While I am thrilled that I was able to complete the Ultimate Carryall Bag, it isn’t working for me as a tote for hauling tools to Sew Days and Retreats. One reason it isn’t working is that I forgot to interface the inside pockets and the quilt weight fabric alone cannot stand up to my hard use.
It occurred to me that the one thing that worked for my old Quiltmaking go bag (going to Sew Days/Retreat system) was that the tote bag I used allowed me to be modular. I could put in my Tupperware box of tools as well as rulers and other things as needed. In the Ultimate Carryall Bag, items have their dedicated space and other, less used, supplies I need have to be crammed in where they can fit. The UCAB is bulging.
Yes, I have the Kit Supply Tote I made to replace the UCAB. My original idea was to make myself a Running with Scissors Tote (RwSt) using some of the quilted fabric/foam that Colleen quilted for me to organize my tools inside the Kit Supply Tote. I still have to measure to make sure the RwSt will fit in the Kit Supply Tote! I just haven’t gotten to the measuring or the making yet. I have the pattern** on my cutting table as a reminder.
This problem has been on my mind for awhile. I have searched through my patterns as well as available patterns to see if I could find another bag that would work. The UCAB is pretty unique in its design as a quiltmaking/sewing tote. I really haven’t seen anything else like it. The All Rolled Up Tote is a great bag, but somehow I have never considered using it for this purpose. Perhaps I should. It currently holds a lot of embroidery supplies.
I was thinking about the problem again as I was organizing the fabric and patterns I bought on my trip.
Awhile ago, I checked Etsy to see what was available as ready made or in pattern form. I found some bags that might work. One was the Crafty Carrier by Ellie Mae Designs. I came across the pattern and pulled it out.
I bought this pattern a long time ago, on a previous trip to Portland, at a shop called A Common Thread. (N.B.: I don’t know if that shop is still business.)
While I have a lot of projects in the queue, I started working on this bag over the weekend. Sometimes I have no self control about what I work on!
I cut out everything and interfaced almost all of the pieces on Saturday. Then Sunday, I started to sew. I am making good progress. The picture shows the exterior (inside out) without the bottom
I am using a lot of canvas and Essex linen-type fabrics. You can see the Echino I bought at PIQF. I am thrilled to be using fabrics so soon after purchase!! It is so fun to buy fabrics and use them right away.
The inside doesn’t have many pockets, so I added two, but also thought about keeping it empty so I could put other carriers inside for the modular idea. I could have put an inside zipper pocket, but I didn’t think of it and it might be a bit too late.
Anyway, progress. I think I’ll have to make the Running with Scissors tote sooner rather than later. Having one with my various tools organized and together would allow me to tuck it into whichever bag I was taking to class, retreat or Sew Day.
**N. B. : Obviously, you should shop at local quilt shops and small businesses. However, if you are too busy or can’t find what you need there, I use Amazon affiliate links and may be paid for your purchase of an item when you click on an item’s link in my post. There is no additional cost to you for clicking or purchasing items I recommend. I appreciate your clicks and purchases as it helps support this blog.