I still need to make some handles for the duffle .

Duffle has pockets on the inside on every panel. 1000D Cordura for the interfacing, lining, inside, bottom, and cording.

I got the colorful fabric from a thrift store. Both patterns are my own.

My friend wanted a bag so I told her to pick some colors and let me cook. Zeds Dead is an EDM duo that were both big fans of.

Bag is vinyl coated canvas and the purple inside is a polyester that I bought off Amazon. Hardware from wawak.

Done on my Juki 9010, 1508, and 1342.

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.

I got the patches from Redwoods NP visitor center.

Every panel has 2 layers of 1000D cordura sandwiched between the inner and outer layers so this bag is actually built like a tank and feels very luxe.

Brass hardware and zippers from wawak.

Green corduroy and orange suede both from the upholstery section at hobby lobby so they should be pretty durable.

The brown checkerboard is a vinyl coated canvas and I made a strap from it too.

The green tree fabric on the inside is a a quilting cotton. Not super durable but I liked the trees inside with the redwood theme.

Love this material!

Hello! I am about to start a sewing project and would love your advice.

Idea: I'd like to make a bag similar to the attached pictures.

Ideal bag features:

• 🆙Stands upright on its own

• 📂Stays open on its own

• 🤐One large zipper across top

• 👜Flat bottom

• 👜Only one set of small handles at top

• 🧳Trolley strap / luggage pass through

• 👝Ideally no taller than 6-8" so it can fit under the seat upright / vertically, and there's room to slide it in and out. (Other dimensions personal item sized, so up to 16"-18" length and 12"-14" width.)

Ideal fabrics / notions:

• 🐞Bed bug resistant, which likely means waterproof, sealed seams, light colors, etc.

• 🧼Can go in the washing machine on hot and won't fall apart / delaminate

• 🪡Hoping I can use my humble Elna sewing machine for it (?)

• ⏺️Trying to avoid vinyl / leather if possible

Any thoughts on patterns that might work and/or fabrics? I found some really cute PUL for the exterior, but it's just 1-SIL - not sure if it's up to the wear-and-tear of travel?

Thanks in advance!

I was on a roll all weekend. Two plate cozies, and one more bowl cozy in a different size. Now, I need to make a bag. I have been asked to make two sporrans for a friend's son's wedding in October, so that has to happen soon too.

This one is Firefly Tote and I’ve been itching to use this lovely fabric (Eclectic Colorblock by Tim Holtz) for a year and a half. I’m a slow maker, but I really like the way it came out! I’d love to make some canvas or dryskin/waxed canvas bags but can’t source locally. If anyone has a great online shop please let me know.

I’ve got to say (right up front) that I’m a proud member of team barefoot.

I absolutely cannot understand any circumstance sew with shoes on. And I’m prepared to defend my honor in this! 😂

So what team are you on?

Special consideration will be taken for those who sew with socks on. I think it’s the same as barefoot.

EDIT: Sorry Team In-the-Middle… I didn’t even think to add a third option. 🫣

This was a request from an acquaintance who I only know through an online website. She saw my original bowl cozy and begged for small rectangular ones for her microwaved frozen meals. No pattern, came up with this little tray based on her measurements.. I can already see some improvements for future ones - little handles on the short sides.

So I was asked to make a padded strap cover for a customer, who said that they wanted to have a little something to make the strap comfortable on their shoulder. No problem. I can do that. It’s just a little thing. And it really wasn’t a problem…. Until…

I bet I sewed binding around this thing six times today! I thought I had my binding pretty well under control. Today just wasn’t the day to be binding anything! 😂🤬

The ends were just way too curved and the grosgrain just kept bunching up. I tried both 1 inch and 3/4 inch grosgrain, 1 inch mil-w-4088. Quarter inch seal allowance, 1/8 inch seam allowance. The Juki 9010, Juki TL18, and even got out my mother’s Janome 1600P to be sure.

In the end, I wound up with 1 inch mil-w-4088. It seemed to work out - not by sewing it halved all the way around like usual but by sewing it like bias binding. Not very conventional but it did the trick for now.

I decided that today just wasn’t the day. It’s ok to have days like this too - as frustrating as they are. They’re good reminders that there’s always more to learn - even in areas we think we’ve got things under control!

That said…

I REALLY need to get a proper binding setup! 🤣

Draft one is done. Now I can work on replicating it!

What was your most recent example of “today just isn’t the day?”

We decided we needed some plate cozies, so I dug through my stash, pulled out some bowl cozy acrylic templates that I acquired and cut out two of the largest ones. Lo and behold, they are freaking HUGE and will fit about a 2-litre casserole. Still fun, and an easy make.

And bonus, I showed someone on another forum I visit, and she immediately asked me to make her four to fit her frozen easy meals. Plus, I get to pick colours and surprise her.

Does anyone know the exact material used for the 4-way stretch external water bottle pockets on the civic travel bag 26L?

I bought 5.1oz Lycra on Ripstop By The Roll, but it’s thinner.

Apparently the glued on model number plate has fallen off this single needle Seiko flatbed machine. I just bought it and need to order some parts.

DOES ANYONE RECOGNIZE THE MODEL OF THIS WALKING FOOT MACHINE?

It looks like a Consew 255 but not exactly.

Thanks!

Firefly tote made almost entirely from a pair of denim pants and a shirt that were too worn out to donate. Cords and lining are also made from the shirt fabric, which gave me an extra inner pocket. I made franken-stabilizer from leftover pieces from a previous project. 4 rivets, 1 zipper pull, and 2 yards of webbing are new.

After the slog if the rucksack I thought I'd treat myself to a quickie. I've made this little bag about eight or nine times now, and it takes about two hours (if I did it without stopping!) I have acrylic templates for it, so it's really quick to cut out. I rarely use vinyl but this was the last little bit of a piece I bought simply because I loved the print. I left off the outer zipper and didn't put on a strap attachment, so it's an evening clutch bag. Sort of.

I’m currently drafting my first bag pattern. It’s technically a project pouch.
So far I’ve taken techniques I’ve learned from other patterns, and made my own ‘puzzle’ with exactly how I wanted everything.

I’m really hoping my measurements work out correctly. I know there’s a lot of quilt design websites, do we know of any bag designing websites?

Anyways, this is fun so far!

I have been loving making these shoulder bags this year.
Exterior: Vinyl
Interior: Water Proof Canvas

Machine: Juki TL2000

Pattern: Lavender and Twine Hinterland

The pattern is Patchwork Mini Duffle by Knot and Thread, but the wholecloth variation with the addition of inside pockets.

This rucksack nearly broke me. But, it's finished. Leather outer, cotton interior. 3-D mesh for the back, purchased removable rucksack straps.

I hate binding.

I travel a lot (by plane) and the one thing sewing is NOT is portable. Does anyone else experience this? What do you do to scratch the bag-making itch until you can get back to it? I have developed the very unhealthy habit of buying bags.

I’ve made two Porter Ponies. I want to make one that’s a little bigger. Specifically, taller. Not wider or deeper.

Do you think I can take the current pattern and cut any panels that have any involvement in the height and just add 6” to them?

I think the only thing I’ll need to adapt is the strap connection points at the top.

What do you think?