Thursday, July 17, 2014

Ooops! I did it again.

It never fails.  When I am gathering up my goodies to go on a holiday or a fun weekend with friends, I suddenly realize there is something that I HAVE to make before I go.  Last trip it was the Alder Skirt.  This trip it is a (absolutely gorgeous must-have) tote bag.  How could I ever possibly live without it?  It would make everything that bit better, right?  I could bring all of my class supplies to the retreat in it.  And so I sew like a maniac to finish off a project before my flight takes off.  Why do I do it?   

I present to you my most recent obsession: the mahosive tote bag.  Ta da!

I took it out on my morning walk with Molly for a photo shoot.  

This was made using Judith's QAYG tote bag pattern.  I loved the colorful scrappy look of hers, but quickly realized I didn't have enough time (being a tote bag emergency and all) to QAYG the front and back panels.  I instead made two log cabin-esque panels for either side with Echino as the center focus, a Kona border, then Architextures (Curry) as the background fabric.  That piece of Echino has been held dearly in my stash for well over a year.  I've been waiting for the right project to use it in a large space to show it off.  This bag was the perfect project.

I will say, though, because I didn't QAYG (as the pattern clearly tells you to) my bag sides are a small bit squishy.  The bag can not stand up by itself.  I did quilt my side panels in 1/2 inch straight lines, but that's not enough to keep the sides rigid.  


As part of the pattern, there's a recessed zipper to close the top of the bag.  That's key if you're going to shove it under the seat in front of you on a flight.  This is my first recessed zip.  It's fine. It opens/closes and doesn't look awful, but now that I have made one I know my next one will be much better.  I used Dottie here and for the lining.

I wish I had a curry colored zip, but being totally unprepared for making this bag I had to run to the Galway shop to pick one up.  They only had browns, maroon and white.  White it is.


I was watching Sarah as she made her QAYG bag a few weeks ago and loved how hers came together.  She had added to the pattern two inner pockets, one slip pocket and one internal zip pocket.  In a bag this size, a zip pocket is an absolute must.  Sarah was such a huge help in giving me advice on placement, tutorials for the zip insertion, etc.  She's an absolute star.   This pocket is 8 inches wide, so I needed a rather large piece of fabric to make the pocket lining.  I wish I could have made it out of Architextures curry so that there's a piping effect along the zip and a fun surprise inside, but I had such a huge scrappy piece of the Dottie print I just had to use it.


And finally, for most trips I bring my ipad and travel docs slipped into a large external pocket.  I instead used a "scrap" of the Echino (12x12 inches) and made a slip pocket that will fit an A4 sheet of paper in a folder and my ipad.  Given that the external part of my bag isn't very rigid, the pocket does sag a big.  I will see how it goes for this upcoming weekend, but I think I may have to put a button on the top.  There's space, so that's easy to add in late.

That's my class supplies ready and my bag made.  If only I had clean clothes to pack and had the shop prepared!  Priorities, Cindy.  Focus.

16 comments:

Paula said...

I think we must all be guilty of last minute make syndrome. I'm heading home to Ireland on holidays next week and I already know I'm going to end up at the machine before I go with one or two last minute makes of my own. Great bag - don't you just love it when last minute makes turn out so well. I love the combination of fabrics you've used. I'd never have thought to use the dotty fabric in the mix, but I love how it picks up on the patterns in the Echino fabric. Have a great trip.

pennydog said...

Fab! You're going to have a busy day but you'll do it, have a great time.

pennydog said...

Fab! You're going to have a busy day but you'll do it, have a great time.

Collette said...

Love it! Have a fab time xx

Sarah Carey said...

Amazing! I love how you 'do' things rather than just add them to a 'to do' list. Like me..

Sarah @ FairyFace Designs said...

Oh I'm jealous now. I just didn't get to the bag on my to do list. Yours looks lovely :-)

Henry's Shed said...

Lovely bag! And you totally needed to make it before you left, I get it!! Hope you have a super time xx

Indianna said...

Fabulous bag. I loved last year at FQR as someone went around and took a picture if all the hand made bags. Have a great time.

Rachaeldaisy said...

I can see why you had to make it. It's the perfect travel tote, love the zip and the passport pocket. Great photos too!!

Katy Cameron said...

The bag looks fab, good luck with the last of your packing!

Judith, Belfast said...

It has turned out brilliantly C! Love the fabrics you have used. I guess next time some sew in Vilene might give you a bit more structure! Hope you have a tonne of fun at FQR! Say hi to everyone from me! Jxo

Vicki said...

Great bag! way to do and not just think about it.

Sarah said...

Love it! Your zippered pocket and recessed zip are great. I really think they are good techniques to add to your skills and will come in handy again. QAYG does give the bag more structure but squishy bags full of stuff will have all the structure they need. Enjoy London!

Ruth said...

Love the colours and I like that it's squishy!

Archie The Wonder Dog said...

I love your bag! Have a great time at FQR!

Nicky said...

I was pleased to see you but didn't look at your beautiful tote! But I can now !

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