Fairfax II

It's true that I really enjoy trying and making new bag patterns every now and then. Usually I try something new, but I've enjoyed using my Fairfax Sling so much, that when it began to show wear, I decided I wanted to make another. It's just been the perfect size and shape for me, so why not?

The pattern is by Svetlana Skumanicova @sotakhandmade and it even came with a video, which is nice. As with the first Fairfax, I chose the exterior fabric from my latest Studio Mystery Box from Anna Graham @noodlehead531 - Orchard Run Flowers in Slate, which happens to be printed on Robert Kaufman’s Cotton Flax basecloth, and is like a lightweight canvas. For lining, I pulled a favorite Carolyn Friedlander @carolynfriedlander print from stash, City Grid in Ash; and for the interior pocket lining (which is pretty well hidden), Angled in Royal, both from her Collection CF. You can see the lining - and a peek of the pocket lining - in the photo below.

The lovely khaki webbing also came from my Studio Mystery Box, which was handy.

Like usual with bag-making, I follow the pattern carefully step by step over the course of several days. This pattern happens to use zipper by the yard, which I got from Sullivans Trim @sullivanstrim. I used a stripe khaki zipper on this bag, but also bought a few other striped colorways to try in future projects. 

In case you're new to zipper by the yard, Sullivans also has a great little video saved on Instagram, showing how to attach zipper pulls. Luckily, I got both on really easily for this bag - yay!

I remember noting when I made the previous Fairfax that the interior binding was a little too wide for me. I think it was cut at 2". So this time, I cut it at 1.75" and it worked just fine. So note to self. Anyway, I'm excited to put this new bag into use for the summer. It really is a perfect shape and size for me.

Fairfax Sling

I was already thinking about making a new bag/purse when I saw a sneak peek of Svetlana Sotak's @sotakhandmade new Fairfax Sling pattern a few weeks ago, and I've been impatiently waiting for it to be released.  Finally, last week it was, and I began gathering supplies.

I used all fabrics from my stash - Anna Graham's Riverbend Big Sur Canvas Loops in Sienna for the exterior; Carolyn Friedlander's Kept Abstract Ovals in Eggshell for the lining; and a Carolyn Friedlander Harriot Scallop in Roasted Pecan for the interior pocket lining and bias tape. For the two zippers, I used #5 nylon coil zipper tape in what I think is Stripe Khaki Silver, as well as fun zipper pulls, from Sullivans Trim.

The pattern itself is unique and the construction very unlike any bag I've made before. But as always, it was easy to follow, and Svetlana even provides a video, which unfortunately I forgot about until I was nearly done. I made the small version, and there are just a few things I want to remember in case there's a next time:

• use matching thread even for construction; with the canvas, there's a place or two where a stitch actually shows 
• not sure why, but the handmade bias tape was a little wide for my seams, so consider making it slightly smaller next time
• really make sure all the seams are lined up well in the tab area during final piecing; I had one place I had to unstitch and resew to get it right (maker error!)
• trim seams in tab area a little closer to make a neater finish when turned right-side out

All in all, though, the bag went together easily, and I'm definitely looking forward to using it this spring and summer. I tried it out this morning, and it felt just right.