This is one I made some time ago as a pattern tester, but never blogged as I wasn't sure when it was released. It's the Sloan Travel Bag from Sew Sweetness.
This is definitely the biggest bag I have ever made! I used a blue and white kind of weird fabric from the dreaded Spotlight:
The reason I say this fabric is weird is that it is kind of like an ikat, in that it has the opposite colours on the reverse side, but it's actually two fabrics glued together. I have no idea what that's called (aside from kind of weird).
As usual with Sara's patterns, this is an easy to follow pattern, even for more complicated construction elements. There is lots of cutting out which always feels like it takes forever (I just want to start sewing dammit!) but lots of cutting it out is how you end up with lots of pockets, so it's totally worth it.
This bag doesn't look so big just sitting there in a picture does it? Here it is with me for scale:
So - pretty big! It's actually the perfect two-nights-away size, and has several pockets for additional bits and bobs you might want to keep separate, both inside and outside.
You might not be able to see them that well, because I did a GREAT job of pattern matching - here is a side close-up
There is also a pocket on each side:
Less good pattern matching here :) These side pockets are supposed to have visible snaps for closures, but I didn't have any and thought they would just disappear into the fabric anyhow. I used magnetic ones inside the flap instead.
This bag definitely takes up some materials - with lots of interfacing, multiple zips and some bag hardware. I think it's worth it and the use of heavier weight structural elements like the soft and stable, peltex bottom and bag feet makes this a much more "store bought" result. You can almost imagine making coordinating travel sets - one of these for on the plane and a portside duffle in the hold? Sounds like a plan...!
I really love this bag - I did some parallel lines on the zipper recess in the top, which look super cool in the denim. My only issue is really that it's a weekend away bag, rather than an everyday one - I really like the fabrics so might have to make a more regular-use bag in the same fabrics soon!
Ciao for now!
This is definitely the biggest bag I have ever made! I used a blue and white kind of weird fabric from the dreaded Spotlight:
The reason I say this fabric is weird is that it is kind of like an ikat, in that it has the opposite colours on the reverse side, but it's actually two fabrics glued together. I have no idea what that's called (aside from kind of weird).
As usual with Sara's patterns, this is an easy to follow pattern, even for more complicated construction elements. There is lots of cutting out which always feels like it takes forever (I just want to start sewing dammit!) but lots of cutting it out is how you end up with lots of pockets, so it's totally worth it.
This bag doesn't look so big just sitting there in a picture does it? Here it is with me for scale:
So - pretty big! It's actually the perfect two-nights-away size, and has several pockets for additional bits and bobs you might want to keep separate, both inside and outside.
You might not be able to see them that well, because I did a GREAT job of pattern matching - here is a side close-up
Oops - a bit blurred! |
Less good pattern matching here :) These side pockets are supposed to have visible snaps for closures, but I didn't have any and thought they would just disappear into the fabric anyhow. I used magnetic ones inside the flap instead.
This bag definitely takes up some materials - with lots of interfacing, multiple zips and some bag hardware. I think it's worth it and the use of heavier weight structural elements like the soft and stable, peltex bottom and bag feet makes this a much more "store bought" result. You can almost imagine making coordinating travel sets - one of these for on the plane and a portside duffle in the hold? Sounds like a plan...!
I really love this bag - I did some parallel lines on the zipper recess in the top, which look super cool in the denim. My only issue is really that it's a weekend away bag, rather than an everyday one - I really like the fabrics so might have to make a more regular-use bag in the same fabrics soon!
Ciao for now!
I'm getting ready to make this bag and was looking for various pictures. And this blog post popped up. Well written and excellent pictures. Thanks! Did you ever make a smaller version?
ReplyDeleteThanks Donna! A smaller bag in the same fabric is still on my list, though I have to say this bag is pretty useful - even though it's so big! I hope your version turns out well :)
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