Amy Butler Weekend Travel Bag

What started last Saturday with an entire hour's worth of cutting out, and culminated with about two hours of   hand stitching yesterday, is one of the most challenging projects I've done in a long, long, time.

Last fall, I did a commission project for a sweet friend, and in addition to payment, she gave me an extra bonus. I thought carefully about just what to do with that money...it would be easy to fritter it away on this and that, but I wanted to create something that I would use often, something that would not only be practical and pretty, but  a remembrance of Rhonda as well.

So, I selected the Amy Butler Weekender Travel Bag.
And then I selected Amy Butler Soul Blossom decorator twill in two coordinating prints.

In addition to layers of peltex, interfacing, and piping, and a 30" sport zipper.

Oh, yes, the  piping...which I couldn't do without my lovely new piping foot. Applause please.

My hands and fingers hurt on Saturday from holding those thick layers and carefully guiding it all through my machine.  And from all the slip-stitching of the lining to the zippered opening. And me, without a thimble. I would suggest a thimble. Later, my machine  breathed a sigh of relief when she only had to stitch together the lining. And my fingers were thankful for a rest.

I made a few changes. Of course.
Generous inside pockets were added, along with purse feet on the bottom.

I have to toot my horn a little. I'm proud of this bag. The construction, while technically pretty basic, was a challenge because of all the layers which had to be sewn together. I've never made anything quite like it. And while it may be tempting to eliminate some of the interfacing or peltex to cut corners time-wise and penny-wise, in the end, I can say that all of those steps and layers are essential to the structure of the bag.  I'm glad I took my time with it.

I've never had a pretty weekend/overnight bag. And now I do! And I can't wait to fill it up with a weekend wardrobe and then sneak away!  Follow along as Lori and I sew our way through a basic wardrobe, starting today. If you'd like to join us, stop by Lori's blog and let her know!

We promise fun and encouragement along the way!