I finished the Urban Sea Backpack. As mentioned, it is for my Mom. It isn’t perfect, but, in general I am pleased with how it came out.
As is usual, I want to start another one right away. I am slightly daunted by the amount of cutting, which may drive me to figure out the Scan ‘n Cut.
The more I look at this project, the happier I am. There are some parts I would like to do better, but I was pleased to look at them with curiosity and an eye towards figuring how how I could do better. I didn’t look at them with shame or the need to explain.
Urban Sea backpack – interior right side out
Before I turned the piece right side out to finish it, I took a photo of the interior.I wanted to get a better view than the one I usually get by photographing down into the bag. This view gives me a better view of the details of the interior.
I am super pleased with the interior. I think it is the fabric. Disco Poms is a GREAT fabric. I may need to get more. I am glad I used it as it is super cheerful.
Urban Sea – front pocket
The front pocket was a bit of a Hail Mary. I am not super fond of the ByAnnie mesh. It is fine and a high quality product. My stuff just gets stuck in the mesh. I really want to find a mesh that has smaller holes like some lingerie bags. I am thinking of buying a lingerie bag, disassembling it and trying the fabric in a bag. The colors are fairly limited, so, for the moment, I am either substituting vinyl like in the Everything But the Machine bag or sticking to mesh and hoping for the best. One good thing about mesh is that you can see what is in your pocket.
Urban Sea – back with straps
People in the Sew Sweetness FB group commented on the straps. I am not sure they are anything special. I did follow the directions and think I would like to add more padding in the future.
My new machine, especially the HP foot really helped me make this bag. I am a lot more relaxed making bags-few tense shoulders and only a little yanking with tweezers, which is better for my body overall. I am much less worried about whether my machine can handle what I want to make.
I finished this one about a month ago, but didn’t post about it, so here we are now.
I organized the colors on this one a little differently. Since the pieces are sewn together in two halves, I used black as the center of one half and white as the center of the other half. The photo shows the center that uses black. I am pretty pleased with that strategy.
Finished EPP Ball #14-side 2
I have wanted to make a black and white ball for awhile. I have a good supply of 5 inch squares so it wasn’t difficult to select 12 charm squares that would work.
This is a great project to work on in the evenings.
I had it in mind to make another Metro Double Zip as a gift. I did it, but I didn’t give the gift as I wasn’t happy with how it came out.
It is perfectly serviceable, but I wanted it to look good if I was going to give it as a gift.
Metro Double Zip Pouch #3 – back
I was in a little bit of a rush and did things a little differently than I did on the second Metro Double Zip. That was a mistake, but I didn’t write down the parts that I made larger on the second one. Thus, I didn’t remember I kept some parts the same, which was part of the problem with the first one.
I love the strap technique!!!
As you can see, the back is quite boring without the waves. I could have fussy cut something, but was at Tim’s and didn’t have a lot of fabric choices. I really want to get this pattern to be more stuck in my brain. I have to make a few more and think of some different embellishments for the front.
3 pouches ~ Metro Double Zip
While I was looking for something I found a similar pouch I received as a gift from BAM. I thought it might be an Aneela Hoey pattern, but I didn’t see it on her website or in her book. There are a million pouch patterns out there and it could be modified from a completely different pattern or made up.
I made another Hippie Specs case the correct way this time. My mistake on the previous one still makes a cool pouch. However, I still wanted to make it as intended.
I did not add a clip this time as I hadn’t quite worked through the steps when using vinyl.
I used the same flowery vinyl as I used on the previous one. Now my niece has three small items using this flowery vinyl. I guess it is her fabric.
Hippie Specs #4 – open
I didn’t use a lining for this one, but I did cover the seam at the bottom with foldover elastic. The cut out piece sat around for awhile, but it was very quick to make once I got started.
I finished the new Cosquilla last week and it is in use. I made this so I would have something other than disintegrating plastic bags in which to store my handbag zippers.
It is kind of weird to call this the Rose Cosquilla, because of the charcoal background. I fussy cut a big rose to show off the vinyl so the name is appropriate, but still feels strange.
