Sewing the Edelweiss Bag

This tote bag pattern is by Sara Lawson of the Sew Sweetness blog.

Go right now and visit her website, it really is such a treat. Her patterns are here, and she has notions and supplies available as well. I was forgetful and forgot to order my sliders for the back pack-so I emailed her in a frenzy, as online they are crazy expensive.....Two days later I had them in my mailbox. This is what I'm talking about, sewers are almost always awesome people. ;)

This is the Edelweiss pattern, and it is beautifully written, with easy to understand directions and pictures to guide you along.

I had so much fun making this Adventure Time themed back pack for my daughter that I got lost in the process thinking it was for myself....until she came home and squealed with delight! THAT is why I sew my friends. Her reaction made my day.

Fabric is from Joann Fabrics, in the novelty section. I hear they're having a huge Presidents Day Sale next Monday, FYI. The polka dots & chevron fabric I bought online at fabric (dot) com. Zippers from Etsy seller Zip It. Hardware bought on Sew Sweetness shop (link above).

A large zipper encloses everything securely, and adjustable straps allow the bag to fit me (#^ years young) as well as my five and seven year old daughters. There are two snap pockets on the front too for stashing sweeties or little tid bits. Inside the bag there is a zipper security pocket-so a wallet or cell phone could be stashed there if I use it. 

It has that fabulous Soft & Stable interfacing that everyone has been raving about lately (including me)--and this gives the bag so much structure and shape, whilst remaining easy (er) to sew than that hideous Peltex. (Sorry but not sorry.)

This is a view of the tote inside out:

The edges on the inside are binded so everything is clean and tidy. It was easier than I imagined, I just went slowly and drank lots of tea. 

The soft & stable can be tough to sew with all the layers together at the very end, but I switched to a denim needle as she suggested in her "tips"--and it worked just fine.

I can see how the last step-the binding-could give some beginner sewers a hassle, but I'm a firm believer in if you want to do it, you'll make it work. 

Sometimes when I hear somebody saying "oh, don't start with that if you're new to sewing, you need more experience to tackle that"  --- I just cringe. I didn't know what a bobbin was six years ago, and I never listened to people when they'd tell me crapola like that. Sometimes I think that's the difference between those that "do" and those that "don't". 

All that rambling--let me stop.  All I am saying is, you can do this pattern no matter where you are at in your abilities. Follow the directions, read them twice/three times like I have to. I've made backpacks from all sorts of patterns out there, and this one my friends -- is the best.

Sara doesn't know me, BTW. I don't think she knows my blog either--not yet anyway.  ;)

magnetic snap on the main flap

I need a lint roller ASAP.

You should see my carpet, it could practically make a wig.

LOL

ewwweeee...

 Who doesn't love a HOT pink zipper I ask you?

Who?

Cause' I'm gonna knock some sense into 'em!!
Like Finn is doing below:    (oh my gosh Finn has a Wiki page!) LOL

I would post my pic of wearing it, but you'll have to check my Instagram account for that visual treat (LOL)!!! I dyed my hair pink for Valentine's Day and all I can say is---- Oh my.

 Ohhhhh my.

I'll post a color pic soon. I just despise selfies because then I see how many forehead wrinkles I incur while concentrating on my beloved tasks-- (like sewing).

WHY am I SO parenthetical?

Ugh.

Next up I'm going to make the Tudor bag. It looks like it could organize my entire life. 

And I reallllllly want to make that waist bag too you guys! For real--I love me some bum bags, i.e.fanny pack in America but I know that word is naughty in the UK so I'll chill from calling it that....

Oh, I guess I just did.

Never mind.

What are you up to these days? February is going to fly by, we're nearly at the middle already! Unreal. At least this means Spring is around the corner.