Another bag???

What is up with me?  I have yet again been captivated with another bag!  I never make bags...

But this pattern that's on Craftsy just caught my eye.

I needed a new duffle bag, like I need a hole in my head, but they are so darn cute. This pattern is from Studio Cherie and you can find it HERE

This one is 20" long and has 12" ends. Once it was complete, I realized just how BIG it really is. Definitely not carry on size. The airlines would have a fit over my even trying.  The handles are too short for my preference, so I will definitely make them longer next time, but it's a great duffle!

Since I was on this crazy "bag" kick, I decided it would be perfect for a gift for someone special next month, and my chance to try out some changes.

 

The nice thing about this pattern is that it is very easy to adapt. Instead of 12" ends, I made these 10". I also added another 12" to the original size handles. I like a shoulder strap personally.

 

 

Dakota Collectibles has a wonderful design pack for zipper pulls!  Too cute huh?

:-)

 

 

 

With my extra quilted fabric, I went on to make a matching purse. This one is a pattern that has been in my stash so long, that I had to dig way to the bottom to find it.

 

It's called "Kidney Shaped Ergonomic Shoulder Bag" by Patricia Gould. I was a bit shocked to see that it was written in 2004. I am guessing that is when I bought the pattern too.  I told you it was way at the bottom of the pile!  LOL! Her web site is www.angelfiredesigns.com

But it looks like she has gone off into art quilting now. I did not see pattern on her site anymore. Too bad, I love these ergonomic purses.

 

 

Lastly a matching coin purse from Anita Goodesign, an "in the hoop" project.

It attached with a caribeaner.

 

 

Someone is going to be all decked out next month!

:-)

 

 

 

 

You can see the difference in the two sizes.

I am thinking that a 3rd bag will be in the works very soon. Maybe something in between these two.

 

Just a few hints I will share if your thinking about making any of these for yourself...

She called for 8oz upholstery batting. I really have no idea just what that is, but I used a 3/4" extra high loft poly batting and a layer of Decobond in between my fabrics and it worked out great. I loaded my fabric on my long arm and quilted it before I cut out the pieces, but it would be easy enough to do on any machine though, if you cut pieces first, then quilt. Of course there is always that pre-quilted option, but the fabric choices seem very limited at times, and I think you need that little "extra" that the "Deco-bond" provides.

 

The pattern also calls for a 3.5" jute webbing for handles. I could not find anything like that around here, so I substituted a poly woven 2 1/2" instead. It just gives the handles a little different look.  Then of course, much longer for me!

:-)

 

Like I said, it is so easy to adapt this pattern with very little math skills. Don't have to be afraid to play around with it a bit.

 

And be sure to share your photos if you make one.

I would love to see what you did!

 

Happy travels!