Saturday, December 22, 2012

the one where a bag ate my brain


So, guess what I've been working on?


Yup, the infamous weekender.  I'm making it for my sister.  And I say making it because it's not quite done.  I still need to make the lining, but I'm done for the day.  All sewed out.  This bag is a beast, and for today at least, it's eaten my brain.

Actually what has eaten my brain is those instructions.  Oy.  I guess I've assembled a little too much ikea in my lifetime because instructions with lots of words make me go crosseyed.  This bag has words coming out both ends. I basically gave up, looked at the photos and winged it.  Who knows, I might have even sewn it right.

I used the quilt as you go method that lots of people have been posting about, except without doing any patchwork.  Pellon products are really hard to find here so I couldn't get the peltex called for in the pattern, and don't even really know what it's like to find a substitute.  Oh, and I bought piping rather than making my own.  Because it is way cheaper.  I kind of hate the handles, but they're not as bad in person.  The pale blue is just so blah.  But I didn't have enough of anything else, so blue canvas it was. 


Anyway, glad I tackled it, don't think I'd do it again.  If I did I'd change the construction a bit.  It's almost impossible to fit the side panels onto the top/bottom piece without going mental.  Let's just say it's a good thing the husband is out of town today, because there were points in the sewing of this that if he'd tried talking to me, it wouldn't have been pretty!

joy and snowflakes,
c

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12 comments:

  1. I admire you for even having a go at this! I have read many a post/review and I knew it wasn't for me!I love your fabric choices. I hope your sister appreciates the efforts and angst you went to!

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  2. Now this is the real story behind this pattern! I'm going to make this after the new year, but I'm not really looking forward to the process. I really like the bag, but my sewing machine doesn't do thick seams very well. Your bag does look really well sewn and professional even if it was a PITA! ;)

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  3. It looks great, and that is all your sister will see, well done xxx

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  4. Love the dotty/glasses fabric combo. Hate AB patterns ;o)

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  5. I love how this Weekender Bag turned out. I'm sure your sister will love it! You obviously love her A LOT to tackle this project for her! :)

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  6. Way to go, Chelsea! That bag does look like a beast...but you will best it!

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  7. I think it turned out nicely. Joy and snowflakes in the end ;)

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  8. It looks great! Hope she loves it (I'm sure she will!)

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  9. Your version of the Overnight Bag looks fabulous. I have been wanting to make one for a long time, but have always been scared off by the negative feedback left on blogs about the construction method and confusing instructions. But I think that is all about to change - see below.

    Anyone wanting to tackle the Amy Butler Overnight Bag should try to get hold of a copy of 'Australian Homespun' magazine (Vol 13 No 12) where the instructions have been re-written by Nicole Mallalieu of 'You SEW Girl'. Nikki is a very talented designer whose patterns, especially those for bags, are very easy to follow.
    Overseas readers who may not be able to get the magazine, might be able to get a digital copy of it by logging on to www.zinio.com
    I have done a class with Nikki and made many of her designs, so now am looking forward to making the Overnight Bag, as I know she will have made it easy to follow and understand.

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  10. Well it looks great! I have never made a big bag, I get scared off by my inability to make anything symmetrical. I just muddled through a pattern that had lots of errata--which I found when I finished--I can generally figure something out, but my topstitching sucks and only jammies and Halloween costumes are OK when not quite symmetrical LOL.

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  11. i think amy butler, while she has awesome patterns that always turning out looking very professional, is super shitty at directions. i bought the pattern the other day and i am planning on making it hopefully starting next week. i have some MUST MAKES that have to be finished and sent and then i am not sewing anything for anyone else but me and my immediate family for a few months! but, back to the topic, i am nervous about using her pattern. i feel like i always have to read over them a million times before i start! maybe i will just cut everything out and then put it together without reading the directions. i bet it would be must easier!

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