Another Hackney is in the books. The Coneflower Hackney #2 is finished and the recipient should have received it by now.
Remember how I talked about DecorBond in my last post about this bag? You can see how great the top looks in the photo – flat and smooth. I love it! I am so pleased that it looks that good.
Coneflower #2 Hackney, Aug 2023 – front, top
It really surprises me how different a bag can look with different interfacing.
In this version, I sewed the top stitching, to close the turning gap on the inside, from the top. I wanted the top stitching to look good from the outside as well as close the gap. This is something I have trouble with repeatedly, so I did it slowly and with care. I think it looks good this time. Still not perfect, but I am getting there.
Coneflower #2 Hackney, Aug 2023 – end with handle
I think I have finally gotten the handle placement down. I think these bags are just way more useful with a handle. I wonder what inspired Sara to make this bag without a handle? I suppose it could be used in the bottom of a suitcase to corral all of those random items one needs on trips that aren’t clothes. Maybe the Minikins Season 3 video says something about that. I don’t really remember.
I have seen Gerre carrying hers by the handle to Sew Day, so I know the handle isn’t superfluous.
Coneflower #2 Hackney, Aug 2023 – inside
I had a little trouble with the back panel on this one, but the inside still looks good. I really like that bright white fabric.
I also remembered to put labels into the lining front panel this time.
I have made a number of these Hackneys and haven’t gotten one perfect yet. I really worry that I will never be able to make a perfect bag the first time through.
I am not finished with this pattern yet. I just cut one out for my Dad using the leftovers from his birthday pillowcases.
The Coneflower #2 Hackney is going very well. I think this one is coming out the best of all of them. I think the DecorBond** I added really helped a lot.
I only just added the DecorBond after making so many Hackneys, because I was confused by the directions. I read them as Decovil 526** OR DecorBond. I tend not to watch the entire videos that come with the Sew Sweetness patterns, but I probably should! They are super helpful and would probably answer the Decovil 526** OR DecorBond question.
Then I thought maybe the DecorBond would be a good addition, so I tried it. Fortunately, I had a small amount in my bag of interfacing. It was a great addition that made the top really flat and not wobbly. It wasnt’ bad to sew through either. It didn’t add a lot of bulk to the seam allowances.
As you can see from the photo, I have a bit of finishing to do before I can send this bag off to its new owner.
**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.
I realized, after posting yesterday’s ‘in the wild‘ post, that I had never posted about the project bag I made for Gerre.
I made this one at the same time I made one for myself, Mom and Julie.
Despite my concerns about the size, both Gerre and Julie said they really love these project bags. Using mine for the Metro Twist has been really useful. I said I would try making the larger size and let them know how it turned out.
I am finally attempting to enlarge an I Spy pouch. I decided that last week, one evening after work, was the day to do it.
Blazing Star I Spy in process
Sara’s directions work well regardless of the size. Sizes are always the challenge. I used the widths, but extended the lengths to accommodate the Blazing Star bagacrylic templates.
True Colors Wildflower
I learned a lot. One thing is to cut the back and lining back after you have put the front together. Normally, having everything cut and fused is a good thing, but in this case, I made so many cutting mistakes that I ran out of lining fabric.
On my next enlarged I Spy, I will put the sides and the vinyl together, then cut the top and bottom, install the zipper, then cut the back and lining back. I don’t know enough about enlarging bags to do anything different.
I started another Hackney last weekend (??) Not sure. I didn’t take a photo, so this one is the only one I have of the piece in process.
As you can see, I am back to the mesh pocket. In the photo, the zipper looks a little wonky. Let’s hope it is the photo. Taking Sue G’s comment about the usefulness of the pocket into account, I decided to add one again. It went in fine, except that I cut it a bit short, so added some fabric to the side. I am glad I know enough to make adjustments as needed.
I can’t tell you who will receive this Hackney as a gift, because the person is a reader of this blog. Check your mailboxes soon. 😉
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.
