Sew Together Bag SAL // Week 5: Finishing It Up! (last zipper + bindings)

Ok - Technically I should have waited a week for this, but I just couldn't help myself!  We need to get these cute Sew Together bags finished! 

Which is exactly what we're going to do today:  

- final zipper

- binding

- zipper tabs

Attaching the last zipper + bindings:

Final Step: Zipper Tabs!

One thing to mention: if you're using a Long Pull zipper like I am here (long pull zipper = wider), you will need to make your tabs a bit bigger.  Cut (2) 2"x6".

And just like that, you have a finished Sew Together Bag!  Please be sure to tag me when you post photos of your bags - seeing your progress (and your joy in the journey) is often the highlight of my day!

Sew Together Bag Sew-Along schedule:

(click on any previous date to be taken to that week's blog post)

July 19 - Intro (part 1): Supplies 

July 26 - Intro (part 2): Ideas for Personalizing Your Outer Panel

Aug 2 - Week 1: Cutting + Interfacing

Aug 9 - Week 2: Outer Panel

Aug 16 - Week 3: Insides (zippers)

Aug 23 - Week 4: Attaching the Sides (and Binding!)

Aug 30 - Week 5: Finishing It Up! (final zipper + binding)

Sew Together Bag SAL // Week 4: Attaching the Sides (and Binding!)

It's week 4 of our Sew Together Bag SAL, and if you've made it this far, you made it through zippers!  What did you think?  Easier than you thought? (I'll try not to say I told you so!) And isn't it fun to learn something new?

This week we will be attaching the SIDES (and side bindings), which instantly transforms this into a 3-dimensional bag.  

I've broken the videos down into smaller chunks, so you can watch whatever steps you need help with. Through the videos I often mention helpful tips - things I've learned along the way to make this bag a bit easier - so I'd suggest giving the videos a watch before you get started (if you have the time), because you might pick up a few things that make it more effortless.

*One thing I would like to mention: If you're going to add a label to your bag, now would be the time!  (I forgot to add mine at this point, and as you can see in the photo above, and it's harder to add it later on.)

Prep the zipper pockets for the side panels

-clean up (trim) the sides of your zipper pockets

-stitch 1/8" along sides of zipper pockets (don't stitch past the 3.5" pocket line!)

-zig zag along edge (I skip this step, since I sew on a juki and it's only a straight stitch and I'm lazy!)

Sew your side panel pieces

Don't forget to:

- pivot at the corners

- increase your stitch length when you topstitch!

In my video, I share a simple way to mark your side panels.

Attach the side panels to the zipper pockets

Attach the inside of your bag to the outer panel, and adding side bindings.

And there you have it!  Have fun sewing!

If you want to reference previous posts, here's the links:

Sew Together Bag Sew-Along schedule:

(click on any previous date to be taken to that week's blog post)

July 19 - Intro (part 1): Supplies 

July 26 - Intro (part 2): Ideas for Personalizing Your Outer Panel

Aug 2 - Week 1: Cutting + Interfacing

Aug 9 - Week 2: Outer Panel

Aug 16 - Week 3: Insides (zippers)

Aug 23 - Week 4: Attaching the Sides (and Binding!)

Aug 30 - Week 5: Finishing It Up! (final zipper + binding)

Sew Together Bag SAL // Week 3: Zippers + Topstitching

This week is probably the most highly anticipated week of our Sew Together Bag sew-along:  Zipper week!  This week we are adding zippers and making our pockets. 

If you don't have much previous experience sewing zippers, then I'm guessing you're either excited, nervous, or both.  But I can promise that once you've sewn one, you'll realize they aren't as hard as you thought.  And what a sense of accomplishment you'll have, as well.  

Just a quick note: Zipper feet are designed to glide along the SIDE of the zipper (rather than run over the top of the zipper teeth).  You will need to move your needle position to the right and left, depending on which size of the zipper you're sewing (but we cover all this in the video!).

I think being able to watch and see how it's done is very helpful, so this week's instruction is all on video. 

 In the video I cover:
- laying out your pocket pieces
- zipper feet (and how they work)
- getting everything pinned in place
- sewing your 9" zippers (and a few tips on this!)
- topstitching
- marking and sewing your pockets' dividing lines 

Our homework for Week 3 is everything I cover in the video:

- adding your (3) 9" zippers

- topstitching

- sewing your pockets' dividing lines

If you're learning something new, I'm excited for you to have fun this week doing it.  And for all you old pro's out there, be sure and give some encouragement/guidance to anyone who needs it!

Thanks for sewing along with me!

Sew Together Bag Sew-Along schedule:

(click on any previous date to be taken to that week's blog post)

July 19 - Intro (part 1): Supplies 

July 26 - Intro (part 2): Ideas for Personalizing Your Outer Panel

Aug 2 - Week 1: Cutting + Interfacing

Aug 9 - Week 2: Outer Panel

Aug 16 - Week 3: Insides (zippers)

Aug 23 - Week 4: Attaching the Sides

Aug 30 - Week 5: Finishing It Up!

INTRO (Part 2): Ideas for Personalizing Your Outer Panel // Sew Together Bag sew-along

Welcome to the 2nd week of our Sew Together Bag Sew Along.  It's the final day of our INTRO portion, and then we will actually begin!  But for today, we will be talking about ideas for personalizing your bag's outer panel design, while people wait for their zippers to arrive in the mail. =)

It seems to me that for most of us, the two most intimidating parts of the Sew Together Bag are either the zippers OR deciding on the design and colors for the bag.  There are so many cute and creative ideas out there, it can almost paralyze those of us who are indecisive (me!), and make it hard to start.

