Monday, January 23, 2012

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!

15 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  2. Gorgeous bag, Lynne. You will so enjoy it, so where is JR taking you so you can use it?

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  3. Very nice! It is worth all the effort indeed! Have great getaway adventures with it!

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  4. The bag looks super! It's not easy sewing bags. Conceptually it is easy, in practice getting a home sewing machine through al those thick layers is a real challenge. Well done!

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  5. WOW! How impressive! You did an awesome job and I love the fabrics picked.

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  6. That is wonderful! Now you have to plan a nice weekend away.
    I'm a big fan of piping. It adds a finish like nothing else.

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  7. An amazing accomplishment, you must be very proud! The bag looks great!

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  8. Beautiful! That bag is just gorgeous. You are one very talented woman. I love the fabric you selected. I share your enthusiasm for a piping foot. I invested in two different sized piping feet for my machine. They make adding piping a breeze. That's for sharing your projects with us. I really enjoy your blog. • Linda•

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  9. Your bag looks amazing! So now the ponte pants should be a breeze, right?

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  10. It's gorgeous - I've been contemplating the pattern for quite a while and I think you've just convinced me to buy it.

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  11. WOW that is amazing. Can't believe you made that. Its awesome!! You are such a great seamstress for sure. Thanks for sharing...

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  12. What a PERFECT bag!!! I LOVE the color/pattern and style! I want one (smile)!

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  13. Wow! I am beyond impressed with that bag! You are one accomplished seamstress. I'm not sure I could even figure out the directions!
    ;-) Love the color and pattern too.

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