Carrie, one of my students, has been sewing up a storm of bags. She is on the Door Prize team and has just blossomed into an amazing and very creative bag maker. She has also been finding random patterns that interest her for free on the web.
Accordion pouch closed
She made a few of these Accordion pouches and they came out really well. She said they were easy to make, but hard to make perfectly.
I think it looks like a very cute pouch. I can see using something like this in my handbag. I seem to have a lot of random items rolling around in it, which could be corralled in this little pouch.
Accordion pouch open
It could certainly be used for sewing as well. I can see putting smaller items in it for travel to retreats or Sew Day, then putting it into the Kit Supply Tote. I might have to make one of these just to try it out, not that I don’t have 500 other projects on which to work.
I sewed the binding on to the Knitting Needles Case #2 on Tuesday night and was able to finish the piece. It is great! I really like it. It will be hard to give away. Fortunately, I have more of the poppy fabric so I could make another.
I love the way this closes up so neatly. The roll is so slim and convenient to carry. Of course, I haven’t crammed 100 needles into it yet!
I was very careful with the fabric, both on the outside and the inside. I wanted it to line up properly and be oriented in the right way.
I really wanted to see the poppy fabric. I decided to use the canvas for the pockets instead of for the inside lining. I used to have some of this fabric in cotton. I made a Petrillo Bag out of it. I should have looked to see if I had enough to cut the pockets out of it. It didn’t occur to me until I had already sewn the pieces together, so maybe I’ll make this bag again and use the cotton, if I still have some.
Finished: Knitting Needles Case #2: inside left
Finished: Knitting Needles Case #2: inside center
Finished: Knitting Needles Case #2: inside right
The inside came out pretty well. I sewed carefully because of the thickness, but really had no problems. I think the turquoise dot fabric goes very well with the Poppy print
Finished: Knitting Needles Case #2: exterior
The zipper, if a tiny bit short, went in very well and matches the fabric very well.
I plan to use the Poppy print for a Sheffield bag, but I may also make a Kit Supply Tote with it. I really like that fabric.
I finished Lil Sissy’s birthday gift over the weekend and was able to get it off in the mail in time for her birthday, which was yesterday.
She writes a daily journal entry on a manual typewriter. While I plan to go back to Paris fabric for her soon, I saw this typewriter fabric and thought it might tickle her.
Typewriter Hackney – Top & Front
This Hackney is another large version and went together pretty well. I do better if I don’t have to break the process at the end, but needs must.
I am pleased with how well this looks. I struggled a bit with the top stitching on the top, but eventually got it right.
Typewriter Hackney – Top Inside
I used one of the Marcia Derse fabrics for the inside. I thought it was entertaining and would appeal to Lil Sissy.
The inside, again, has some elastic to keep pens and tools in place. I saw another one I made and was reminder that I put three or four strips of elastic on earlier versions to improve stability. I may have to do that again. Or go back to the top mesh pocket as per the pattern.
Typewriter Hackney – interior
I machine sewed the opening closed and I hope my sister won’t notice. I think it will be fine once she puts some stuff in it.
You can see that I added the flaps to the top. This keeps the needles in the bag when it is closed. The case rolls up, sort of, so the straight needles could fall out if there were no flaps.
Poppies Knitting Needles Bag – inside with exterior
I was also able to start putting the exterior together. One thing I did was add the snap and I also sewed the zipper pocket.
I was pleased that I had done inside zipper pockets before as I found the start of this step confusing to read. The pictures are good, so once I took a look at them, I remembered what I was supposed to be doing.
This is a good use of 8″ zippers. I think using a 9″ zipper might be better. I would have to trim it, but the assembly wouldn’t be as tight.
I had fun pounding the snaps into place. There is somethign satisfying about pounding. 😉 I checked the Tinberry/ZaudalCreates videos for the positioning of the various parts. I also used the Sew Sweetness video on how to use the Snapsetter. Using both helped me to get the snaps installed the way they should be.
