The instructions for this bag really aren’t too bad. The one thing I would suggest is that they are read from beginning to end BEFORE cutting any of the fabric.
Why?
Handles.
As I’ve mentioned before, I typically like to have bags with handles long enough to throw over my shoulder. Unfortunately, the instructions don’t mention that they can be lengthened until WELL after you’ve cut the fabric.
Other than that, all the instructions are straightforward. Thankfully!
Just in case you wanted to see another version:
Once the base is sewn on to the two sides, the sides are sewn together, and the bottom of the bag is squared up.
Each of the components are pieced together in a logical fashion, which really, really works with my engineering brain…
The inside pockets can be customized, but since this isn’t my bag, I went with the measurements found in the instructions. If I make myself another one, I might either change the dimensions of a couple of the pockets, or I’ll retain the extra fabric (built into the original dimensions) so that can maybe gather them at the bottom to create a bit more space..
This zipper treatment bugged me a bit when i was done with it, mainly because I accidentally stretched one of the flaps more than the other, resulting in about a quarter of an inch difference between the two sides. (Random thought – I really need a new ironing board cover. Or just a new ironing board.)
Putting the zipper into the lining is not terribly difficult, and as you can see, worked out pretty well. I’m also liking how all the fabrics are coming together.
Quick seams up the sides and the bottom, leaving about 7 inches of un-sewn area on the bottom, creating the corners, and the lining is ready to go.
Next is putting the lining and exterior together, shoving (nicely) the exterior into the lining, lining up seams, pinning and sewing all around the top. After that, turn the bag right side out, and do a top stitch of 3/8ths of an inch around the top. Finish by sewing (hand or otherwise) the opening in the bottom of the lining and…
TA-DA!
The bag, she is complete.
I think it turned out really, really well!
And, because G’s birthday is when we’ll be taking the bag down for her, so that she can give it to her sister, I decided to spend a bit more time making her a quick and easy zippered bag to put in her version of the above bag!
How cute is that?
Edit: Since the completion of this version, I’ve made more! See pictures below:
