Bag bug...

Once in a while, I think I get bitten by the bag-making bug.  The Super Tote started it off this time, and then I won this duffle bag pattern which got me thinking again.  Summer is around the corner and we'll be doing some traveling, so what better time to sew some unique, handmade bags. (P.S. to see traveling handmade to the MAX, click here)  I've done a bunch of reading up about the duffle bag pattern and have come across a few things that people didn't like about the pattern so I have some modifications in mind, plus I noticed a lot of talk about how HUGE the bag is, so you know what I did??  The same designer has a smaller version of the same bag, and yup, I bought it.  I'd also heard that the pdf version available in her shop has clearer directions than the Simplicity version, and no tissue pattern pieces, so that is a plus as well.  

So, a new bag needs fabric, right?

I don't really do brown normally, but I just love the print on the left (Piccadilly by Sparky & Marie for Quilting Treasures).  It sort of reminds me of Lotta Jansdotter fabrics, I bought it locally, and at half price.  Score!  The neutral fabric (Kimono by Northcott Fabric) will be the bag interior.  Muslin is what the pattern called for, but I thought this was a little nicer and has more character than a plain solid.  And the orange (random 'Quilting Blender' from Fabricland) will be for just a few splashes of colour here and there - zipper facings and end tabs, and pocket trim.

I'm super excited about this project and hope that it turns out as fabulous as it is in my mind!

Talk soon....