Monday, September 12, 2011

Weekender Bag



 This is quite possibly the best thing I've ever made. No joke, I LOVE this bag. It's the Amy Butler Weekender Travel Bag pattern. I made it using a vintage tablecloth and a velvet upholstery remnant I found at Joanne's. I could see how this bag could get super expensive to make if using new designer upholstery fabric. I spent at least $35 in materials alone even using really inexpensive fabrics. Most of that cost was in the various interfacings. It's completely deceiving when you open up the pattern and there are only 3 pattern pieces because cutting the pieces out is probably what took the longest. The construction itself isn't difficult just tedious at times. They aren't kidding when they say "Just go slow and be patient"! At times you're sewing through 6+ layers of heavy fabric and that's tricky. That being said it was completely worth every poked finger, all the arm aches and the swearing. I LOVE this bag. Have I mentioned that? It's huge and absolutely my dream bag. And I finished it just in time to take it on a little "weekender" of my own. 


My wonderful husband is letting me leave him with the kids while I spend a long weekend with my mom, two aunts and brother's girlfriend in Siesta Key, Florida. There will be lots of fruity drinks with umbrellas, sitting on the beach knitting and general laziness. I'm trying not to feel guilty about leaving the kids and hubby but I'm really, really excited about having a few days to myself to relax. I've realized that being a mom you can't be "on" all of the time. It's necessary to take some time for yourself or you'll be no use to anyone. So, I'm thinking that this little time out will rejuvinate me for quite awhile! (Although I'm completely terrified about the flight. Trying not to think about it but still terrified.)


And with this bag I can cross of #7 on my 30 Before Thirty list! "Finish sewing something for ME". DONE! I'm seriously tempted to buy Amy's new book after making this bag. I'm always needed various bags for the kids and for shopping and knitting, etc. It looks like there's some really cute patterns in there! 

7 comments:

  1. This bag is amazing and good for you making something for yourself! Your trip sounds wonderful too. It's good to have me time when you work and look after your kids. I try to get away with my friends for a weekend every year and it really recharges the batteries.

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  2. The bag looks so good! I love the fabrics you chose.

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  3. LOVE. love. love. love.
    love? love.

    grab job!!

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  4. I love your bag, those are great fabrics! It's also nice to see that you didn't find that pattern super hard. I haven't looked at the pattern but I've read that tons of people have such a hard time with this bag. I may have to give it a try!

    Enjoy your trip! :)

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  5. Fabulous job! I LOVE how it turned out. The fabric combo is perfecto! Have a wonderful trip!

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  6. So cute, I really love it. I have been wanting to make one with some cute Hr fabric too, just waiting for a good sale to buy some! And I hope you enjoy your trip, I'm a little (alot) envious. :)

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  7. I'm in love with this bag! Do you have enough left over fabric to make a second one? I would love to buy it from you!!!

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Your thoughts are always, always welcome. Just know that I appreciate each and every one of you even if I don't always have the chance to respond.