The Long Weekend Blog Hop

If you missed the kick-off of The Long Weekend Blog Hop hosted by Fabric Mutt and Lori H. Designs, do check it out here or here. It's all about making Amy Butler's Weekender Travel Bag. And if you've ever even slightly considered it, now is the time. What better idea than to make it along with others. Watch The Long Weekend flickr group for fabric choices, bag progress, and tips along the way.

I had just finished my own Weekender when Heidi asked me to join the blog hop and share my experience. You can read my reveal post here, where I share all about the construction, but since using my bag, I've come up with a few more things for you to think about:

• Add a label. If you have them to add to your quilts, for sure add one to your bag.

• Add a zipper pull. This bag has one long zip, and a pull just makes sense.

• About that zipper length - I've read some complaints that it's too long. It does go down into the end pockets a bit, which I really don't mind as the bag is intended for travel. But just the same, it's good to know before you start and is something to consider.

• I made a patchwork version of the bag, as you can see, layering quilting cotton on batt on duck and using the quilt-as-you-go method. So for the lining, I naturally used quilting cotton, and in reality, it seems quite light-weight and a tad baggy. "Next time" (totally hypothetical!) I would definitely consider using fusible interfacing on the lining.
• Lastly, and this is a biggy for me, I experienced a strap fail. This is a big bag, which means it holds plenty. I found the straps too skinny and 'lightweight' when I actually used the bag. Some threads even popped. If you read my Oh, My Weekender! post, you'll know I added to the length of the straps, but I'd also definitely make them wider, interface them heavier, and maybe even use polyester thread for some 'give.'

Well, I think that's plenty to contemplate for today! I hope some of it is helpful! Meanwhile, I'm pleased to host a giveaway as you gather supplies, do all the cutting (and cutting), and begin to construct your bag!

*** This giveaway is now closed! ***

Here's a beautiful fat-quarter stack of Amy Butler's Cameo from sew fresh fabrics!

 

Just leave a comment on this post by Thursday night and I'll choose a random winner on Friday! If you'd like, share your plans for your bag, your biggest apprehension, or any adaptations you are planning on making. I can't wait to follow your progress and see your bag come to life!