This month saw my final project with Sew Hot as their bag maker brand rep over on Instagram and I got to play with these gorgeous "Tomato Tomahto" prints from Ruby Star Society! I also received a paper version of the Duffel Backpack Pattern by Sewing Patterns by Mrs H which is a beginner friendly pattern for anyone delving into the exciting world of bag making!
It reminds me of how I started Sew Sofia almost 12 years ago making a PE kit bag for Sofia! Although for that I used a rather basic pattern from the Cath Kidston book "Sew" which had no lining so I had to work out how to add one, no interfacing, raw edges on the drawstring casing and a cord which would fray in no time. But you have to admit, not bad for my first bag ever?! And how cute is my little Sofia!
So here are all the supplies that I received from Sew Hot for my project:
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Tomato Tomahto Colander Toss Billiard - Ruby Star Society
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Tomato Tomahto Fiore del Radiatore Navy - Ruby Star Society
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Grid Metallic Copper - Ruby Star Society
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Little Lacie Zipper 8" Navy Blue
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1" Flat Rectangular Rings antique brass - Emmaline Bag
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14mm magnetic snaps antique brass - Emmaline Bags
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Metal bag label "Handmade" in antique brass - Emmaline Bags
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Duffel Backpack pattern from Sewing Patterns by Mrs H
Added to this from my own supplies:
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2yd of G700 Vlieseline woven cotton interfacing
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1 yd of Foam headliner
The pattern comes with a full length video tutorial by Mrs H herself, which I would highly recommend watching before you start sewing. It's also nice to sew along to someone else's voice for company!
I almost opted for a sew-in fleece rather than foam interlining as I figured it would be too structured to draw in the top, but I rather like the smooth, squishy, padded result with the foam.
The single strap is threaded through a wide casing and then crisscrossed to draw in the top and wear backpack style. A very clever feature!
If it ain't perfect on the inside, it won't be perfect on the outside! But if you follow Mrs H's instructions and stick to the seam allowance, inserting the oval bottom is easy as pie!
The perfect bottom, I'd say!
She stands alone! The added foam interlining enables the bag to stand, rather than flop, making it easier to pack stuff in.
A professional touch, Sew Hot carries a huge range of Emmaline and other designer bag metal hardware for creating that perfect finish to a bag.
The lining is one long piece wrapped around an oval base. I switched the lace zipper for some #3 zipper tape for the inner pocket and decided to save it for a little extra accessory at the end. There is also a slip pocket inside.
The lining fits perfectly and adds a roundness to the finished bag.
And here is the finished bag! Really pleased with how it turned out and I love these fresh green and navy colours together.
As for that cute 20cm lace zipper, I made a matching pencil pouch with added elastic to loop onto a journal. Adapted from a free tutorial by Torie Jayne. Cute huh? This is such a great scrap buster project too.
So there you have it! It's been such an amazing opportunity to work with Sew Hot on some exciting bag projects, trying out new fabrics, hardware and patterns - as well as getting to know the other talented bag reps in this year's group. It really has been like our own little private Sewing Bee!
If you're on Instagram, do follow the #SewHotBrandRep hashtag to discover all the other quilters, dressmakers and bag maker creations!