I finished the EBTM bag on Saturday at the special Everything But the Machine Sew Day. Mine was one of the seven that were finished.
As mentioned, I wasn’t sure about this bag, but as I worked on it, it grew on me. I was glad I chose good fabric.
I think I might replace my fabulous Tupperware boxes, companions since I started quiltmaking, with this bag. We’ll see. Making the switch will be hard. I am used to my various storage containers.
The bag has a handle as well as a suitcase sleeve — called a Trolley pocket in the pattern. I know a lot of people know what trolleys are, which I do, too. We don’t use that term in my area. We use wagon, streetcar and cable car for the various versions.
I am pleased with the fabric I chose as well. I wasn’t sure about the grey poppies, but they tone down the pink a bit.
Several people omitted the suitcase sleeve, but I put it on as there is a chance that I would hook it on my rolling sewing machine case. I made sure to check that the sleeve was big enough.
I kind of like the pocket even if I don’t slide the bag over a suitcase handle.
The pocket has an internal zipper pocket, as you can see. The pocket used an interesting double tube construction, which I would love to play with a little more. I also like the internal zipper pocket, though it might be a pocket where items go to hide.
Under the suitcase sleeve is another slip pocket. I used vinyl for the slip pocket. It has a bit of fabric on the top for binding. It was very easy to make. That section, however, was tricky to sew, because of the thickness. I had my travel machine, too, rather than my new machine, which probably could have handled the thickness with no problem.
I used MaryC’s method for the handles, which is to make a short handle that doesn’t move, can’t be adjusted or unclipped. I did take the opportunity to rivet the handle to the bag. Riveting is still fun!
I realized later that I forgot to sew a label on it. It isn’t too late. I can do it by hand.
I had a lot of various troubles with the pattern, so having Mary lead us in making this was great.