Next step is to sew the pieces together and apply the binding.
I used the Joel Dewberry poppy fabric in canvas from several years ago. I got a lot of nice comments on the fabric.
Yesterday, I got out all the pieces and worked on it. I need to get it done as someone has volunteered to take a package to Austria and mail it for me. This saves on postage.
I made good progress and have the inside piece with the pockets made. I should be able to finish soon
It was helpful to have the first one I made handy so I could see what the end result looked like. I often wonder how I made the first one when I read pattern directions. 😉
I also used the video, which I noticed had time markers with links in the description. Very useful!
I don’t know if I will actually make another one of these bags, but Mrs. K has graciously gifted me the full finishing kit for this pattern.
Yes, that is some Tula Pinkerville fabric. Do I sell the fabric and make a bag that matches the Running with Scissors folio I made for Mrs. K or do I make the bag as is?
Right after finishing the Brown Stitch Hackney, I started this Typewriter Hackney. I am pretty pleased with this gusset. I fussy cut it to highlight the typewriters and it is coming out pretty well.
Typewriter Hackney handle
Typewriter Hackney handle
I also added a handle, which is lined up almost perfectly through no effort on my part. The handle motifs line up with gusset if it is flattened against the gusset. I am probably making too much out of it!
I was able to finish the Brown Stitch Hackney relatively quickly.
I think it looks the best of all of the Hackneys I have made so far in terms of construction. The brown is not attractive despite the lovely stitch pattern.
Finished: Brown Stitch Hackney – open
Using ByAnnie doublefold elastic**, I made the pencil holders again in the top lid. I measured where I wanted the elastic by measuring out from the center in both directions. The bands might be a hair too far apart, but they will will work. I tested them after the bag was made and found they could be a little closer together. Still, I think it works in general. I usually put a pen or some sort of tool in the gift so as to demonstrate how they work.
Finished: Brown Stitch Hackney – handle
I am particularly proud of the handle. I finally figured out the perfect measurements to get it in the right location.
I don’t know if I will be able to replicate this success in other Hackneys, but I am reveling in the success this time.
I was able to place it so it is exactly in the center of the end.
I did forget to put in a label, but can easily whipstitch one on later if I want.
Finished: Brown Stitch Hackney – top
Now, on to the Knitting Needles bag!
**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.
Cyndi and I talked about the Ultimate Carryall Bag and travel bags in general at Sew Day. It made me start thinking about whether the Ultimate Carryall Bag was the best bag for the job.
UCAB: front, open
I have been using my UCAB as a go bag / travel tool bag since I finished it. it is working ok, but I don’t love it. I forgot to put SF101 on the large pockets so they are particularly saggy. This is not a design problem; it is a construction problem. Ideally, I should make another one for myself, but the directions are so terrible that, even with my notes, I don’t have it in me to sew another one.
It is also kind of bulgy at the front when the whole thing is zipped. That could be because I overfill it.
My discussion with Cyndi got me thinking about the ideal travel tool bag.
Sheffield Tool Tote – front
I plan to make a Sheffield tote for myself. In fact, at Sew Day, I had some fabric out that I want to use, so I took the opportunity to cut those pieces as a start.
I haven’t decided if I will put the very outside pockets on it. I can see where they would be useful, but I can also see how items would fall out. If I do not include them, the Sheffield will look very similar to the Quilts Illustrated Tool Tote pattern I made in 2018. You can see a comparison of the two bags in a post I wrote in 2021. One thing I thought is that I could make the sides of Sheffield taller. I think I need to make a few more before I try that.
Arty Running with Scissors Tote-inside
Another idea is to use the Kit Supply Tote and a Running with Scissors folio together. I have the Kit Supply Tote and could make a Running with Scissors folio for tools and it might fit inside the Kit Supply Tote.
