Bag Makers

What type of sewing enthusiast are you?

Are you

• new to sewing?
• a quilter? 
• a bag maker? 
• an embroiderer?
• a tailor, seamstress, dressmaker? or 
• a home decor sewer?

I have been sewing for many years and primarily make clothes for myself and my family. In 2017, I purchased the Brother Dream Machine 2 and began embroidering images like a mad woman. At least three times a week you can hear this machine stitching away in my craftroom. Most recently, I have expanded my sewing interest to bag making.

YouTube and Pinterest are great feeders to sparking new interests.

I love watching crafting tutorials while eating breakfast, ironing clothes, or anything else that I do that does not require concentration.

It was during one of these mindless moments that I discovered Sara Lawson's YouTube videos where she demonstrates the construction of different elements in the bag or purse making process, such as recessed zipper, adjustable straps, and making your own piping. The great thing with learning new techniques is that they are transferable to other types of projects. For instance, piping can be used in bags, cushion covers, in jacket seams all providing a little extra flair to your project.   

My husband requested, "Do you think you could make me a bag to carry my fishing reels from one fishing derby to another?" and my reply was "Of course I can". I was looking for a reason to try out one of Sara's bag patterns. I chose the Crimson and Clover Train Case.

The pattern does not include the removable dividers. I adapted the inside of the bag to meet my husband's need to carry 4 reels. Camera bags use the same type of dividers to protect the different camera lenses.

Sara's instructions are easy to follow and the finish product is beautiful, sturdy and well constructed. The layers that she recommends (fabric, interfacing, foam, etc.) creates a stable and durable bag.

You may want to visit Sew Sweetness and take a look at all the other bag patterns.

Before 2019 is done, I intend on sewing and posting a finished Tudor-Bag.

Please note that I recommend Sara Lawson and Sew Sweetness because I enjoyed the product and the process, not because I am being paid to do so.