Rose Cosquilla filled
I need to make another one! I have quite a few handbag zippers. 😉
I don’t have any more of the Anna Maria fabric so can’t make a matching set. I bought some Philip Jacobs fabric (Voluptuous, I think)
Rose Cosquilla handle side
Rose Cosquilla label side
I am pretty pleased with the binding. It wasn’t easy and isn’t perfect, but I did it slowly by machine using my HP2 foot. This foot totally TOTALLY makes the purchase of the new machine worth the money. If you have a Janome or an Elna and this foot and needle plate are compatible with your machine, you need this. I didn’t buy the machine because of this combo, but it was a factor. I use this foot and needle plate so much now.
Rose Cosquilla vinyl side
The cool part about this bag the vinyl side. Not only does it allow me to see inside my bag, but it also provides information on how to add this type of side to other bags.
I was pleased to finish the Fish Hackney in time for DH’s birthday. It has been awhile since I started this project. I am not sure when, but I bought this fabric in October of 2024. I didn’t make a note of cutting out the pieces, but it was sometime after that. I am glad to cross it off the list as it has been on my mind. I am also happy that DH seemed pleased with it. He was planning how he would use it, however, and thinking it would be good for storing reels, because the thickness of the pouch would protect them.
Fish Hackney top with handle
He did notice the issues that I had such as the weird handle placement.
I also had some trouble with the placement of the turning hole. I had forgotten that I needed to turn the lid as well as the bottom separately.
Fish Hackney – mesh pocket
I went with the standard mesh pocket this time as I wanted to just get it done and not think about different options.
I made a note on the pattern to match the zipper tabs to the zipper and the foldover elastic/binding rather than the lining fabric. I think my zipper tabs look fine. They would have been less noticeable if I had used grey fabric.
Fish Hackney – interior bottom
I didn’t have quite enough of the lining fabric for the lining gusset. The stripe looks cheerful.
This is the one pattern I can think of that includes information about anchoring the lining. I did that on the front and back. The lining is still a little saggy baggy, but ok.
Fish Hackney – smooth top
I also used the Frankenfoam I made at Sew Day a few weeks ago. I covered it with ProFuse and I couldn’t see the seams in the foam.
Of course, now I have used up some big pieces of the Frankenfoam, I am going to have to sew more small pieces together again.
I like this pattern a lot and am sad it has been such a long time since I made one. So many patterns! So little time!
After my adventures with waves the other day, I tried again and this version is great. I still wouldn’t put a driver’s license or credit card in the wave pockets, but some receipts or a photo would be ok.
I think the non-pocket side of this pouch is a little boring, though I guess it wouldn’t be if I fussy cut some cool fabric for that side. I think extra pockets is better, though.
Metro Double Zip #2 with wave pockets – back
I made the vertical measurement of the pouch a half inch taller as well, because I thought everything at the top was a little squished. I am pleased with the way this version came out. I plan to make a few more of these. I had one special request for it, so I’ll see what I can do.
BTW, the way Sara told me to make the strap is genius! I didn’t understand the directions at first, but when I got it, it was one of those AHA moments I wish I had known years ago.
The 1-2-3 Mosaic table runner is finished. This is a project I worked on myself from start to finish. No longarming this time.
Amazing, right?
I quilted the small piece using a wave stitch, as shown, on my new machine. I have wanted that stitch for a long time and really like it. I need to ask some questions of the dealer, but it worked fine the first time out.
1-2-3 Mosaic back completed
The back shows the quilting really well. It is simple, but I am pleased.
1-2-3 Mosaic back completed – label
I also used the stitch lettering to make a simple label.
All in all, finishing it myself made it a very quick project. It is sitting on my buffet now.
After posting about the free patterns, I started looking at the Kokka website multiple times. The site has really good bag shapes, both free and for sale. For some reason, the Round Bottom Bucket Bag got stuck in my mind. I think it is unique in that I haven’t made such a bag before. I make the Desktop Cube, which is kind of round. I can’t think of any other bags I have made that are round. I am sure the fabric also had something to do with it.
I printed the pattern and took it with me to Mary’s, but didn’t work on it. Then I took it to Sew Day and translated the metric into US customary measurements. Something seemed wrong or off to me, so I put it aside. After that I decided to make it using the metric measurements. That meant that I needed a metric rotary cutting ruler**. Do you know how hard it is to buy a metric ruler? The various sites kept insisting that US customary measurements were more usual in my location. DUH!
