Ainsley Crossbody Bag

Before I jumped in to the Pantone Quilt Challenge, I wanted to take some time to make myself a new bag. Svetlana of Sotak Handmade had recently released a new pattern - the Ainsley Crossbody Bag - and I wanted to give it a try!

For fabric, I used selections from a fat-quarter bundle new to the stash, the Afternoon Bliss bundle from Fabric Bubb:

• Meadow in Dusk from Dusk Fusion by Bonnie Christine for Art Gallery for the exterior
• Aerial in Clay from Gathered, also by Bonnie Christine for the interior zippered pocket lining
• Freckles in Acorn from Cotton + Steel for the exterior zippered pocket lining

It's kind of difficult to show the details off well, but there are three zippers in this small (9" x 6.25") bag - the main one on top, one under the front flap, and one on the inside pocket. All were made with black stripe zipper by the yard from Sullivans Trim. Zipper by the yard is fairly new to me, but this product is lovely, and I was successful in getting the pulls on!

On the back, there's a patch pocket, where I added silver rivets to the top corners.

I had substituted leather lacing for the strap loops at the sides of the bag, then stole the leather handle off my current bag and just clipped it right on. I'm a little concerned the bag might be just a bit small for my needs, but I'll try it out at least. It just turned out SO CUTE.

Luisa Crossbody Bag

Ever since last fall when Bee Sewcial met up at International Quilt Festival, I've been using the Vera Slouch Bag I made with our Bee Sewcial fabric. Though it was absolutely perfect for that trip, I really meant to make something smaller for everyday use, and save the Vera for upcoming events. Last weekend I finally got around to it. 

I had had the Luisa Crossbody Bag pattern by Sotak Patterns printed out, with fabric chosen, for literally weeks. But when I finally got down to making it, wouldn't you know, I changed my mind and opted to use the intended lining for the exterior of the bag, and chose a new lining fabric. Like I usually do with bags, I cut out and fused all the fabric on one day, worked on construction the next two days; and in this case, installed hardware on the fourth.

The main exterior is Thatch in Navy, a print from Jen Hewett's Floradora line. The exterior accent is Essex Linen, and the lining is a print from Carolyn Friedlander's Doe.

As usual, Svetlana's zipper installations are pretty straight-forward to execute. This bag has three - the main recessed zipper opening, a zippered pocket inside, and one on the exterior 'hidden' by a flap.

Rather than make a fabric crossbody handle, I ordered a 3/4" leather handle (56" long), and that length allowed me to also cut leather ring tabs. I did have a bit of a snag in attaching the ring tabs, as the design of the Luisa meant that the thickness of the bag was more than I'd experienced making the Vera. So the 3/16" Chicago screws I'd ordered from Anna Graham @noodlehead531 weren't long enough. I quickly ordered some Tandy 1/2" Leather Screws from Amazon and they worked like a charm. They might have been a hair long, but definitely workable. Then I was able to use the original 3/16" screws for the leather strap. Success. Just for the record, I'd also ordered a RedwoodTote Hardware Kit from Anna, and used the swivel clasps; then I repurposed 3/4" d-rings from an older bag.

I find all of Svetlan's patterns so accessible, and the Luisa measures 10" wide x 9" tall x 3" deep, just a bit smaller than the Vera at 11" x 11" x 4". After putting it off for so lone, I'm glad I finally got it made, and I think it will serve my purposes well.

Vera Slouch Bag

After making all those Hudson Pouches for my Bee Sewcial bee mates in anticipation of meeting up at International Quilt Festival, I had just enough time to make myself a tote as well. I finally settled on the Vera Slouch Bag by sotak handmade. As pattern designer, Svetlana, says, "It's a perfectly sized everyday bag. Not too large, not too small, with two exterior slip pockets, one lining zipper pocket ....  and a smaller lining slip pocket as well." And quite honestly, I think it's just what I needed.

Of course, I used my Bee Sewcial fabric - the Linen Cotton Canvas designed by bee mate Kari @quiltsforthemaking. I paired it with Essex Linen for the exterior, and for the lining, I used a stash find I'd been hoarding for a very long time. I always expected I'd use it for a quilt exterior, but I think it found a very nice home here. 

Zipper-wise, I made an unexpected choice, making use of what I had on hand. But on reflection, I really like it! Its colored teeth kind of ties in with the colors on the bags exterior, no? 

I was so happy that Svetlana included an option for leather D-ring tabs, as I loved the look. 

And I just grabbed the leather handle off my current Brookfield Bag, and voila! the bag was done. 

It's a super straightforward sew with (I think) a terrific result. I'm excited to be using it as I head off to Houston!