Another morning post, this time because of the weather! We're in the middle of our first big snowstorm in Wisconsin, and blizzard conditions are supposed to start at noon. I thought I better blog earlier rather than later! Glad I don't have to leave the house all day!
I'm so happy to cross this finish off my list! I started this bag in the beginning of November, working on it here and there when I found time. The pattern is the Holiday in London Duffle Bag by Bari J (you can find it for sale here). I choose to deviate from the pattern slightly by using patchwork panels constructed using a quilt as you go method. This means leaving out interfacing and using batting + cotton duck canvas. I also left out the final step of pintucking the edges. I started and my machine was just not having it, too many thick layers!
The patchwork portion of this bag took so much longer than I expected. I'm just glad that it was worth it! I started with Pat Bravo's Rock n' Romance and added Art Gallery blenders and prints in similar colors from other lines. All the quilting was done with my favorite color of Aurifil 50wt thread, #2600, a light gray.
The bag features handles and a long strap, which is awesome. I've always missed having a long strap on my other duffle bag. I had no luck finding the hardware locally, so I ordered it from here.
I used Anna's super easy tutorial for making piping. I didn't know it was so easy! I could have stitched a little closer when I stitched it in place, but oh well. It was my first time using piping, so I was happy as pie just to get it on there!
This was my first time using a metal zipper (successfully), and I like how fancy it looks. I added a bit of faux leather cord as a zipper pull.
The inside features the same pockets as the outside, and a removable stiff bottom. I might remake mine, I cut it a little small on accident, so it doesn't really do it's job. I think I'll use thick template plastic next time.
It was a race against the clock that got this bag finished up. We're leaving for Ohio (cross your fingers this storm finishes in time) on Saturday and I really wanted to take it home with me. It's going to hold a lot of stuff! Here is a size reference photo with my clear ruler.
I think if I make this bag again, I'll use the recommended fabric and interfacing. There were definitely times when I knew my choices (lots of seams, batting, canvas) were making things more difficult than they needed to be. Thank goodness I love it, and patchwork!
Happy Sewing!
This is gorgeous Jenny - looks like the difficulty due to seams/batting/canvas were well worth it!!
ReplyDeleteFabulous bag, Jenny!! I can't imagine how difficult it was to sew!
ReplyDeleteLOVE IT! =) I am waiting on hardware to get here to make another! <3
ReplyDeleteJenny, this is over-the-top fabulous! I love everything about it!
ReplyDeleteOne of the prettiest duffles I have ever seen! I want one.
ReplyDeleteThat is right fancy!
ReplyDeletewow, it's gorgeous! Enjoy.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous finish, Jeni!! The QAYG looks amazing for it!!
ReplyDeleteThis is SOOOOOO beautiful!! I have a half-yard bundle of the Indie line and I want to make a duffel but I'm not sure which pattern to use. I'm kind of scared of QAYG, but after seeing this I might try it.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous bag! I need one of these and have had the Weekender pattern FOR-ever :)
ReplyDeleteIt looks fabulous.
ReplyDeleteSooo pretty! I really want to make one, is so gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteSo pretty! You did great!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous!!! I would love to have a bag like that or the talent to at least make myself one..
ReplyDeleteWow!
ReplyDeleteThis is so gorgeous, Jeni! Good job!!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Sew inspiring! Merry Christmas
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this. Beautiful work!
ReplyDeleteWow it's gorgeous. Definitely worth it. You're inspiring me to upgrade my luggage to handmade, even though I don't travel that much and have perfectly good luggage already! Haha, it's the sewist's curse striking again. ;)
ReplyDeleteIt turned out perfect! Hope that storm behaves itself.
ReplyDeleteLove it. LOVE IT. Really, I love it . Did I tell you how fantastic the colors and textures are? Carry that one with pride.
ReplyDeleteI'm really loving the quilt-as-you-go-patchwork look in the bags these days. Yours looks fabulous. Thanks for the inspiration. and be safe traveling!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas.
I am so impressed! This bag is fabulous. The patchwork on the outside is a great touch
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful! I've been toying with this idea of making myself a "luggage set". This might be the push I need.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bag! Love it a lot! Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThis is a BEAUTIFUL bag. I love it! I don't have anything to carry in it but I want one just to carry it...even if its empty. ;) Just lovely!