Round Bottom Bucket Bag- top
Finally, at a Sew Day with Tim and Cyndi, I cut it out. The pattern is a Japanese pattern and those patterns are much more basic than American patterns. A lot of knowledge is implied. I consulted with Tim and he said that when making the Japanese pattern he sewed he, basically, made up most of the steps. With that, I went for broke.
Round Bottom Bucket Bag- top, hardware
Part of going for broke meant diving down a rabbit hole of round bags to understand how they are put together. One problem I had was that most bucket bags have some sort of drawstring top. One of the things I like about the design of the Kokka bag is that it does NOT have a drawstring top.
Round Bottom Bucket Bag
The bag did not come out as expected. Mine looks more like a bottle bag than a bucket bag. I guess it could be used for a picnic for a bottle (wine or water or juice) and silverware in the pockets.
The short answer is that it is still usable and I plan to try again. I emailed with the support team at Kokka and they said to convert the measurements to inches. I am a bit confused as to how that would help, but I’ll think about it.
Round Bottom Bucket Bag- pockets
My current plan is 2 Pi r. That means Quilt Math. Finally, I am understanding all of those stupid 8th grade math concepts that I never understood. Let’s teach kids math by teaching them to make bags!
My plan is to create my own dimensions with what I think will make the bag come out like the Kokka was supposed to look, at least in my mind. I know how to do all the steps and can use the directions provided as a guide. I haven’t done it yet, but this the current plan.
I am giving myself permission to play a little. I don’t see the above bag as a complete fail, but it isn’t really a success either. I want to try again and see if I can make it better.
Resources/Some sites I looked at in my deep dive:
Jellyfish Report has a lot of sizes for round bags so you don’t have to do math.
Circle bag tutorial – this breezy looking tutorial shows you how to make a bag (handbag) in the shape of a circle.
Drafting a rounded rectangular base comment/tip – scroll down to find this tip. It’s not just all math; pictures are included to give you a good idea of what you are doing.
Drafting Manual: How to Draft Circular Bags. If you want to skip all the nonsense, this for-purchase manual ($10) tells you everything you need to know about drafting round bags. According to the site “When you purchase this interactive pdf, you will receive all of the tutorials and information needed to draft two styles of bag to your custom size and preferences.”
The Hexi Tote Project has the right exterior height compared to the height of the pockets.
How to sew a rounded bottom post – provides tips and tricks for sewing a circle.
The lined round basket project was the right ‘fatness’ for the bag I am envisioning. I thought I could use the same ratios.
Round Bag Calculator post – the site provides a list of sizes of circles and how big you would need to make the associated rectangle.
2 Pi R
9″ circle base, 10.5″ x desired height rectangle, Project example
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I finished Old Town a few months ago, but never posted about it. I think my quilt holders have been busy or out of town. After winning Second place at the Fair, I realized it and knew I needed to get it done.
Old Town with Ribbon
Old Town is finished! Yay! LOL!
Old Town is the 2024 Bonnie Hunter Mystery Quilt. I played along and sewed many of the blocks together at the BAM Retreat, then finished it up at home.
Old Town detail
Colleen quilted it for me and here we are. I was really pleased to get second place since the category in which I entered it (quilted by another) is packed. This was a much easier quilt to quilt than Patchwork Palooza since once I decided how to quilt a block, I just had Colleen quilt all the blocks the same.
It is a little large, so my quilt holder had a tough time. I hope to remember to get some guild members to help me get a better photo.
Lupine back – finished
The poor quilt has been languishing between travel and other more urgent projects. In the middle of all the chaos I finally was able to sew the binding down.
Mary and I talked about this pattern when I visited her. She had the pattern it was on her list to make. I saw it at Picking Daisies, as mentioned, and decided to buy it. Noodlehead patterns are pretty good and I was interested to see how the divided lining was created.
Continuing with the Picking Daisies theme, I used the roses fabric I bought during my visit. The front pocket fabric is an Alison Glass, I think. It was in my fabric closet.
