Project-Bag – Artquiltmaker Blog

Finished: Floral Reef Cosquilla

Cosquilla - finished front — Cosquilla – finished front

Hooray! I finished the newest Cosquilla.

I know I said I was sewing this pouch quickly. I really was and I actually finished it on August 13. However, I had a lot of other stuff to post. I put this pouch straight into use then I didn’t post about it.

I am pleased with the other two Cosquilla pouches, but I think this one is my best so far. I was very calm and not in a hurry when I sewed it. I took my time and I think this is the reward.

I wanted to highlight the seahorse, but it’s head is hidden by the zipper placket on the pocket. 🙁 I also wanted to cut off the snake, but it’s head is still visible. Oh well. At least it is a pink and purple snake.

Cosquilla - seahorse surprise — Cosquilla – seahorse surprise

The seahorse is a pleasing surprise when the pocket is opened.

I used two different kinds of vinyl on this pouch. As mentioned, I thought putting the Floral Reef vinyl over the busy Floral Reef print would mean that I couldn’t see either clearly.

I considered different fabrics to use for the binding. Overall, I think the Tula Pink purple (Aster??) Tiny Dots works very well. The purple doesn’t quite match the zipper. They work together well anyway.

I had some clear vinyl, so I used that over the pocket and the Floral Reef vinyl for the side main panel. I still think the motifs on the fabric and the motifs on the vinyl interfere a little with each other, but it isn’t too bad. I’ll have to think about that when I consider buying other printed vinyls.

Cosquilla #3 - handle — Cosquilla #3 – handle

I think I probably should have put some SF101/ProFuse on the handle, but the handle won’t get much use, so I think it is ok.

I am so pleased with the binding. I used the HP2 foot again and sewed slowly. It was a little short, so I added a straight of grain piece, which was a little problematic when sewing. Otherwise, machine sewing the binding worked very well. I am not embarrassed with how it looks.

I think this was a good fabric combination to use for this pouch. I wasn’t sure how I would use the fabric once it arrived. Seeing it in use when I need a handbag zipper will make me smile.

Additional Pandora Charisma #2

The Pandora Charisma #2 has been on my mind. I worked on it a little last week and realized I was at the assembly point. Nearly all of the pieces are ready to be assembled into a bag. The sewing of this version has been a lot easier than the first time. And much less anxiety provoking.

The next step was to get the zipper gusset done, but I was anxious about the layers. The outside is made with the same pleather/Diamond Vinyl as Pandora Charisma #1. I took a breath, cut the pieces I needed and made a start. I had the good sense to install a leather needle and the HP2 foot*. I don’t know what HP stands for in the Elna world, but maybe I should call it my Harry Potter foot since it is really magical. 😉

There were about 5 layers of the Diamond Vinyl through which to sew. Once I was setup, I went for it. My machine sewed through them all like a champ. Granted I sewed very slowly, but it worked!! I was thrilled.

I had to do a lot of ripping over the weekend. It was one of those “it’ll be fine” moments and I should have taken heed sooner. Live and learn!!

I was able to rivet crucial points at Sew Day, thanks to MaryC.

Now I am on to final assembly.

*N.B. “Suitable for the dual feed narrow system, the HP2 foot combines the advantages of a slim ¼” foot with dual feed capability. Providing high visibility, it is ideal for precisely sewing curves and topstitching. In addition, it guides simultaneously the top and bottom layers of fabric for perfect results when quilting and matching patterns. It must be used together with the HP needle plate.” from Elna site

More Pandora Charisma #2

Pandora Charisma back panel sleeve pocket

The last time I worked on the Pandora Charisma #2 was back in July. I have been itching to work on it again, but hadn’t quite gotten to it lately. That changed on Sunday. I came back from viewing the amazing dahlias in Golden Gate Park and got to work.

Having all the pieces and parts in one project bag really helped.

