Amber Rohrer :: studio AR

Poolside Tote by Noodlehead

 

This bag has been on my to-do list FOREVER! I can't believe I waited so long! It went together so fast! Exterior fabric is laminated cotton from Tula Pink. Pattern by Anna Graham.

OVERSIZED Swoon Dorthy Day Tripper for Noi

 

I love Instagram. There is so much inspiration to be seen and soaked in on a daily basis. Yes, it can be overwhelming at time (which is why I take social media breaks regularly) but most of the time it's awesome to share a space with so many other makers.

This bag was jump started by a bag that Kelby made for herself. She enlarged a Swoon pattern to use for a beach bag and when I saw it, I knew that it was perfect as a travel bag for Noi!

 

 

I think Kelby's bag is slightly smaller as this bag is enlarged at 141% - crazy, I know! But it turned out so good!

 

 

I used my favorite sparkle vinyl for the handles and the bottom base.

And I added a little BLING with some rhinestone rivets on the handles.

 

 

I already have plans to make another one! It's perfect for a long weekend trip! So much room!

Pattern: Swoon Dorothy

Fabric: Heather Ross

Rivets: Tandy Leather

Vinyl: Fabric.com

Day #2 of the Sew Together Bag Sew A-Long :: Zippers!

Welcome to ZIPPER DAY!

 After today you will be a PRO at installing nylon zippers! I have a a video showing you some easy tips, tricks and cheats to installing a zipper fast and easily!

I am using regular #3 sized YKK zippers ( these are also the same size you see in packets at Joann's and other craft stores ) for the interior pockets and a #4.5 handbag zipper for the exterior.

TIP #1 :: I get rid of all the zip/unzipping of the zipper during sewing by using a zipper that is LONGER than required. In my photos you will notice this. My interior zippers are 12" long, which allows me to place my zipper where I want it. This prevents wrangling and twisting and having to move the zipper head up and down while sewing it on. I will simply trim it all up afterwards! NOTE: My exterior zipper is EXACT size. If you have the exact size for the interior zippers like the pattern requests, then I will show you how to wrangle that zipper!

NOTE :: A zipper foot is best for this work but if you are more comfortable use a walking foot or regular foot. A zipper foot will allow you to get the most accurate 1/4" seam allowance.

NOTE :: I use a standard stitch length of 2.5 for installing the zippers in this bag, but you can use anywhere from a 2-3 length. Your call!

 

OK, Let's get started!

Starting at Step 3 in your pattern: Place your panels side by side in the order you want them. NOTE: If they are directional fabric, be sure the TOP of the fabric panel is on the RIGHT.

I then place my zippered pocket pieces between the two panels and place my zippers on top so that I know where everything goes. TIP: Take a quick picture with your phone and refer back to it if you forget where anything was suppose to go! You know, for when the kitten knocks them off or the child grabs them LOL

 

Here is my layout with the "P" standing for Panels and the "L" standing for linings.

 

Panels: B1 - B2 - B3 - B4

 

Now it's time to attach our zippers, starting with the far left panel (panel B1) and the 1st zipper.

Lay your panel right side up with the top of your panel on your right hand side::

 

Now lay your zipper, front side down on to the panel (zipper head at the top), aligning the right long edge (as shown above). You will notice that since I am using zippers that are longer than the panel, I have placed the head of the zipper WAY past the edge of the panel. This is OK and how I prevent myself from having to zip/unzip the zipper while sewing. If you are using a zipper as the pattern calls for, simply center your zipper along the edge and stitch this way.

 ++VIDEO below of how to stitch with a standard size zipper length and having to move the zipper head out of the way!++

You now have two options: 

     A: Pin the zipper down to the panel and baste it with a scant 1/8" seam allowance and THEN go back and add the interior panel (BEST FOR BEGINNERS!!!! Video Below) OR

     B: You can pin the zipper to the main panel then overlay the interior panel on top and stitch it from there.

If you are new or wary about zippers, I would suggest you baste to the front panel first then attach the interior. It will keep everything from shifting and make life a little easier for you.

 

Either way, you will now be placing your interior zipper pocket piece on top of the zipper, right sides of the smaller interior fabric facing the right side of the panel fabric and aligning it with zipper (photo above). Be sure to line up the short edges!!

NOTE :: Sometimes an NON interfaced fabric will stretch while installing a zipper (i.e. the interior fabric) this is ok!

Now sew the sandwich together with a 1/4" seam

 

 

When you open up your panel, it will look like this::

 

 

Fold your front panel and smaller interior panel down so that they are wrong side facing.

I suggest top stitching as you install zippers. It helps keep all the panels in nice alignment and everything flat.

I tend to just finger press my panels then top-stitch, but feel free to run a warm iron over the seam, pressing it down. BE CAREFUL to not melt your zipper! Yes that IS a thing LOL

Top stitch with a 1/8" seam allowance with a slightly longer stitch length (3).

You have now finished your B1 panel!!

 

 

Now take your B1 panel with attached lining and place it right side up on the table again and grab your B2 panel. Place your B2 panel right side DOWN (so both panels will be right sides facing) on top, aligning your edge to the zipper. MAKE SURE to keep the panels aligned on the top and bottom.

 

 

Either pin or stitch in place then turn the panel over and attach the interior fabric like before. Sew with a 1/4" seam allowance like before.

Press and top-stitch as before. Your panel should now look like this::

 

 

Continue down the line to attach the remaining panels and interiors until you have.....An entire line of panels that look like this on the front ::

 

 

And this on the back::

 

 

Hooray!!! You conquered the zippers!! ::fist bump:: ::high five::

 

VIDEO Time!!

  

Now we will do a little trimming:

 

 

Use a ruler to trim off any excess zipper ends on both sides.

BEFORE YOU CUT: If you are using a zipper that is LONGER than the panel, be sure to UNZIP and MOVE the zipper head BEFORE trimming off any excess or you will end up sad with a zipper without a zipper pull! 

 

NOTE About Above: I don't like my zipper head end to be flopping all around ( LOL ) so at this stage I will also stitch my zipper top ends together. Laying the panels flat, I run a short stitch over the zipper ends as close to the edge as possible, back stitch and then stitch over the line again. This will come in handy in the next step!

 

 

 

 Whew! You made it! Well done! Tomorrow we attach the side panels!!

 Tell me about today's sewing in the comments below! Or find me on Instagram and tell me there! My Instagram is @monpetitebiscuit - use hashtag #arsewtogetherbagsewalong to follow along with everyone's progress!

 

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Sample Bags for Tula Pink's Quilt Market Booth!

 

I was lucky enough to be able to whip up a few sample bags for Tula Pink's Quilt Market booth in her newest Slow and Steady fabric line.

It was certainly hard to keep that secret! Loving that black turtle print!