ReplyDeleteHi Jeni,
ReplyDeleteI love this bag, and I also love reading your blog. I have been a reader for awhile, but haven't commented much or at all, sorry about that.
I really enjoy seeing your pyrex and thrifting adventures, and George is as cute as a button. I know how much you love rabbits, and I was shopping at Kohls this weekend and wanted to share this with you. I was browsing the jewelry and saw this and thought instantly of you, I hope you like it. I don't know if you have a Kohls near you, so if not maybe you won't be interested.
The brand is Vera Wang and it's a whole line of (new to me) jewelry with a number of rabbity items. I loved this bracelet (http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1238563/princess-vera-wang-gold-tone-bunny-link-stretch-bracelet.jsp) which they had in a multicolor as well. I think you might also like this necklace (http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1141213/princess-vera-wang-gold-tone-simulated-crystal-rabbit-necklace.jsp) and ring (http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1238580/princess-vera-wang-gold-tone-simulated-crystal-bunny-ring.jsp). Anyway just thought in case you were looking for some last minute gifts or something, I hope you don't feel like I am advertising or anything. I don't work for Kohls, just was shopping there the other day and thought of you.
I am sorry if you have already seen this or it's not really your style :) But hope you enjoy, and have a happy holidays. I am looking forward to your Flickr Favorites tomorrow, and hope to enjoy many more months of wonderful blog reading to come.
Those are awesome! I hadn't seen those! Thanks for sharing!
DeleteGreat bag, Jeni! Have a safe ride home. It's really windy and raining in Cleveland but we are supposed to get snow late tonight.
ReplyDeleteWow! this is such a beautiful bag!!!! love it! love it!
ReplyDeletehave a safe trip home! = )
Wow! I really love the colors in this one. Nicely done. Have a great trip!
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful ^_^
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I'm really loving all the bags I see with the quilt as you go method, I really have to try my hands at it myself soon =)
ReplyDeleteJeni - I love your bag! I have been looking for a while for a duffel bag pattern, as we seem to have no smaller bags only huge suitcases for long travel. I was wondering can you comment on if the long handle on the bag can support the bag being fully loaded? It seems a big thin compared to the size of the bag. This bag will be on my to do list for the first part of 2013 as I really need a bag by easter break. Thanks again for sharing Jeni and have a safe trip back to Ohio for the holidays.
ReplyDeleteWill report back once I use it!
DeleteBeautiful bag and fantastic job! I also live in Wisconsin and am snowed in at this very moment. You've inspired me to hit the sewing machine today and get creative!
ReplyDeleteSafe travels!
Love it Jeni... I think I need one!
ReplyDeleteI love it. Will you make one for me? LOL. It's really great.
ReplyDeleteThis bag is GORGEOUS!!! Fabulous job! I've had a patchwork duffle on my to do list for a while now... I may just have to bump it closer to the top! Thanks for the inspiration! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Jenni this bag is gorgoeus. Are you going to share how you made this if we buy the original pattern please?
ReplyDeletePatricia xxx
Hi Patricia,
DeleteThere are full instructions for the bag construction in the pattern. There is a tutorial for doing the patchwork here: http://www.ohfransson.com/oh_fransson/2012/10/how-to-make-quilted-panels-for-a-structured-bag.html
Soo pretty!! A duffle is on my To-Sew list for 2013. LOVE yours.
ReplyDeleteGenevieve
The leather bags are easy and useful bags for travel and journey it has additional benefits to carry more items. By this leather duffel bags are sufficient and convenient bags to useful for men and women.Thanks for sharing your good information.
ReplyDeleteThis is just too cute. I love the patchwork design, it's really one of a kind and the patterns are just so lovely. This is definitely a great share.
ReplyDeleteHello, I love your bag. I’m trying to make the same bag but I’m having some trouble following the included directions and the YouTube videos don’t address my specific areas of concern. I tried going to the pattern designers website for contact info but the web listed on the pattern is no longer active. I found your blog via a google search for the bag. Would you mind answering some questions for me? If so, please email me at MizzLewis@msn.com. I’ve put the pocket with piping on the front and rear panels but then I’m stuck on what’s next with the lining pieces. Thanks!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear it's giving you trouble! I actually don't even have the pattern anymore, so I'm not sure I can be much help. It's been so long since I made this one!
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