First I made the tablet sleeve. I kind of wanted to make it from vinyl, so I could see the lovely Brocade Peony print I used for the main panel. I decided vinyl would look great, but not provide any protection for my tablet. I hunted around and found some of the Tula Poms and used them for the padded sleeve. When I stick my items into the bag, I’ll be able to see the flowers.

I did use vinyl for the lining zipper pocket. I decided to put the pocket on at an angle, but it ended up just looking a little wonky. I wanted it to be more accessible and thought that putting it at angle would help. Perhaps I need to think that through a little more for next time.

Now I am ready to put the whole thing together. I think I might have skipped making the gusset, but can easily sew one. I am finding that having made the first one means making this one is more understandable.

Finished: Urban Sea Backpack

Urban Sea Backpack - front — Urban Sea Backpack – front

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 — 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 — 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 — 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.

Urban Sea Backpack in Progress

I finally was able to finish cutting out the Urban Sea Backpack. Whew! That was a lot of cutting.

You might notice that none of the pieces are square. I had to cut them all out with scissors except for the couple of pieces that shared a shape with the Chickadee backpack. Other than that the cutting process just took a long time. I had time to make sure the fabrics were oriented in the same direction across pieces and all the interfacings were correct.

If this cutting experience doesn’t drive me to continue learning to use the Scan ‘n Cut, I don’t know what will. 😉

Once all the pieces were cut, it took a few days for me to get to the project again. As is usual, I started sewing smaller pieces into larger. Once of the first sections was the side pocket and I was pretty excited about how it looked. I was amazed at how clever the pieces were. There is one small triangular piece used in this pocket. As I was cutting, I couldn’t figure out where it would go. It fits in this pocket to extend the curved zipper tab. Genius!

It is not a flat pocket, it has some dimension, which will make it more useful.

Urban Sea -front pocket in process, closed

Once a number of those sections were complete, I could start focusing on combining the smaller pieces into sections of the backpack. First, I made the front pocket, which required zipper tabs, a zipper and other bits and pieces.

I am pleased with my fussy cutting, too.

The sideways capital I piece at the top was another piece I couldn’t imagine using, but it was amazingly perfect. I really can’t imagine how Sara figures these bags out.

Urban Sea -Inside front pocket installed

I thought it would be hard to add the inside of this pocket to the piece, but, essentially, I sewed the front pocket on top of the inside. Don’t try this at home without the pattern! Again, it worked perfectly.

At the moment, I am adding the top pocket/flap to the piece above.

It’s a new adventure! It’s also an adventure that I am enjoying. I sometimes feel frustrated when making bags, but so far I haven’t felt like that with this bag.

Finished: Everything But the Machine Bag

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.

Everything But the Machine bag on rolling case

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.

Everything But the Machine bag suitcase sleeve

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.

Everything But the Machine bag vinyl slip pocket

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.

Everything But the Machine Bag

MaryC came to the last Sew Day with a new bag, the Everything But the Machine bag.

Those in her sewing gang were also industriously working on their own versions. Many others were interested so the guild is planning a Sew Day where everyone works on their own versions of these. I didn’t really want to make one, but as a good guild citizen (President), I signed up.

At first I thought I would make one for my mom, but she said very firmly last time I visited that she didn’t need any more bags (this was before the backpack conversation). I thought about others for whom I could make one and came up blank.

The week before the Sew Day was shaping up to be busy. It was a lot of ‘fun’ busy, but still busy and I was concerned I wouldn’t get the pieces cut out. I couldn’t get them cut out if I hadn’t picked fabric.

As the day got closer, I really needed to decide on fabric. I finally decided I would use some really nice fabric, some fabric I loved or that I had been ‘saving’. I also thought I would use some fun zipper pulls and make it for me. Someone else might like it, but I also thought of ways that I could use the bag. I think I realized that I often don’t make bags for myself, because I don’t know how I will use them.

I did want to finish cutting out the 1,000 pieces for the Urban Sea backpack, but once I did that, I looked through my fabrics and started cutting. I actually was able to cut everything out very quickly. When you are able to use a rotary cutter and ruler, the cutting goes quickly!

