Friday, June 7, 2013

Studio Cherie duffle complete!

I am SO very pleased with how this project ended up.  It was a lot of work, both preparation and actual sewing.  It was challenging.  It was very unwieldy during the final steps.  But totally worth it. Now I need to hit the road so I can give it a test run!


This is the carry-on size duffle bag by StudioCherie.  It is the smaller of her two versions of this design, and it is still big as far as I'm concerned.  It would definitely be large enough for clothes, personal items, books, etc., enough for a weekend away (for me anyways, but I'm a light packer).


Each end panel has a pocket - pleated & zippered on one end, and an open magazine pocket on the other end, both fully lined.  The end panels are very very structured, with quilted sections as well as canvas, heavy interfacing, and of course multiple layers of fabric.  I'm convinced that it's the sturdy end panels that allow this bag to stand on its own. 


(Side note: for some reason when I did the final assembly of the bag, the markings I had transferred from the pattern onto the end panels would not match up with the markings on the main bag - I think it may have been that the zipper I used was narrower? - so I had to trim the end panels down just a little.  No problem right, but guess what?  It no longer fits a magazine!  Doh!  Oh well, I don't really read magazines anyways and the pocket will still be useful for other things.  :)


The straps are made using denim leftover from my Super Tote.  The pattern called for 2" webbing with fabric strips added to make it look nicer, but all I could find was white webbing so I decided to make my own straps.  I followed Lindsey's instructions for the strap (except I started with 8" wide fabric strips rather than 10", and did not add any interfacing) and they turned out great.  I'll probably still fold the middle/top of each strap in half and stitch it down like this to make it easier for carrying.


One of the modifications I made was to decrease the length of the main bag panel and add a zipper facing rather than folding the top 2" of the main bag to the inside like the pattern suggested.  I think it makes a neater finished look, fully enclosing the zipper tape.


The only raw edges inside the bag are around the two end panels.  I thought I was really going to be unhappy with that and was originally thinking I'd try to cover the seams with binding, but honestly it's not that bad at all and really, you hardly see it anyways, especially if the bag is full of stuff!  I set my machine to a really wide zig zag with a short stitch length and went around the whole thing twice, so I know those edges aren't going anywhere!


A few other modifications:
  • I used 2 layers of an 80/20 cotton/poly batting for all of the quilted pieces.  Makes it nice and soft & poofy, and probably also contributes to the bag's good structure.
  • I did not make the trolley sleeve called for in the pattern.  I knew I wouldn't care to use it for that purpose so instead, I made pockets on both sides, fully lined.
  • I changed up the tabs on the ends of the long zipper to be smaller and not rounded.  
I would absolutely recommend this pattern.  It is well written with really clear instructions, including lots of photos.  Also, the designer is really great as far as email support which is super awesome.

Time to tidy up my sewing mess and get ready to go pick up my kids from school.  Have a great weekend everyone!

Better Off Thread
Fresh Poppy Design

32 comments:

Samantha said...

That's a beautiful duffle! It looks so well constructed and not a wonky stitch in sight (darn you!).

I love the little pops of orange :)

Annabella said...

It's amazing and very cool - love it!

Janice @ Better off Thread said...

The bag is beautiful! I love all the touches of orange you added, right down to the orange thread on the straps.

Kimberly said...

Bee-you-ti-full job Heather! Now come to Abbotsford so we can go on a Joannes run!

Svetlana said...

Gorgeous!!!! Turned out really beautiful, Heather. You are totally going to travel in style.

Gale, Ky quilter said...

Oh that is so beautiful! You did an amazing job. . . . so professional. Is this the same pattern that Simplicity sells? If so, I have it already & want to make this. Thanks for sharing!

Shanna said...

What a great duffle!! I love the handles!!

Patti said...

A great success, Heather! Love the fabric and your details in the sewing!

Susan said...

What an amazing job you have done of this bag Heather!! It looks SO professional! You will have people asking you where you bought that bag!

Jess @ Elven Garden Quilts said...

I agree with Susan - it looks so professional heather. I'm in awe of you bag making skills!

Alisa said...

I'm impressed! That's one gorgeous bag!

Carla said...

Oh my gosh! It's gorgeous!! I've still never made a bag

Erica said...

I love how boxy this turned out! Wonderful job, I think you will be getting lots of compliments next time you travel :)

Kelsey said...

What an awesome finish Heather! I've been debating this duffle pattern for a while, but now aftr reading your post and alterations - I'm definitely jumping in! I love how structured and streamlined your bag turned out. Thanks for the awesome tips!

Debbie said...

oh it looks SO nice - just every detail is perfect. You done good!!

Amanda said...

This turned out beautifully. Love the colours/fabric you chose.

Kate said...

I love it! The orange looks so, so great as a pop of color. And it looks like a very handy bag to have!

Cathy said...

It is just fabulous, Heather! so professional and I love the top stitching on the strap!

Erin @ Why Not Sew? Quilts said...

It turned out great, Heather!

Alli said...

Your bag came out fantastic! I really like the way you made your straps -- they're pretty and they look very sturdy! :)

StudioCherie said...

I love it. Everything about it! I hope you have many happy tavels with your gorgeous bag.

Janine @ Rainbow Hare said...

This is an amazing bag! So professional, as others have said.

Nat at Made in Home said...

Such a great finish! Ad great choice of fabrics!

Nancy in NV-wheres the dude at blogspot said...

Your duffel looks bullet-proof sturdy! I am very tempted to make a large bag like this soon. Nice Finish.

Unknown said...

Beautiful bag! It was fun to read about the thoughtful changes you made to the pattern:)

AmandaK@whatthebobbin said...

Love your version on the bag! I have this pattern and need to get on it.

Sara said...

You did it!!! I do remember making this bag now when I saw what pattern you used for it! It was a bit tricky here and there as I recall. You outdid yourself!

Hilary said...

Wow! Your bag looks amazing! I love your fabric choices and it looks so expertly made :)

Lindsey R. :: LRstitched said...

It turned out FABULOUS!!! Love the zipper facing and the fabrics you chose. Gorgeous job!!

Toni said...

Your bag looks fabulous! I think you have inspired me to want to try to make one when I get my machine back. I'll definitely be coming back to this post when I do!

CitricSugar said...

You did an absolutely beautiful job!! Wow! It looks professionally done. Gorgeous fabric choices, too.

Glad to know I'm not the only one who's sewn something and then had to "alter" a piece to make it fit. :-)

Lori said...

I like how your bag turned out. I am making it right now. What is a trolley sleeve?