Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Weekend Bag - Instructions

I have been making bags for the last 7 years. I love bags; for shopping, storing stuff and trips. This is my first time writing instructions, so hope they are complete and understandable.  I posted this bag Dec. 16th as a finished project. 

I started with a pieced rectangle and cut it down, squared up the corners ending with a 16” x 32” rectangle. The finished bag is approximately 15” x 12½” x 4”; it has 3 internal pockets and a lobster clasp.


Here are the instructions and a list of items needed for the bag. Adjust measurements if you want a different size bag.

Fabric & notions required:
16” x 32” rectangle for bag outside
17” x 33” medium weight interfacing (batting will give a softer bag)
1 yd fabric for lining
1 jean leg, including pocket if you want it on your bag
14” zipper, match color to lining
1 lobster clasp

Instructions: 

Prepare your bag outside: either pieced or 1 whole piece of fabric. I usually piece, quilt and then square up and cut the fabric since size changes slightly during the quilting step. If you have a directional print (animals or flowers),cut (2) 17” squares fabric pieces, rotate as needed and sew a ¼” seam in the bottom of the bag. Quilt the bag outside using 2 layers; bag outside and interfacing (or batting for a softer bag). Cut the quilted fabric to size, squaring up the corners (approximately a 16”x32” rectangle). Measure you final piece and write it down.
Take the jean leg and open it up by cutting up the leg close to the inside seam. From the jean leg back, cut (2) 3”x22” pieces. Remove the back pocket if you want it on your bag. From the jean front , cut (1) 7” x17” piece. If the knee is too worn, piece 2 sections together, open the seam and top stitch seam open. Note: I usually make this as wide as possible, 7” – 10” x 17”. A wider piece will give a taller and more visible cuff at the bottom of the bag. Along each 17” edge, turn under 1/2” and press. Pin this to the bag outside, lining up the bottom center of both pieces. Pin the edges of the jean piece. Top stitch 2 lines along the 17” edges of the jean rectangle, one close to the edge and another a quarter inch away. Trim the jean fabric even with the side seam of the bag.

    Pin jean pocket approximately in the middle of one of the front panels, 4½” -5” from the top. Sew the pocket on, top stitching, using the same stitching lines as used when it was on the pants. To make the straps, use the (2) jean pieces, 3”x22”; fold each strip lengthwise in half, with wrong sides together, press. Unfold the strip and fold each long edge towards the center crease, press. Fold in half and press. Top stitch close to the edge along both sides. After sewing measure the straps and trim if necessary to make them even. I like my straps long so I leave them at 22”; but you may want to pin them on the bag and see if you want them trimmed.
    Pin the straps so the outside edge of the strap is 3½” from the sides of the bag on the outside of the bag. The ends of the straps should line up with the bag top edge with a loop going towards the bottom. I usually pin them with the seam inside the loop. Make sure you pin them with the loop “straight”, don't twist the straps. (Yes, I've done that!). Sew 2-3 lines through the top of each strap, or make a “Z”.
     
    Fold the bag in half with right sides together and sew the side seams together using a half inch (½”) seam. To make the bottom corner gussets, open up the side seam and fold the bag back onto itself so the side seam lines up with the center bottom of the bag. Then mark the sewing line with a Easy Square ruler lining up the 45 degree line with the fold line and the 2 inch line on top of the center seam. The sewing line will be 4” long. Sew, repeat for the other corner. Turn the bag right side out.
     
    Cut the lining: Cut the main piece of the lining 2 inches longer then the outside of the bag. I cut mine 16”x34” (32+2). Also cut (2) 3”x17”, (2) 3”x4”, (1) 17”x 14”, (1) 3”x12” Inside 3 pockets: Fold the 17”x14” with right sides together into a 17”x7”. Sew a 3/8” seam along the 17” edge. Turn right side out and press with the seam approximately 1” up from the bottom. The blue line shows where the seam is.
      
    Pin the pocket 3½“ from the top of the right side the lining. Pin with the seam inside the pocket, towards the bottom. The pocket is wider then the lining, it will be trimmed after we sew the (3) pockets. To make the 3 pockets, start sewing at the top of one side of the pocket and sew down the side; stop ¼” away from the bottom with your needle in the fabric, lift your pressure foot and pivot the fabric to sew along the bottom of the pocket. Sew along the bottom 5½” from the side seam. Stop and pivot to sew up and finish the first pocket. Stop, pivot and sew back down 1/8” away; stop ¼” away from the bottom, pivot and sew along the bottom another 5” ; stop and pivot to sew up and finish the second pocket. Stop, pivot and sew back down 1/8” away; stop ¼” away from the bottom, pivot and sew along the bottom until you are ¼” away from the side seam. Stop, pivot and sew up the side seam. The photo has blue lines to show the sewing lines for the 3 pockets. See below. Trim the pocket fabric even with the side seam of the bag.
     
