Monday, November 6, 2017

The Traverse

It's been a few years now that I've been making my own purses, and it was time to make another! I decided on Anna/noodlehead's Traverse Bag, and I gotta say, it went together pretty quickly!



Smitten with Anna's samples, I chose the same Grey Maker Maker cotton/linen blend for my bag exterior, and found it to be such a lovely fabric. For lining, I went with the organic Wink in Marigold by Birch Fabrics. I was really relieved that Anna also stocked a hardware kit for this bag - makes things so much easier.



The version I made - "regular" vs. "mini" - measures 12” W x 9” H x 2” deep, which is pretty roomy for me.



This bag has classic lines that I love, and the little accents just make it.... plenty of top-stitching, the two coordinating zips with leather pulls, a snapped flap on the exterior, and of course that adjustable strap.





Somewhat hardware-challenged myself, I was thrilled how easily I installed the snap using the Dritz Heavy Duty Snap Tool. I'll just go ahead and admit I felt pretty accomplished - ha! And for the record, for those that commented on Instagram liking my little Swiss Style Hammer, it was perfect for the job.



Anna's patterns are always lovely to follow, but an added bonus on this one was a page of printable labels to keep track of the pieces as you cut. I found that really handy!



My only disappointment - and it was my own error - was sewing along the zipper foot on one side of the back zipper, and (correctly) using 1/4" seam on the opposite side. Once I noticed, I just didn't think it was worth redoing, especially as it's on the back. oh well



Anna also gave a tip to make the lining snug, and I appreciated that. In fact there were tips suggested throughout the process, and I thought all were helpful.



So now I'm set for another season, and pretty pleased with my hand-made bag.

This project was on my Q4 Finish-A-Long list!

14 comments:

  1. That looks great. Wonderful finish!

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  2. Thanks for the reference. I think I could manage that one!

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  3. Great hand bag Debbie, choice of fabric perfect.
    Anna has a lot of good things going on doesn't she?

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  4. It looks lovely! Enjoy your new purse :)

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  5. that looks like a great bag! I'll have to try that pattern sometime. Well done!

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  6. It looks great Debbie ! I love the Maker Maker print and also used it for a bag I made following a Noodlehead pattern. Purchasing the hardware kit sounds like a good idea.

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  7. Your bag looks great, and I cannot believe how quickly you put it together! I bought the pattern for the Compass bag, now I need to go see if she has a hardware kit for that. This project is moving up on my project to-do list!

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  8. Such a cute bag! I love the fabrics you used!!!

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  9. I'll say it until the day I die...I admire anyone who can make bags! Yours turned out beautiful and the size seems perfect. The fact that she had hardware kits available is so so smart! And for bag making, having tips and tricks has to be invaluable!

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  10. Purchasing the hardware kit sounds like a good idea.


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  11. Your bag turned out amazing! I love the fabric choices.

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  12. Great bag Debbie! I've made my own bags for the past several years, but decided to take a break with a store-bought bag this fall. The reason...I find when I make a bag I know how long it took me and so I want it to last as long.as.possible. I tend to carry them past their prime in order to justify the time and materials. Silly? Probably.

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  13. It's beautiful and the details really make it look professional. Thank you for joining in the FAL community on behalf of the global FAL hosts!

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