Divided Basket – back
I was surprised at how large this basket is. I did look at the dimensions, but I can never visualize them until I see the actual bag made. It would be good temporary storage for a bag project.
I thought, after I made it that I could place a pocket on the back as well for even more storage.
Divided Basket – interior
I was pleased to learn the technique for a divider.
I sewed the whole thing together, then realized I really should have anchored the lining, so I took the basket apart and anchored the lining. I was much happier after I did that.
I sent the basket off to its new home and hope the recipient likes it.
I spent some time making some Open Wide pouches for the wife of a friend of my Mom’s. He drove Mom and stepdad to an appointment on his wife’s birthday. I thought a couple of pouches would show appreciation.
I used the new Martha Negley fabric I bought at Picking Daisies a few weeks ago.
Large Open Wide for Mom’s friend
The one thing I did was delve into math again. The pattern tells you to line up the corners, sew and then cut off the excess. I get better results by cutting out a box and then lining up the edges. DH reminded me of the Pythagorean theorem (!!!!). It is one of those with a lot of letters that made me crazy as an eighth grader. More detail on that later.
Small, medium Open Wide pouches-open
Needless to say, I used this theorem and my calculator to figure out a box size for these pouches. Closed they look a little weird, but open they look ok. The open wide aspect is so useful.
I’ll have to work on figuring out the best size to make these look ok.
Large Open Wide- open
I have to say that exercise was interesting. I showed DH how a pouch goes together every step during the process and he was really interested. I think he thought the practical use of the Pythagorean theorem was fascinating. I have to say that learning the practical use of one of those stupid math concepts was a revelation.
The other thing I noticed was a lot of similarities in the construction of this pouch and the Retreat Pouch, also free, from Emmaline.
I finished another EPP ball. It wasn’t black and white, but the next one will be. 😉
I had fun using chartreuse and pinks. Some of the pinks are pinky-reds, which I like. I think the chartreuse and pink go together very well. The combination isn’t designed for a boy or a girl and could be used for both.
EPP Ball #13
EPP Ball #13
Do you see a lot of pink in my work lately? I am leaning into pink lately. I am not fighting against the urge; I am just going with it. I don’t know what it means or how long it will last, so buckle up.
Finishing the Sheffield took longer than I expected. I thought I was done, then I had to make the false bottom, and add a label and…
No problem. I really enjoyed finishing it. REALLY! I realized that I have been anxious to get through the final assembly of recent bags, because that was the time when I fought with my machine. I didn’t even realize I was fighting with my machine until I used the new machine to put this bag together.
Sheffield: open wide design
The Sheffield has been on my list to make for a long time. Since I made Gerre hers, I wanted to make one for myself. The open wide design of this bag is very appealing.
The interior is made from an IKEA lightweight canvas I picked up from the free table. My lining is a little saggy baggy, despite the larger seam allowance. The lining will not fly out since I used my hard won knowledge (thanks, Lynette) of anchoring the lining to the exterior. One issue I had is that the pattern pieces for this bag are not square. They are trapezoids. I think something might have happened, because the pieces are trapezoids, when I was sewing the lining together that made them larger than I would have liked. I don’t know.
Finished: Sheffield back
I finished most of the exterior pieces while visiting MaryM.
I did the final assembly at home after adding a leash and an interior zipper pocket. I wanted to add a slip pocket,but forgot in my excitement.
The handles on this bag are larger than the those indicated in the pattern. Sara has makers position the handles a half inch up from the bottom. This is so the handles clear the seam allowance. Beyond reducing bulk, I am not sure why. I would like to say I will try putting the handles in the bottom seam on my next one, but I am not sure I will make another one.
Finished: Sheffield top
I think I could have put the poppy fabric on the frame casing. I think it would have added a finish or border to the top of the bag.
Cutting for the frame pocket was confusing. I have to look at the directions again to see where the cutting went wrong. I wanted to have the exterior match the exterior and same for the interior. I ended up with extra lining pieces.
For now I am just excited about the bag. I don’t know for sure how I iwll use it. I am thinking about putting all of my metal tools in in: KAMsnaps, Snap Setter, awl, hammer, etc. If there is space, I could add in webbing as well.
