Traverse Bag and class stuff

I really like Noodlehead bag patterns. Very good instructions, diagrams and listing of needed items. Cut Up and Quilt asked me to make the Traverse Bag as a store model and I had fun using this canvas piece with many of the Cotton and Steele prints on it. I am still debating on whether I will teach a class on it or not. It depends on the interest. 

 I loved all of the prints, but wanted to have the houses front and center so used them for the flap that hides front pockets and snaps closed.

 The lining is the jacks in green, color isn't showing up great here.

 A back zipper pocket that was easy to install. Love it when I learn new ways to put in zippers and pockets.

 It's not a huge bag ( 12" x 9") but does have an adjustable cross-body strap, which is handy for shopping trips. I have enough canvas for another bag, which I will be making soon. I got more of the same lining fabric because I do love it. So they will be very similar. I'm making the 2nd one for a gift.

I have the second class today for the Dresden Plate Special, so I'm excited to see their dresden blades sewn together. Here are some pictures from their first class 2 weeks ago. I have made the dresden block with the curved blades too, but have to confess that I like the pointed blades the best for their ease in making. Stay tuned for more pictures from today's class!

The two gals above and below didn't shop together, but had some of the same fabrics!

I will be teaching this class again on Monday evenings beginning in Sept. So much fun and a great way to learn one of the ways to applique.

Dresden Plate Special

Bugsy Backpack fun and other updates

I recently made the Bugsy Backpack by Sassafras Lane Designs for a class model. What a fun and easy project. Loved this off point cityscape fabric and chose a blue grunge for accent fabric. Luckily you can buy a hardware kit so no searching for the correct size and types of hardware.

2 pockets

 It starts out pretty simply and basically is a big duffel bag with the zipper on the top instead of the side.

 The straps are attached under this cool flap...I used my lining fabric for it.

 Interesting way to sew in the zipper. I have learned so many different ways to sew in zippers making different bags by different designers. I know a lot of people are afraid of zippers, but they really aren't that hard to put in as a rule.

 Birthing the bag...always fun as you know you are almost finished!

 View of the top of the bag, which folds down to be in the front.

 Very roomy bag with two ouside pockets and an inside key fob.

This one is at Cut Up and Quilt as the class display model....I made another version out of this gorgeous border fabric that I have been wanting to use in just the right project.

 I matched up the print on the pockets or they would've covered up too much of the border print.

 Another birth! who else thinks this is fun! You have to close the two sides of the top/zipper edge and attach the loop and the hardware clip in the last step.

 I have another bag started to use during class to show all of the steps. I can't wait to finish it after the class Sept. 9. It's hard to know if the students will finish a bag during class, as some bags have so many steps, but since I'm offering a 2 hour cutting party the night before I have high hopes that they will. Once this bag is cut and interfaced, it goes pretty quickly.

  I retired from the school district in June and am excited to have more sewing time. I've been busy catching up at home and getting projects made for fall classes. All the classes are updated on my Upcoming Classes page here on the blog so stay tuned to see what I'm working on next. (it really is fun being home doing this in the AM instead of going to work!)