Here are some notes from the making of
Anna's bag. This is the
City Zipper by
Quilts Illustrated. Overall, I loved this pattern and will make it again.
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Here I am with my beautiful friend Anna and her new bag. |
The first time I make a pattern, I generally try to follow the directions as written. I do take notes as I go, especially if I change things. I've used patterns from Quilts Illustrated before and they are well written and easy to follow. This bag is very similar to their pattern, the Chubby Charmer, which I make often.
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Anna put her bag to use immediately. She was able to shove a ton of stuff into her new bag, including her laptop! |
My first change was to use one solid piece of fabric for the outside of the bag rather than assemble patchwork. I didn't use fusible fleece, I used cotton batting. I put
two layers of batting for the outer bag and one layer of batting inside
the lining. I also added a decorative strip of fabric to the top of the bag. I
forgot about it when I cut the batting, so there is only one layer of batting in that
section, instead of three. That's just an accident, not a design choice.
Don't be afraid of the zipper. This is one of the easiest zipper insertions ever. I used my edge stitch foot (number 5 foot on my Bernina) to do the
stitching on the zipper tabs and the straps and I used a zipper foot to insert the
zipper. I used a walking foot for the rest of the construction. The zipper in this bag is optional.
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The pattern included instructions for the zipper tabs too. |
The pattern calls for a 22" or a 24" zipper. I used a 22" zipper, but I will definitely get at least a 24" zipper or longer. Next time I make this pattern I will use a sports zipper because it's heavier and I'm sure this bag will
get open and closed often. I think I'd like a separating zipper as
well, but would have to modify the zipper tabs to accommodate it.
The pattern calls for the handles to be 22" long. This would make it a purse strap length. I made the handles 28" long. I wanted them to fit over Anna's shoulder (see her picture at the top). The handles have a neat design feature using four 1" rectangular rings. I actually had some rings in my Stash, so I used them. I only used one layer of batting in the handles so they wouldn't be too thick.
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Attaching the handle. |
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Edge-stitching the handles. I love flat flower head pins. They are sharp and fine. They are especially sharp when you stick them in your finger by accident. |
I personalized the bag with my label and I also added a cute tag that I bought in the scrap booking section of Joann Fabrics. My friend
Lee Anna taught me to look there for cute items to use in wall quilts and bags.
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I purchased my name labels on Etsy several years ago. The seller I purchased them from is no longer listed. |
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I had an epiphany and I glued the metal tag down so it wouldn't move before I sewed it. |
I roughly timed my efforts and it took me about 20 hours to make the bag. Let me know if you found my construction notes post helpful. Hopefully I will remember to re-read it before I make my next City Zipper bag!
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Freemotion by the River. Thanks for visiting.
Pugs and kisses,
Nancy