Given my bag filled Easter weekend, and the generous giveaway from Sara at Sew Sweetness, I thought perhaps a Bag-Along would be in order after all your comments in the giveaway about what you would like to learn. Taking into account your extensive wishlist of techniques, I’ve come up with an idea for a 15” x 11 1/2” x 5 1/2” bag that can be used as either a camera bag, or as a good sized hand bag, perhaps even as a baby changing bag, but what you choose to do with it is entirely up to you! I’m using mine to house my baby:
At the moment I have the following techniques included:
External zip pocket
Internal zip pocket
Bellows pocket
Elasticated pockets
Piping
Twist and turn lock
Adjustable strap
Recessed zip opening
Bag feet
I did try and fit leather handles in there, but it just wasn’t happening, sorry! I am hoping to have a pattern ready to go for the middle of May for this, and am going to offer it for a deeply discounted price for the duration of the bag-along. I’m intending to cover at least one technique in one post per week, but I don’t want to rush you through this, so would that pace seem reasonable? Or would you prefer two posts per week?
I will try and get the fabric/interfacing/hardware requirements up 2 weeks before we start, just in case you need to order anything. I’m assuming you’ll all have fabric, it’s the rest of the stuff I’m worried about ;o)
I will also be looking for 5 pattern testers prior to this, so if you think you can get a bag made up, and feedback back to me within the 3 weeks from 22/04 – 12/05, please let me know in the comments what your bag making experience is. I would suggest that the required skill level for this would be intermediate, but if you are a particularly enthusiastic beginner with at least some experience in some of the techniques being used, then I will accept that too. If you’ve never used any of these before, don’t worry about it, I’ll walk you through it step by step during the bag along :o)
**EDIT, all testing positions have been filled, thank you
I wish I wasn't getting mired into wedding stuff, or I'd love to test for you. As it is, I'll try to keep up with the bag along!
I'd love to test for you. I have a blog where I show my test bags so you can see and judge for yourself. I test for Christine of ChrisW Designs, Samantha of At Home with Mrs H, Jen Giddens I have also tested for Noodlehead and Sara of Sew Sweetness. I have been making bags for about 5 years. I also quilt and make cloths which I have done since I was very young.
Oh I could have a go at pattern tester… No idea wot a bellows pocket is mind you! Have never done piping or adjustable strap before either.
Loving all your proposals for the bag-along. I'd say two posts a week would be great for momentum.
Heck lady do you expect your testers to time travel too? 22/04 – 12/03 I'd love to test for you but the current levels of insanity round here it would be very dangerous! Hope you have lots of willing volunteers. I would say 2 posts a week is great like Liz says for momentum, I'd be itching to move on to the next step (or throw it all out the window) if I have to wait too long!
Wow, sounds like some bag. I'd love to pattern test but I wouldn't be able to promise to complete it within the time frame -sometimes it would be fine but there's always a chance one of the small people would throw a spanner in the works by being sick, refusing to sleep in the afternoon…..or any other number of reasons! Juliex
I too would love to test for you but it's crazy getting stuff here probably in time – I like the idea of 2 posts a week probably 🙂
Would love to be a pattern tester! I haven't made a lot of bags, but have done a few zipper pouches. Looking forward to learning and applying my skills 🙂
Like Julie said, Wow, sounds like some bag! Two post a week would be great and keep things moving along nicely. Since I'm a newbie I won't bother to apply for the tester positions.
Your ideas for the bag sound great Katy – I would like to volunteer as a tester too!
Can't offer my testing services sorry (bit busy with various birthdays!) but will definitely be sewing along :o)
Sounds like your camera will have the best bag that could ever be.
That looks like 2 posts per week and a clutch of bag ladies ready to test – super!
My babies are teeny, but I don't think I'd want to make a bag to carry them in. :-p Maybe I'll carry my camera, too, since I'm taking a fancy photography class soon. 🙂
I would like to be a tester of your camera bag. I have about 4 years of making bags, sold on etsy for about year, but it took all the fun out. So I now only make bags for myself and family and friends.
Ooh, sounds fun. I can't commit to testing but I have fabric sndthe need for a new bag, so I'll follow along 🙂
I do not like camera bags so this sounds just right and as your Baby is the same as mine the size will be good :))
I'm looking forward to this! two posts a week should be ok, even for me.
Have you got enough testers by now?
I'm a complete novice to bags and eager to learn.
I have pattern tested for others and could do it in your time frame if you still need someone. I have been sewing fo more than 40 years, make lots of bags and purses. Yours sounds like it would be an interesting bag to do.
Judith Clauss
How exciting — you're doing tons of branching-out things! I'm looking forward to seeing your bag-along. 🙂