I would have to carefully measure all of my tools so I could make the openings the right size and all of my tools would fit. I would somehow need to incorporate the Take a Stand Bag into this mythical system. As mentioned on the ByAnnie website, the Running with Scissors folio can be draped over the Take a Stand bag so you can see all of your tools. Also, I have the fabric quilted to the foam already ready to go. It makes good sense to make another Running with Scissors and try it out.
Oslo Craft Bag Swap Gift
The Oslo Tote is a possibility as well. I am pleased with the way it came out, mostly, but it doesn’t have a top closure. I think it is also a little small for what I need and want.
I could redesign the inside of the Cavalcade Bag and make sure I can fit my Tupperware tool box inside it.
Both from the Crafty Gemini Organizer Club, I also have the Ultimate Project Bag and the Retreat in a Bag. I don’t think these are exactly the tool and supply totes I am seeking. I plan to make them soon, but am not sure how to incorporate them into my travel needs.
All Rolled Up tote with handles
All Rolled Up tote with handles: open
The All Rolled Up Tote could also be a good tool tote. I also like the fabric I used. I wouldn’t be able to put a pad of paper or large-ish rulers in there, but it would hold all the scissors, etc that I need.
I have also seen the Sew Awesome Travel Companion Tote. This bag has potential. I might have a similar bag pattern already, but the roominess of this bag means I could store other bags and my Tupperware tool box inside it.
There is also the Crafter’s Carry All Bag. It has similar attributes to the Sew Awesome Travel Companion Tote, but also has negative reviews. Reviewers say it is short on diagrams.
What I really can’t understand is why there is so little competition to the Ultimate Carry All Bag? None of the bag designers, besides Quiltessa Natalie has designed something like this.
I am making really good progress on this bag. The gusset is much easier to assemble after making so many.
In this case, I didn’t have a brown or beige double zip handbag zipper**. That is definitely a problem. I like matching my zippers to my fabrics, but I don’t want a bunch of beige and brown zippers hanging around that I can’t use, but have to look at. I think the grey looks ok. We’ll see when I get the top on.
Stitch Hackney in process
I am fond of the leaf fabric I used for the interior even if it is beige. I don’t remember when I bought it, but it has a very nice metallic leaf on the fabric. The motif is delicate and not garish at all.
**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.
I can’t seem to help myself. I really like this bag and seem to need to keep making more. I definitely need to start making some more of the Minikins Season 4 patterns.
Hackney for Markus
But, for the moment, I am stuck on Hackneys. I decided to make this bag and one of the Zaudal Creates Knitting Needles bags for my friends in Austria. I stayed with them and they drove to and from the airport and were generally super nice hosts. Honestly I enjoy making bags and can’t use them all so making gifts works well for me. Continuing to sew keeps me out of trouble as well. 😉
As you can see this is a lot of brown fabric. 🙁 Fortunately, it isn’t an awful brown fabric. I didn’t know that I had bought so much of it until I unearthed my brown bin and saw 2 yards of a completely uncut piece. 🙁 I have that fabric in several other colors and love it, but really had no memory of buying the brown. I’ll have to think of some other projects to make for my friend.
I really love this bag. It is sitting on my cutting table so I can admire it. The fabric is great, but I really love the size and shape.
I haven’t tried carrying anything in it, so stay tuned for that adventure.
There are also some details I haven’t used in other bags that I think make a nice finished look.
This is an Aneela Hoey pattern. It is a stand-alone pattern, as in not from her book, Stitched Sewing Organizers**. I have had the pattern for awhile and admired Mary C’s version at every Sew Day. I talked a little about the beginnings of this bag in the post earlier this week. I will say that I was able to finish it pretty quickly and that I immediately wanted to make another.
Finished: Kit Supply Tote
Of course I did! It seems to be my MO. I do have some of the pieces cut out for a smaller version, so I may make one of those. We’ll see. I do like the large size.
