a little bag

Went to a quilt show at the end of May – Quilters Unlimited Chantilly Show at Dulles Expo Center. I picked up a kit to make a “beatle bag”.  This kit included the pattern and the little clear view zipper pockets.  I picked up all the necessary items (Velcro, soft and stable, fabric, and a 2″ ring)  and set to working on it.

Let me tell you that my resulting bag is just “ok” in my opinion.   I had a terrible time with the tension of my machine while trying to sew velcro, and while trying to stitch the straps. Oh, yes,  and clearly understanding some of the directions.  Thank goodness my quilt bee buddy Barbara also bought the pattern and had finished her bag already.  (Text messages and phone calls saved the day!!) Barbara used to teach sewing, and her advice was awesome.  I switched to a ball point needle and had better luck sewing the velcro.  I should have switched back to a regular needle before I worked on the straps.  Again, I had tension issues.  (My fix; after the fact was to top stitch with a fancy stitch).

I did a lot of seam ripping on this project.  Figured out a bunch of things I would do “differently” next time. (Like fun fancy top stitching on the strap handles in the beginning).

I think I have enough “soft and stable” to make another bag.  I would NOT put the soft & stable in every place the pattern suggests (like in the pockets).  Now, I am wondering if I can find these zipper pockets someplace else?  Oh, and my hubby thinks if I made the “rectangle” just a bit bigger, it might lay a little “flatter” instead of so ROUND.  One thing I liked about the pattern was it gave a suggested list of things to include “in your bag” once it is made.  So, no close up pix…but have to report it is packed and ready to go to the next guild sewing event!!  I added a couple things to the list of contents too; like a pen and a small stack of post it notes, a pencil / sharpener, a sharpie, and a small tablet.  And NO chocolate…last thing I want is a melted mess in my bag…funny how the chocolate was on the list about 5 times.

Great concept, bag should remain packed with all your goods. Supply list was included. Pattern included the plastic pockets.