You know those times you get a project idea in your head, and you know it is going to be so breathtakingly fantastic you have to make RIGHT NOW or someone might get hurt? This was a “craft craving” stronger than any food craving I’ve encountered in 146 weeks of pregnancy so far.
It started when I stumbled across a free downloadable Amy Butler pattern – the “Blossom Bag” from her Style Stitches book. An old wool coat found on the top of my “to donate” pile sealed the deal. I had to make it.
Unfortunately, this craving struck right as we were packing up to leave on a week-long family visit. On the bright side, it gave me more time to fantasize and plan out little details like switching out some of the accent pieces to scrap leather, and how to work in these fantastic little custom labels my in-laws gave me for Christmas. (Thank you, Mama and Papa!)
The cutting counter lady was very skeptical about the impressive quantity of interfacing and stabilizer the project requires. Do not skimp on it. It really gave body and shape to the bag. Peltex is some amazing stuff.
The wool was wonderful to work with. It has a lot of body and hid any sloppy stitches. Even with the thickness of it, I was still able to sew through 8 layers of it, plus 2 layers of stabilizer and interfacing. OK, Tabitha did whine a little, but it was still doable. The only part I did have to redo was the flap closure attachment. I couldn’t make my stitch lines straight enough to be happy. Instead, I hand sewed the flap on with a ladder stitch.
This bag is wonderfully roomy. It easily contains a wallet, planner, notebook, small bible, cellphone, keys, lotion, makeup, pens, and more. Next fall, I’ll slip in a couple diapers and travel wipes, too. 🙂
Now that I’ve sufficiently satisfied myself, on to my Project 12 goal!
Beautiful. Your work makes me want to line up materials for another bag once the Weekender is done.
Leila, I am really excited about your Weekend bag. Great color choices and detailing.
Oh yes!!! Truly fantastic work 🙂 I love it, and I love the pink inside!! I downloaded the pattern too, and your bag makes me want to make it more than the original!! Bravo, Jodi!
Thanks, Karen! 🙂
Also, now that I have played with this wool, it makes me curious about felting sweaters. I may be asking you some questions in the near future.
Gorgeous! I have been wanting to make this bag for weeks.. You have inspired me.
Hi Jodi – I stumbled on this via twitter and I just had to write down how amazing this bag is. I LOVE bags with pockets inside and this is so well made. I’m also loving that you repurposed an old coat. And the photo out in the snow, genuis.
Hats off to you, clever lady!! ;-D
Abi (SewYou)
p.s. am now following on twitter. yay!
I’m excited to make your acquittance, Abi! I <3 twitter for finding new crafting peeps.
Absolutely amazing!! I need to make one!
Quick! Quick! Before your baby is born! 🙂
Love your bag! Gorgeous! Such a rich grey wool – beautifully done.
Thank you! And good luck with your 2011 sewing goal!
So great to see the bag all finished! I love the custom tags- what a great present! The photography rocks, as usual. 🙂
great job! I love the lining. I’ll definitely bookmark that pattern.
This is an amazing bag! Amy Butler is hands down one of my favorite artists. Huge fan. And I love that you recycled a coat for this project. But now for that person who could use a coat. Hmmm…
I found your project from Style Stitches Sew Along. This is the most creative fabric choice of this bag so far. Most people, including myself, would use floral or modern print. However, the gray wool you use made this bag a real chic.
Why thank you! I am excited that it is getting colder and I can pull it out again soon. 🙂
Woops! I didn’t find it from Style Stitches Sew Along. I googled this bag and one of the your photo appeared in the search result. That’s how I found your blog. 🙂
Great inspiration!! I have Amy Butler’s book, and this bag has been on my ‘to make’ list…