I had some trouble with some of the directions, but it is my poor pattern reading not the pattern. I’d love to hear what others think about the directions on pg. 8. I found them confusing, but I looked at some of the photos provided after the first page, then I tried some things and went with it. The basic idea was to sew the lining to the exterior staying within the seam allowance.
There was some ripping, but in general this bag went together pretty well.
Finished: Kit Supply Tote – lining
The pockets look pretty useful. I don’t have measurements for my particular tools and supplies, so I mostly followed Ms. Hoey’s guidelines in the pattern. I don’t know yet what I will use this bag for, so I am not worried yet.
I did change the pocket fabric at the last minute for the circle motif fabric. I had cut out the pockets using the striped fabric of the lining, but changed my mind. I will use the fabric for the pockets for another version.
Finished: Kit Supply Tote – handles
Considering my ‘handles from the back’ technique, I am pretty pleased with how they turned out. I don’t think these handles will feel very good if I had to carry this bag filled with heavy supplied for a long distance, but I don’t anticipate that happening.
One thing I did with my fingers crossed was modify the zipper. This pattern calls for a 14″ separating zipper. I only had a longer one. I followed the directions, which were to fold the ends over at a 45 degree angle and sew the angle into place. It seemed to work just fine and the zipper looks good. Whew!
I really want to put this bag into use. I may replace the Ultimate Carry All bag with this one, though that bag is growing one me.
**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.
I cut out a large version of the Kit Supply Tote by Aneela Hoey at one Sew Day in the past. I checked and can’t find a date when I did it. Still, I decided, over the weekend, that it was time to put the bag together.
Overall, this is a pretty straightforward tote. Directions are provided for two sizes and both are put together the same way.
Kit Supply Tote handles
Towards the end, I chose one of the webbing handle materials from Sew Hungry Hippie.They are a glittery black or silver overlaid on black. Very glittery
It was hard to sew on the previous lines from the front. I was using a charcoal thread color that matched pretty well. I sewed the handles on a little bit from the top/exterior, counting stitches carefully until I had one line of stitching sewn in a square.
Handle stitching
Thereafter, I took the bag out of the machine and sewed from the lining side. I could easily follow the stitching by sewing on the previous lines. I am pretty pleased with how the stitching came out.
I forgot to post about the finished second Enigma. I wrote about last a week ago.
I am so pleased with the fabrics, which I talked about last time. They look so well with the zipper, too.
Peony Enigma open
As per usual with second tries, this one went together a lot easier and much faster. I didn’t use the prequilted fabric I had Colleen make for me. I only have one fabric, the Philip Jacobs fabric I used last time and I wanted something different. The bottom piece needs to be quilted, which meant I had to quilt the bottom. It was fine. I used one fabric for the lining and I like that look a lot better, even if the various lining fabrics aren’t very noticeable on the first Enigma.
Peony Enigma: accordion pocket
The accordion construction of the center pocket is magical in a way. It is just so amazing how easily it goes together. I am really pleased with how it came out.
Also, the fabrics look so pretty in this configuration. I think the Kabloom fabric is just a good fabric design, because I didn’t have much fabric left to fussy cut. The end with the half peony flower is a happy accident.
Peony Enigma: diagonal zipper
I am still kind of enamored of the diagonal zipper design. I really need to know how Sara comes up with her designs. I saw another bag like this, but can’t believe that she would steal a design.
The only part that didn’t come out exactly as planned was the handle. I think I spaced the stitching too far apart. The empty space is large enough for me to carry it, but the Chrysanthemum version had more space. C’est la vie!
Peony Enigma: handle
I am so pleased with how this bag came out.
I plan to use it to travel with EPP projects. I haven’t filled it, or the Chrysanthemum version, up yet, but will. I have a few trips coming up later this year and will need it for them. Cross your fingers I can find a good project.
I might put this bag on my list to make as gifts. I am not done with the Hackneys yets, so stay tuned.
