Fortunately, I caught this mistake before the piping went on top, and as I texted back and forth with Michelle over my serious error, I realized that I could fix it pretty quickly, so thankfully, I got back on track pretty quickly, and without much tears or cursing, believe it or not.
The biggest, most important thing about this pattern is to read the instructions and to read them carefully. If I could have managed to do that, I would have avoided the biggest whoops I made.
The piping wound up being a lot easier than I anticipated, though I wish the pattern had better described where to stitch on the piping. I definitely sewed a bit too close to the cording, but it's okay, I'll make it work - the thread matches pretty well, so for my first attempt at cording, I'm pretty happy.
I've added the handles and the front pocket so far and the piping to one of the main panels, so it's starting to look a bit like a bag now. I'm up to step 7, and I'll have to stay there for now, as step 8 calls for the special-order zipper I haven't yet received for this bag, so I'll have to set my bag aside for now.
Really, my only feedback for those of you thinking about tackling this pattern is to be careful with cutting the interfacing - the measurements from the pattern are really to the inch - and to take each step slowly. Don't jump ahead, and be patient. Patience doesn't come naturally to me when I sew, so it's been a big-time challenge, and I'm impressed that I've only had to pull out my seam ripper once.
Stay tuned for round 3 when my zipper arrived, which will hopefully be by next weekend!
Your bag is coming together nicely... and congrats on only having the seam ripper out once! Bags like this are really fiddly and take a LOT of patience.... but it will be worth it in the end!
ReplyDeleteGreat job!
wow! it's looking great! I don't understand what was wrong with the handles... but as I don't have the pattern and read instrucitons I suppose I wouldn't have a clue anyway.
ReplyDeleteIt's looking great - I love your fabric choices!
ReplyDeleteIt's looking good! I'm so impressed with you and Michelle for giving it a go. Your bags are going to be awesome!
ReplyDeleteI just decided this weekend that I should make this bag for the Sewing Summit, but I didn't know it took a special order zipper. Where did you order it from? Oh, what am I getting myself into?!?!?
ReplyDeleteIt is so cool that you are posting this! I bought this project,but haven't tried it yet! Your posts will be very helpful for me!!!Thanks
ReplyDeleteHugs from Brasil!
Still seems scary to me! ;-)
ReplyDeletelooking good! my dad always joked that the difference between a good carpenter and a great carpenter was that a great one could fix his mistakes. I think it's safe to say this can be applied to sewers, too :D
ReplyDeleteCan't wait for my order to get here!!!! I chose a different bag style, but I am really excited to have found the fabric at such a deal!!!!! Yay!!!
ReplyDeleteI went to a modern quilt guild sewing day yesterday, and one of the ladies there was working on this bag. This is her second time through the pattern and she says it's incredibly confusing - she read some of the instructions out loud to us, and based on that, I can see how you made this mistake! This pattern seems like a bear! Yours is looking great so far - glad you could easily fix your oops.
ReplyDeleteIt's looking great!
ReplyDeleteyou are going to show that bag who is boss! i love the fabric you are using. it is very bright and cheery.
ReplyDeleteIt's looking great so far! It sounds like your hiccup was a minor one. It's so nice that you have friends working on it at the same time! I bet that support makes a huge difference.
ReplyDeleteYou recommend patience? Perhaps I should stay away from this bag then because that is something that I definitely lack!
ReplyDeleteI've always loved this bag but have been itimidated by it. Yours is coming out so lovely!
It's looking so cute!! Can't wait to see it all done! I ordered the pattern and will be giving it a shot too! I'm so excited!
ReplyDeletewow, your bag is looking great so far! Well done, I'd be totally put off by all the pattern pieces never mind that yards and yards of piping!
ReplyDeleteI made the same mistake you did on a doll carry-along basket I made last week http://conniekeith.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeletebut I didn't notice until I was done and looked at the picture on the pattern envelope. Glad you noticed early on so that you could fix it.
Yay, we are going to get this! :) I hope your zipper comes soon--I'm to the step right after that and could use a little help again. :)
ReplyDeleteYay, we are going to get this! :) I hope your zipper comes soon--I'm to the step right after that and could use a little help again. :)
ReplyDeleteooh - your fabric choices are looking amazing!
ReplyDeleteIt's looking great! Amy Butler patterns tend to be detailed don't they?
ReplyDeleteLook at you go! :) That bag is gonna be stylin!
ReplyDeleteWow that bag is going to be really nice! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteThis is looking fabulous! I most definitely want to make this now. Thanks for the tips! I also am most definitely not patient when it comes to sewing, I want it done, and I want it done now!
ReplyDelete:-)
i love your fabric choices- and i love that you chose to tackle this bag. glad you got the handles worked out!
ReplyDelete