    Lobster Clasp: I used a 1½“ Lobster clasp, with a “D” ring swivel. Use the (1) 3”x12” lining piece; fold the strip lengthwise in half, with wrong sides together, press. Unfold the strip and fold each long edge towards the center crease, press. Fold in half and press. Top stitch close to the edge along both sides. Put the strip through the “D” ring of the clasp. Pin both ends just above the pocket at a slight angle. Sew the strip ends onto the lining using a ¼“+ sewing line. 
     
    Zipper: use the (2) 3”x17” lining pieces; fold each strip lengthwise in half, with wrong sides together, press. Remove the zipper out of the package, press the fold out if necessary, use a cool iron. I did not use a zipper foot for this, but you can if you want. Move the needle all the way over to the left on your machine. Place the folded strip on top of the zipper, ¼” away from the middle, centering the zipper along the 17” strip with the zipper pull up. Top stitch the folded strip onto the zipper, close to the folded line. When you get to the zipper pull, stop with your needle down, lift up your pressure foot and pull the zipper open, pressure foot back down and continue sewing. Repeat for the other side. Start with the zipper open, sew the first 3", stop with the needle down, lift up the pressure foot and close the zipper. Put the foot back down and continue sewing.
       
    Zipper ends: use the (2) 3”x4” lining pieces; fold each strip into a 1½“ x 4”, with wrong sides together, press. Pin one of these on top of the end of the zipper piece sewn together in step above. The fold should come up to end of the zipper at one end and come up to the beginning of the zipper at the other. Sew these pieces together and trim the excess material as needed, square up the ends if needed.
       
Place the bag lining on the ironing board with the pocket side up (right side up) and fold the lining top edge down to meet the pocket top (should be 1¾“), press. Open up the fold. Place the zipper piece down with edge almost on top of the fold line, zipper pull up. Re-fold the edge down and pin the layers. Sew the layers together using a 3/8” seam. 
     
    Place the other end of the bag lining on the ironing board, right side up. Fold the top edge down 1¾“. Press. Open up the fold. Place the zipper piece side down with edge almost on top of the fold line, zipper pull up. Re-fold the edge down and pin the layers. Sew the layers together using a 3/8” seam.  
     
    Sewing the side seams: Lay the bag lining down with the top of the lining up. Pinch the zipper together so the teeth are up. Fold this up so it lines up with the seam line made above. The photo shows up to this point, it needs the other side folded up. Then fold the other side of the lining up so the tops match. Pin both sides. Sew 1 side with a ½“ seam allowance. Sew the other side 3½“ up from the bottom, leave a 4” opening for turning; and then sew the rest of the way up. 
       
    Open the zipper! 
    Make the bottom corner gussets in the lining similar to making the corners in the bag outside. Open up the side seam at the bottom and fold the bag back onto itself so the side seam line up with the center bottom of the bag. Then mark the sewing line with a Easy Square ruler lining up the 45 degree line with the fold line and the 2 inch line on top of the seam. The sewing line will be 4” long. Sew, repeat for the other corner. 
     
    Sewing bag to the lining: This is a good time to press the bag and lining if desired. Turn the bag inside out if not done already. The handles should be down, if they are pulling sideways safety pin them so they will lie straight. Then put the lining inside the bag with right sides together. Open up the side seams and match up the seams. Pin the lining to the bag. Sew a ½“ around the top of the bag. Turn the bag right side out through the opening in the lining. Yes, it is small, just pull gently and it fit. Smooth out the bag and lining, unpin the safety pins from the straps. Check the top edge. Then either slip stitch the opening in the lining close or make a small machine stitched seam. Press the bag's top edge and top stitch ¼“ from the edge; or make 2 lines of stitching if desired.
    Hope you have fun making a bag!


Friday, December 16, 2011

Weekend Bag

Happy Holidays! It has been a little crazy at our house with Christmas around the corner and 4 birthdays this month. Crazy, but a happy crazy! Thought I would post this finished project.

I pieced scraps from another project together planning on making a table runner for a gift exchange but wasn't pleased with the size. So cut and squared up the corners ending with a 16” x 32” rectangle. Great size for a bag. The finished bag is 15”x12½”x4”. 

It has 3 internal pockets and I added a strap with a lobster clasp inside. Also up-cycled one jean pant leg with the back pocket. Still have the other pant leg (along with a box of used jeans).  I think I will make myself one in January.


 I took a lot of pictures, so I will get busy and write instructions and post next week. Have a great day and stay warm. It's 44 outside, that's cold for California.

