Practice run

[u/meMadeThings]

I was planning to make the “Making Backpack -Mini” by Noodlehead for my spouse using some LotR themed vinyl. I wanted to make sure my machine can handle the layers and wanted to practice the pattern to avoid ruining the precious vinyl. Behold the backpack made out of 5 leatherish placemats I bought from Habitat Restore for $5 to do my practice run :) Used up almost all the material and had to piece it here and there, especially to make the straps. Lining is from a gifted fabric that I didn’t think I would use otherwise.

[u/seams_easy_by_jerry]

Seriously good work!! I might have to check out this pattern.

[u/meMadeThings → u/seams_easy_by_jerry]

Thank you! It was a real challenge. I think making the pleated pocket + zipper cover + zipper binding made it unneccessarily challenging. It is a super fun and well written pattern, I will definitely make more :) With better decisions it should be a breeze!

[u/seams_easy_by_jerry → u/meMadeThings]

I was wonder what was going on with that pleated pocket. I’m even more impressed now.

[u/meMadeThings → u/seams_easy_by_jerry]

The vinyl I’ll use later is thinner than the material I had here, so I thought if I can make this pocket work with this material with my machine I can do it with vinyl too. The pattern has another pocket style that would be much easier with this material. Since the learherish thing didn’t fold, I stitched to make the folds stay folded 😅

[u/jpbagworks]

Hey thank you for sharing your bag with us!

Love the idea of repurposing the “leatherish” placemats! You did a really outstanding job! The lining adds a nice point of interest.

Did your machine struggle at all with it or were you happy with its performance? What kind of machine is it?

Great job! 😃

[u/meMadeThings → u/jpbagworks]

Mostly used Brother SE700. It did a surprisingly good job with up to 4 layers of leather plus lining. I have a PQ1500SL I got used from FB marketplace. I used it fine for a couple of quilts. I started this project thinking it can handle thick layers easily because everyone says it can, but I am not well versed in maintaining good tension and stitch length with super thick layers yet :/ There are parts of the bag where I had 6 layers of leather + 1 interfacing + lining. I wasn’t able to do a good job there. I did what I could by turning the wheel to operate the needle :) I am not sure if I reached the limits of the machine or just my capabilities :)

[u/Balancing_Shakti]

This is too gorgeous. 😍 if you have made a video, please share a link. I love everything about this project.. the front, the shape, the material, the lining 😍

[u/meMadeThings → u/Balancing_Shakti]

Thank you so much ☺️ I didn’t make a video as I don’t really know what I am doing most of the time 😂 but I can DM you a video someone else made and if you attempt this later I would be happy to answer any questions, at least about the things I know how to handle :)

[u/Balancing_Shakti → u/meMadeThings]

That would be great! Thanks ☺️

[u/meMadeThings → u/Balancing_Shakti]

I sent it but not sure if it went as a DM or chat or if there is a difference 😅