Sunday, November 27, 2011

Weekend-Away Travel Bag Pattern Review

Last summer, my sweet sister-in-law bought me a copy of "Weekend Sewing", by Heather Ross.  I drooled and daydreamed over the projects, but have never found the time for a new project.  Now that Christmas is getting closer, I decided to sew the Weekend Away Travel Bag and fill it with goodies from Bath & Body as a gift.   Yes, yes, I know that it doesn't look very Christmasy, but I couldn't resist these fabrics that I found on sale at JoAnn's.  It turned out pretty cute and my daughter and I found turquoise lotion and soap to match. 
 For the most part, this bag went together quite well.  One correction that needs to be mentioned is the measurements for the optional inner pockets.  The instructions call for a 12" x 9.25" panel to be cut out, but this will result in very small pockets.  I cut out a 12" x 12" panel and it worked great.

 One change that I also made was to use heavyweight fusible interfacing on the outer pieces.  I wanted to make sure that the bag was sturdy, since I was not using home decor fabric as was recomended in the book.
Sewing around the corners when the bag body is added to the zipper was a little frustrating.  Patience will pay off as you near this last step.  I also found that the corners were easier if I first sewed all the straight edges first, then went back and completed the corners.  Just be sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam.

While the projects listed in the book are very inspiring. The book is quite known for its errors. Instructional errors as well as fitting errors can be found in almost every pattern. For a list of corrections, please see this blog. With this in mind alone, a beginner seamstress should beware.

27 comments:

Elizabeth said...

Love this pouch! Thanks so much for linking up! I have that book too but have yet to make anything out of it! Great job and lovely fabric choices!!!

Pam @Threading My Way said...

This looks so professional. I love it!!! If I were receiving this as a gift, I'd rather it in the fabric you've chosen; not Christmas fabric.

Kari @ The Purple Quiltapotamus said...

What a super cute little bag - you did a great job!

Kimberly T. said...

That is really cute! So how many/what kind of pockets does it have inside?

Jennifer said...

Turned out so nicely! I love the fabrics you chose!

Unknown said...

Very colorful! Thanks for stopping by the blog hop and linking up. I really appreciate the support. I came over and now following you thru GFC. I don't know if you followed while you were there or not but if you didn't I would love a follow back. And if you already have, thanks so much and have a great week!

Mary@http://www.mmbearcupoftea.com

Emily said...

Very cute, I love the fabrics you selected!
Emily
domesticdeadline.blogspot.com

Vicky @ Mess For Less said...

What a great bag! So happy and whimsical. Love the idea of filling it with lotions. I am a new follower from Keeping it Simple. Vicky from Mess For Less

Jill said...

What a cute little bag made with great fabric!

Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
Hope you have a great week!
Jill @ Creating my way to Success
http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

These are really great, very cute.
Thanks for stopping by my blog hop, http://babyfeetandpuppybreath.blogspot.com/
I am now following your lovely blog, too.

Unknown said...

New from Monday beauties! I love this... I actually just made my first blanket today (its awful) lol! I would love a follow back Jeanobsession.blogspot.com

Sarafan2 said...

I'm new to your brilliant blog. Love it!! Thanks

GGB said...

you have such a cute blog, love your background! Came across your blog from Monday blog hop, and I am now a new follower!

Atelier Ullizee said...

I love this bag, beautiful colours!

Jamie @ DIY Home Sweet Home said...

What a cute bag. I will have to make one. Thank you for posting the corrections. I always have trouble with corners. I think your turned out fabulous. I love your blog.
Would love to see you DIY Home Sweet home.
Jamie
http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/

P.S. More the Merrier Monday ends tonight. Stop by and link up if you have not already.

CraftyGardenMom - Tanesha said...

Great bag! And your fabric choices are beautiful. Thanks for sharing!

Jenny said...

Hi!!

Love your blog! I think we have the same taste because I adore all your pattern choices :)

Anyway, I am honoring u with an award today!

Come check it out here:
http://www.stampingicandy.com/2011/11/surprise.html

If you would like to spread the love (not required!) - here are the rules: Award goes to up & coming blogs with less than 200 followers.

1. copy and paste the award on your blog
2. thank the giver and link back to them
3. reveal your top 5 picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog
4. hope that your followers will spread the love to other bloggers

Hugs,

Jenny

MiaB said...

This is so adorable, great job :) Thanks for stopping by my blog. I followed you back

mc said...

Really beautiful bag. I'm your newest follower from the blog hop, please feel free to stop by..

http://www.candoitmom.com/

Unknown said...

Very nice! Thanks so much for stopping by, following you back!

Trisha @ MommaTandBabyE.com

Melanie said...

Beautiful!!!! So cheery! :)

So nice to 'meet' you today! :) I blog at "Only A Breath" and would love for you to stop by and visit :)

Hugs!
Melanie

Shannon said...

That's sooo cute! You picked perfect fabrics!

Anonymous said...

HI - I'm following back (Sand and Sea aka beachside cottage)!

I LOVE your sewing creations - the patterns and styles are beautiful...you are so talented!

Thank you for following me, too!

Happy Holidays - your gift recipients will be so lucky ;o)

Linda
Sand and Sea

Sachiko said...

So cute!!! I love the fabrics you used for this pouch.

Boden said...

I absolutely love this great little pouch and the fabulous fabrics you chose! I'd be thrilled if you came to share this awesome project at the Head to Head Showdown at www.icantstopcrafting.blogspot.com ~Jen

Boden said...

Thanks for linking up! ~Jen

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