Bag by Amanda @a.crafty.fox (read her post about this bag HERE)

Before I jump into a few specifics on a few designs, my number one suggestion would be to search the hashtag #sewtogetherbag on Instagram.  There are scads of variations and you're bound to find one that resonates with you!

Bag by Chrissy @SewLux (visit her website HERE)

Screen shot bags you like (or save them to one of your "folders" on IG) and then go back and look at the ones you liked.  Are you seeing a re-ocurring theme, whether it's colors... styles?  It's ok to find inspiration from other creative sewing friends!

As I was browsing the hashtag last week, I found so many cute ideas!  You will too!

But for today, here are a few of my go-to designs, and the cutting dimensions I use.

PIECED PATCHWORK STRIP

This design is very simple to do AND easy to customize.  I love throwing in a Tiny 2" Patchwork Star...

 adding an initial (we will cover applique more on week 4)

or just highlighting some of my favorite scraps.

To make the Patchwork Strip, I use: 

(5) 2.5" squares

(1)  2"x10" background fabric

(1) 10"x10" background fabric

Sew together, add interfacing, quilt, and then trim to size.

PATCHWORK

This is probably one of my current favoites.  It looks cute on it's own, or you can add applique for extra personalization!

To do this, you will need:

(35) 2.5" squares, sewn together in a 5 across x 7 down pattern.

Sew your rows together, press, interface, quilt and then trim to size.

APPLIQUE

This simple design certainly showcases whatever image you want to applique.  I know I keep saying this, but I promise I'll cover applique in Week 2.  It's not something I've done very much of - or would say I'm necessarily proficient at - but I've found the freehand method from the book Sew Illustrated to be quite fun, even for a beginner like me.  And besides that, when you add applique to an item, it makes a very special, personalized bag/gift.  

OTHER IDEAS

And these were just three (of the many) I saw this week that drew me in...

Chrissy is making this one right now, to go with our sew along.  Aren't those diamonds something else?

 photo by Chrissy @sewlux

If you haven't ever tried making tiny dresden blocks, Amanda's bag might convice you to change that! (read her blog post HERE)

Amanda @a.crafty.fox

This paper pieced bag is by Tori, and was my oldest daughter Ellie's inspiration for the bag she's going to make.

by Tori @cloudtori

 But we pieced hers with simple patchwork, since all her letters had straight sides.)

So your homework for the week is this:

1) Decide on the design for your bag, 

2) gather up your fabric, zippers, and other supplies

3) Post a picture of your supplies and use the hashtag #sewtogetherbagSAL so we can see what each other is doig! (and be sure to tag me too! @RedRainbootsHandmade)

And next week.... we begin CUTTING AND INTERFACING!!!

Can't wait to see what colors and design you decide on!

As a reminder, here's the schedule for our Sew-Along:

(click on any previous date to be taken to that week's blog post)

July 19 - Intro (part 1): Supplies 

July 26 - Intro (part 2): Ideas for Personalizing Your Outer Panel

Aug 2 - Week 1: Cutting + Interfacing

Aug 9 - Week 2: Outer Panel

Aug 16 - Week 3: Insides (zippers)

Aug 23 - Week 4: Attaching the Sides

Aug 30 - Week 5: Finishing It Up!

First-Aid Pouch - Pattern Now Available!

Wow!!  I had no idea there would be such an astounding response to the Travel First Aid pouches I posted last week!  As a result, I decided to write up the pattern, so you can make them too. 

Pattern now available in my Etsy Shop and at Craftsy.com as an instant PDF download!

 

Etsy Shop (click here for pattern)

Craftsy (click here for pattern) 

I think they would make such cute Mother's Day gifts, don't you?!

Travel First-Aid Pouches {and Giveaway!}

You know those projects you've wanted to get around to doing for a long time, but never do?  A first-aid bag (for my purse) was one of those things for me.  With 5 little kids, everywhere we go someone is getting hurt, a splinter, a scratch, or simply in need of a little TLC.  =)

A dear friend of mine is having a birthday next week, which pushed me to make one for her... then one for me... a few for my Etsy shop (you know - while I'm at it!), and one over on my Instagram for a fun GIVEAWAY! (see bottom of this post)
(And then...as I'm making 6 pouches, I wonder to myself: how does a person make just ONE of anything?  hmmm...beats me.)

I made up my pattern as I went along - which was frustrating while I was doing it.  But the multiple styles/sizes ended up being fun!  Sometimes when I sew I have to remind myself that "learning while doing" is a part of things, and to not let it frustrate me.  Of course, I learned a few valuable things along the way, and LOVED them once they were done. =)

These 2 styles (below) are available in my Etsy Shop (while supplies last).

But this little guy is for ONE LUCKY WINNER!   (Don't you just adore the blue lining with the little dogs?!)

 

- Giveaway Now Closed -
(pattern now for sale - click here)

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:
Head on over to my Instagram account (click here to enter!) 

1- be sure you're following me,

2- tag as many friends as you want! 

One lucky winner will be picked this Sunday (3/15/15) at 6pm Mountain Time.

 

Good luck!