I am using Pristine Poppy from the old, old, old Notting Hill collection by Joel Dewberry. I made the Oxbow Tote out of another colorway from that line. Both lining and exterior are the same print in different colorways. I am using some of the zipper tape I bought by the yard at Sewlarium.

I still have to interface the pieces, but am pretty much ready to go.

New Backpack Challenge

After writing yesterday, I talked to my mom who was on her way to the ER again (she’s fine!) with a plastic bag to carry her stuff!!! I was horrified, but before I could speak, she said she was going to get a backpack for her stuff. Before I could think, I said I would make her a backpack.

I am not sure if I mentioned when writing about the Chickadee that I have never made a backpack before, at least one with real straps and buckles. The closest is the Flagler Backpack and the Scrap Lab Backpack. Neither of these are as structured or as complicated as the Chickadee.

I knew the Chickadee was in progress, obviously. That is for the Pink Project and I don’t know when it will be finished, so I decided to make the new backpack pattern from Sew Sweetness called the Urban Sea Backpack. I showed my mom and told her the size (finished Size: 12 inches long x 15 inches tall x 7 inches deep (30.5cm x 38cm x 18cm)) and she said that the Urban Sea would be perfect. So, now I am making another backpack. 😉

The next surprise was the fabric. I have used paint tube fabric for my mom for a long time. She really admired the bubble fabric in blues and pinks that Sara used on her test version. I showed her a picture of the Philip Jacobs Voluptuous fabric as a joke and she loved it! I might as well use it. I don’t have anything else slated for that fabric. I am going to pair it with the Disco Poms from Tula Pink. Same thing. I might as well use it.

The first step was to tape all of the pattern pieces together. I haven’t found any that are rectangular!!! I love the look of this backpack, so I don’t mind.

I was thrilled to find that the acrylic template for the Chickadee Backpack strap is the same exact piece as the straps in the the Urban Sea Backpack. Sara doesn’t sell acrylic templates any more, so this was awesome! I can use that template to cut out the several pieces (exterior, lining, foam, etc) I need for this backpack.

I spent about 4 hours on Sunday cutting out pieces for this project. I almost finished all the cutting, but that much standing was tiring after also standing a lot on Saturday. Even though I want to get to sewing, I am trying to be very Zen about the cutting as I found that each part of the process has its benefits.

More Chickadee Work

The Chickadee Backpack still has not been chosen as part of the UFO challenge, but I decided to work on it again. I worked on it a little last month so I could get a head start. I kind of wanted it to be chosen for the UFO challenge for August, but no dice. Maybe next month?

All the pieces are cut out and I ready to sew. I haven’t decided if I will start sewing yet. I would like to stick with the letter of the ‘law’ in the UFO project. I could cut out some of the other projects or continuing cutting them out as the case may be.

Quickly Sewing Cosquilla #3

After I decided on the binding, this piece really started to go together quickly. Sewing the same pattern almost one after another means I can improve.

On this Floral Reef Cosquilla, I did something a little different with the quilting. The Bottom Panel needs to be quilted. I basted it again using MistyFuse and quilted it with the same stitch. This time, however, I lengthened the stitch even further. I wanted the wave to be longer. I also did more quilting. Last time I quilted only three lines of quilting down the length of the bottom panel. This time I sewed more. I don’t’ think I really needed to, but it was worth a try.

Cosquilla in process - back — Cosquilla in process – back

Then it was on to sewing the whole thing together.

Despite the large expanse of vinyl, I decided to use the HP2 foot again. I LOVE this foot. I am hoping that the machine sewing of the whole binding will look better.

I was concerned about the color of the binding, but I think it looks good. The pouch is more purple than expected, but not in an unpleasant way.

Next Cosquilla

I was a little disappointed that the Rose Cosquilla was not large enough for all of my handbag zippers. I probably should have been upset that I had so many handbag zippers!

