Whenever I teach, I like to do demonstrations of certain construction elements in patterns, so I come to class prepared with all of the fabric pieces ready to make my own bag. This time I made one using an adorable Heather Ross Spoonflower print of VW Camper Vans on linen blend. I've already got more 241 Totes than I could ever need, so this will be a gift for a friend desperately seeking her very own real-life camper. Hopefully this will tide her over until she can find just the right vehicle!
The side panels and strap are Essex Yarn Dyed Linen in black from Marmalade Fabrics, the lining is a Denyse Schmidt print for JoAnn Fabric and the pocket linings are a fun retro flower print from Patty Young's Flora & Fauna line. I like to put several rows of top-stitching on my bag straps for stability and strength. I use a topstitch needle, size 90/14 and in this case, a Guterman polyester thread. I have had cotton thread stitches pop on straps before, so if I have an decent matching or contrasting poly thread on my thread rack, I'll use it.
Once in a while very funny things happen in workshops, mostly due to people concentrating on their work with one ear and the conversation with their other ear. Here's one from Sunday:
Student to me: Do you actually use those little side pockets?
Me: Yes, just for a pack of gum
Another Student (using one ear): YOU PACK A GUN?!?!?!
Me: Yup, that's right, I pack heat in my little side pocket.
Hope you're having a great Wednesday. I'm off to watch D's high school field hockey team in their first play-off game. Go Eagles!!
21 comments:
Love your sample, especially the blue topstitching. Good to know tip about poly vs cotton thread.
You are hilarious with a tiny gun! And thanks for the too on using polyester thread!
That should read tip!
I love this tote and was just thinking of making myself a new version. Monica enlarged the pattern a little and it works so well bigger!
OMGosh!! Love this bag!! WoW!
This tote is on my list. Funny conversation!
What do you keep in the other pocket? It is lovely and I bet the class was fun.
Everyone says beware of Americans with concealed weapons, but we really know it's the Canadians you have to watch. We're on to you!
(Gorgeous bag, BTW, the VWs are so cute. A bright orange and cream one does the school drop off at my kids' school and I always smile when I see it.)
bwahahahahahahahaaaaaaaa!
It's a great bag and I love the fabric. I had a little blue vw with a pop roof like the one in the middle, he was called Billy!
Another great bag!
I really do need to make this one ~ I've only had the pattern for, oh, forever!
Love that sample :o) I have some of that HR Spoonflower print too, so fun! So, uh, 9mm? ;o)
Love it - the VW buses are awesome!
The workshop sounds like it was a lot of fun :)
Great bag design and perfect choice of fabric.
Fabulous bag. Your students sound like a lot if fun
I love this bag Krista, so great? I've had this pattern for a while but have been scared to make it, I need to take your class, maybe I could convince you to come teach it in Abbotsford to myself and a few friends! :)
Love that green linen VW print! Good to know about the polyester vs cotton thread tip...you know because I make so many bags...ha! Maybe one day...
LOL! wonder if that joke is only funny to Canadians?? ;)
funny story, thanks. Visiting via Sew Sisters blogathon
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