons learned" tips at the end.

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  32. It's a beauty Debbie and thanks for the tips!

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  33. YOu did an amazing job Debbi! I haven't had the nerve to try this pattern yet...maybe someday!

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  34. so, so gorgeous, Debbie! YOu totally rocked this Weekender.

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  35. This is beautiful Deb! I love the way you piced and quilted it - adds so much more to the bag!

    Thanks for your tips and tricks too - I want to make myself one for Christmas :)

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  36. Debbie it looks fantastic....hope there is a weekend away booked now!

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  37. Oh my gosh Debbie - how did I miss this post?!? This is beautiful - I'm so impressed. Thanks for the tips - I'm saving all those in case I ever decide to take the leap!

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  38. Your Weekender Bag turned out so wonderfully! Carry it with pride :o) Just read in someones comments that they are looking forward to seeing you at the Sewing Summit...Oh lucky you! I'd love to go! But, living on the other side of the country and having a child in college put a damper on it...for now ;o) Maybe someday!

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  39. absolutely stunning. this will be my new years resolution. i just dont have time this year, but i want one terribly! congrats! i've bookmarked your tips for when I try mine :)

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  40. What a great bag! You did a great job, and explained it so well!

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  41. oh my goodness this is amazing!! Seeing all these scrappy weekenders has me itching to whip out my pattern and make a second!!

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  42. Awesome job! Love it in those prints! Thank you for sharing all of your tips. They'll be super helpful whenever I get around to making one :)

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  43. I freaking love it! You totally rocked this, Debbie!

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  44. I love my weekender too - mostly because of all the effort and time I put into it. Yours is amazing!!

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  45. It's so beautiful! I love your fabric choices. I did the Everything Bag also and hated that one more than this bag I think! Congrats for making it through.

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  46. Beautiful! It really looks great. I know I'm not there yet on sewing skills, but someday I'll give it a crack. I'm sure that your tips will serve me well when I do attempt it!

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  47. Your weekender bag looks fantastic!! I love the patchwork of fabric!

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  48. Seeing your bag made me want to make one out of bella! So gorgeous! =)

    Great job

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  49. Your bag turned out beautifully. I seriously have been wanting to do this for a while, but am quite nervous after reading other people's experiences. I'm happy to read that you say it is doable and that no tears were shed!

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  50. Thanks for the tips. I just might have the nerve to try this one day. After making the AB Blossom Bag and sacrificing over 20 pins and 2 machine needles, I swore I'd never make another one of her bags, but all of the gorgeous Weekender's I'm seeing have me craving my own. I love your addition of the "X" - I had thought it strange to see the long handles just flopping off the side of the bag. Well done!

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  51. Your bag is fab and my resistance to the pattern may be failing me now. Great tips, thanks :)

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  52. This SO makes me want to make this bag. (And I have been avoiding it since making Amy's Sophie Carry-all.)

    I love that you made it scrappy and quilted the pieces! The one thing I dislike about bags is the whole interfacing thing.

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  53. Looks nice, great fabric placement

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  54. This is just beautiful, and I am too intimidated to even think about trying this pattern even though I've admired it in several blogs and I am an experienced bag sewist! Just call me coward, lol! My hands aren't all they should be though; I had the first of two needed hand reconstruction surgeries 7 months ago, and I'm not really ready for prime time sewing like this yet. I was told up front it would be a full year of recovery and I'm doing exceptionally well, but not well enough to tackle this one. Sigh.

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  55. Hello you could inform me of the measures
    my email is bananinha36@gmail.com
    I'm from Brazil

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