r/BagLab

This one is Firefly Tote and I’ve been itching to use this lovely fabric (Eclectic Colorblock by Tim Holtz) for a year and a half. I’m a slow maker, but I really like the way it came out! I’d love to make some canvas or dryskin/waxed canvas bags but can’t source locally. If anyone has a great online shop please let me know.

So I was asked to make a padded strap cover for a customer, who said that they wanted to have a little something to make the strap comfortable on their shoulder. No problem. I can do that. It’s just a little thing. And it really wasn’t a problem…. Until…

I bet I sewed binding around this thing six times today! I thought I had my binding pretty well under control. Today just wasn’t the day to be binding anything! 😂🤬

The ends were just way too curved and the grosgrain just kept bunching up. I tried both 1 inch and 3/4 inch grosgrain, 1 inch mil-w-4088. Quarter inch seal allowance, 1/8 inch seam allowance. The Juki 9010, Juki TL18, and even got out my mother’s Janome 1600P to be sure.

In the end, I wound up with 1 inch mil-w-4088. It seemed to work out - not by sewing it halved all the way around like usual but by sewing it like bias binding. Not very conventional but it did the trick for now.

I decided that today just wasn’t the day. It’s ok to have days like this too - as frustrating as they are. They’re good reminders that there’s always more to learn - even in areas we think we’ve got things under control!

That said…

I REALLY need to get a proper binding setup! 🤣

Draft one is done. Now I can work on replicating it!

What was your most recent example of “today just isn’t the day?”

This was a real challenge for me. It’s my third backpack, but it has a lot of features I’ve never tried before. Two zippers sewn into the gusset, one for laptop access, one for the clamshell access. Features include:
-21”x14”x8” clamshell
-Large padded expandable laptop sleeve with raised bottom
-Integrated admin pouch
-Mesh internal pockets
-External expanding pouch with snap lid
-Side water bottle pockets

Primary fabric is EPX420, liner is Robic 420D, bottom is X50, back panel is Cordura 1000D, YKK #8 Aquaguard, internal pockets YKK #5, mesh 9.6oz Dyneema Stretch Mesh, 10mm and 6mm EVAZOTE.

This project really pushed my abilities. It is certainly not perfect, but it’s very comfortable and works as intended. I’d be lying if I said at times it didn’t make me want to hang up my thread and give up sewing forever, but I’m glad I pushed through, fixed my mistakes and finished the project.

It’s an original design but I took inspiration from the GoRuck GR2 and the AZO Dejen Adventurer. I’ve always wanted the Dejen but it’s a bit too small and a lot bit too expensive for me. Plus it’s fun making stuff.

Apparently the glued on model number plate has fallen off this single needle Seiko flatbed machine. I just bought it and need to order some parts.

DOES ANYONE RECOGNIZE THE MODEL OF THIS WALKING FOOT MACHINE?

It looks like a Consew 255 but not exactly.

Thanks!

Firefly tote made almost entirely from a pair of denim pants and a shirt that were too worn out to donate. Cords and lining are also made from the shirt fabric, which gave me an extra inner pocket. I made franken-stabilizer from leftover pieces from a previous project. 4 rivets, 1 zipper pull, and 2 yards of webbing are new.

I’m currently drafting my first bag pattern. It’s technically a project pouch.
So far I’ve taken techniques I’ve learned from other patterns, and made my own ‘puzzle’ with exactly how I wanted everything.

I’m really hoping my measurements work out correctly. I know there’s a lot of quilt design websites, do we know of any bag designing websites?

Anyways, this is fun so far!

I have been loving making these shoulder bags this year.
Exterior: Vinyl
Interior: Water Proof Canvas

Machine: Juki TL2000

Pattern: Lavender and Twine Hinterland