See all the other finish items at Crazy Mom Quilts.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Crumb quilt - flimsy

My Crumb flimsy is almost finished, it's in 4 pieces, but I thought I would post pictures since holidays are here and it is getting pushed aside. Quilt is 68”x88”. I ended up using the blocks with the Disappearing 9 patch. Got this idea from Steelscraps.blogspot.com from her Magic Crumb Scrap Quilt. My blocks are 8”, used 4 ½” strips.





I sewed almost half the quilt together using the 4½” strips, then cutting the blocks, turning blocks A & D, then sewed the 4 blocks together. I thought handling a 20” block was a pain; so I cut my strips to 2¼” and sewed. A few more pictures that show the process and how block A & D get turned.




I have pulled these fabrics for the back:



I have Jo at Jo's Country Junction to thank for hosting the Crumb Along. Learned new things and ended up with this great quilt. Thanks Jo!

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Night Before Oatmeal Pancakes

It's almost 11pm and I really want some pancakes. I bought some buttermilk, so am getting the batter ready for tomorrow morning.  My mother got this recipe 30 (some) years ago from someone at the church. Very yummy!


Night Before Oatmeal Pancakes

For quick preparation, soak the oatmeal in the buttermilk overnight at room temperature (covered).
  • 1 cup quick cooking oatmeal
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
In the morning, combine the remaining ingredients with the oatmeal and buttermilk. Stirring or whisking well.
Make your pancakes using a hot griddle that has been oiled. The batter will be thick, add a little more butter milk if wanted. I usually turn before the as the bubbles start forming.
Makes 18 pancakes, serves 4. Enjoy with syrup, jelly or jam.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Corduroy Appreciation Day 111111

It's Corduroy Appreciation Day 11-11-11. Date resembles Corduroy Wales! I have made several Corduroy quilts, and this is a favorite. Made in 1984. It's well used, much loved. Has 3 different size wales. 52" x 74" with  8" blocks. The backing is a twin sheet that I folded over. If you haven't already, check out the other Corduroy Quilts at Nifty Quilts.





Posting a picture of the Corduroy bag (belt pouch) for my daughters Renaissance costume. Made this August 2010.


Well, the zipper is a magical thing from the future, but nice to have.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Crumb quilt - more stars

I made some more crumb blocks this week. Decided to try the Star blocks again.
Jo's great instructions are HERE  for stars & hearts.  After reviewing the 
instructions, samples, and looking at other quilters stars, I decided my problem 
was contrast; or lack of contrast. My husband calls them “Hidden Stars”.

First ones: 
 
This week: 

 


I was very please with how these stars finished. See the little corner fabric 
between the star points. I had a strip from another project, made from 2 strips 
(a 1½ ” & 2” sewn together). I cut the squares used for the star points from this 
and ended up with the peeking fabric.

 
 

Made a few other blocks. The extras will probably end up on the back. 
I am showing signs of addiction, (1)“Neglecting responsibilities”; my 
family ended up with pancakes and sausages for dinner since I had no 
time for grocery shopping. (2)”Lost control” and (3)"Built up a tolerance"; 
must make more crumb blocks then planned.
 
I have started to cut my sashing and plan to have a finished top Nov 16th. Will 
post my link at Jo's Country Junction. Maybe I will have my addiction under 
control. I need to start working on Christmas presents.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Leaders and Enders

Thought I would post a picture of my current Leader/Ender blocks. Not sure what I am going to do with them. I like having the extra blocks to make a quick present and these might make a great baby quilt with Black & white blocks for the edge. I will have 84 blocks when I finish 8 more. Enough for 2 quilts or 1 large quilt. They are 6 1/2", finish at 6".

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Welcome!

I am trying my blog out for the first time, so hope everything goes well. I have enjoyed reading about and seeing what other quilters are working on; so decided it was time to share.

I have been Crumbing Along with Jo at Jo's Country Junction the last 5 weeks and am posting my blocks today!
Crumb Along!








So far I have 47+ blocks, some not squared up. My blocks have been ending up 6x8,7x8 9x10, etc; so I have squared them up 8 1/2". Trees and houses:


                                                        Braid, cut into 3 blocks:

                                  Hearts, I had some problems with these blocks:
     Pinwheels were my favorite. I made 4 stars, but they turned out strange.

More blocks on my border fabric. I want the quilt to be larger so am planning on using the blocks with the Disappearing 9 patch. Got this idea from Steelscraps.blogspot.com from her Magic Crumb Scrap Quilt.


See the 3rd & 4th blocks with yellow "C"s. I had 1 block with this yellow border and I thought it was too yellow, so cut in half and ended up with 2 blocks.
                                           47 Squared up blocks:

I am calling this quilt "Mom's old pants". I did a lot of sewing in High School/College and made 2 pairs of pants for my mother. Sky blue and teal. The end of the scraps from these pants are in the blocks. This has been a fun project using crumbs from many past projects.