A month or so ago, my Floral Reef order came in. i wasn’t sure what to do with it, but after finishing the Rose Cosquilla I decided I would use the fabrics to make another Cosquilla for the rest of the handbag zippers.

The fabrics and vinyl are really cool, but also hard to use, especially since I didn’t buy a lot of any one of them. I think this will be a good use of them, though I may use a clear vinyl for the front pocket since the lining fabric shows through. The motifs on the vinyl, as you can see from the photo, right, interfere with the motifs on the fabric. I can’t really see either if I chose all Floral Reef.

Another Metro Double Zip

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 — 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.

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.

Rose Cosquilla Finished

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.

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)

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.

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.

New Cosquilla

Rose Cosquilla before assembly - pockets — Rose Cosquilla before assembly – pockets

I went for a Sew Day at Tim’s house on Monday (yes, lots of connections this week). I started sewing the Cosquilla that I cut out a week or so ago. For a change, I am making this pouch for myself! I will use it for my handbag zippers, which are currently housed in two disintegrating zipper bags. 🙁 The fabric is an Anna Maria fabric of which I had a small piece.

I had a lot of fun talking with Tim, but I missed my new machine when putting this pouch together. I also need to replenish my supply of DST** in my “Go Bag”, because the zippers would have been a lot easier with it.

Still the bag is coming out ok. The picture above is what I did in a few hours.

**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 website.

Another Zipper Tab Technique

I am not sure whether this is a tutorial or not, but I will put it on that page later, so we all can find it again.

I have two other zipper tab information pages, which you can find on the Tutorials page. For the moment, this new technique is my favorite because it reduces more bulk int he zipper tab area than the other techniques.

Instagram has been showing me zipper techniques lately. I found one that I decided to try a few months ago. The other day when I was working on an Enigma pouch, I decided to try it again. Then I had to go hunting for the video.

In many of the Sew Sweetness and other patterns, I have to fold a strip into a zipper tab, which adds bulk to the edge and is a little hard through which to sew. This technique adds less bulk and there aren’t bits from the folds sticking out and making the project look unprofessional.

Supplies

Zipper
Zipper tab fabric – the tabs look better if they match your zipper pocket fabric
BSK
Bag pattern
Sewing machine
Thread

Directions

First, cut some zipper tabs. I often use the exact size indicated in the pattern, which is why I am not giving you sizes. The zipper tab should be long enough to go past the cut end of the zipper on both sides when folded back and wide enough to match the width of the zipper, at least.

Fold both fabric zipper tabs in half and press them so the crease is firm.

Clip the fabric stripof the zipper — Clip the fabric strip

Clip the fabric strip in half to cover one end of the zipper. You’ll need to do both.

Using a quarter inch seam allowance, sew across each end of the zipper.

Press the zipper tabs back wrong sides together.

Topstitch using a eighth inch seam allowance.

Sew the exterior according to the directions on your pattern. In this case, my exterior and lining fabrics are the same.

Sew lining with the zipper sandwiched in between.

Press fabric away from zipper.

Get ready to trim zipper tabs even with the top of the zipper and the sizes of the fabric.

Trimmed zipper tabs.

Now finish your bag or pouch according to the directions.

Eleanor Jackson on Most Recent BAM BOMWednesday, September 9, 2026
Very cool! Thanks for sharing this. BTW I completed by Birds in the Air! So far it is the best…
JayeL on Flower #8Saturday, September 5, 2026
Thank you for your kind words! We missed you at Sew Day.
Eleanor Jackson on Flower #8Friday, September 4, 2026
WOW, You made my day. What a knock out showing of this new flower. Thanks for sharing. You and your…
JayeL on 26 Projects August 2026 #8Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Thank YOU for reading. It is great to gather everything I have been doing together and see that, yes, I…
JayeL on Everything But the Machine BagWednesday, September 2, 2026
I am sure you'll get through the project quickly once you get started.

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