Kimberly KG avatar

Finishing Ally's Bag

Ally has been asking me to make her a sling bag for a long while. She’s particular about her tastes though and I didn’t want to make her a bag that she wouldn’t use. I finally asked her to choose a pattern from the many she had sent me and then we looked at what vinyl we could use from my stash before heading to the fabric store to buy the rest. We were both super excited about the fabrics she picked out. Unfortunately, I had to order the hardware and it didn’t get her until the day before she left. (I guess I still need to write about that, she’s back on the ship!)

You know that feeling when you want something to be perfect and you’re not sure you’re up to the task? I started panicking about every detail. What if the mix of fabrics is not right? What if I screw up the curves? What if what if what if?

It took me a lot longer to work through that and finish the bag than I would have liked.

However, it’s done and I’m so happy with how it turned out! Matt designed and cut the label on the laser cutter. It definitely elevates the whole project. The bag arrived safely in Georgia this week and Ally loves it! Mission success! Some of her shipmates would like one now too! Ha!

Auto-generated description: A stylish sling bag with green and brown colors hangs on a wooden door, featuring a front zipper pocket and a compass design patch. Auto-generated description: A backpack with a green body and brown accents is hanging from hooks on a wooden door, next to a floral-patterned scarf.

There was another factor (or two) that slowed me down. They are adorable, but so curious. Using a rotary cutter and having a cat leap from the ironing board to your shoulder is disconcerting. Being in the act of using a sewing machine with the needle bobbing up and down is not the best time to figure out you have a curious cat 2 inches from the needle.

Auto-generated description: Two cats are sitting on a table cluttered with sewing patterns, fabric, and a laptop. Auto-generated description: A black cat is sitting on a workspace with pattern pieces, a laptop, and scissors. Auto-generated description: A black cat is sitting on an open laptop surrounded by various papers and crafting supplies. Auto-generated description: A curious black and white cat is closely examining fabric being sewn on a sewing machine. Auto-generated description: A black and white cat curiously observes a sewing machine working on fabric featuring a map design. Auto-generated description: A black and white cat is reaching towards a container of colorful clips on a craft table with sewing materials. Auto-generated description: A black cat is peering through a sewing machine while fabric is being stitched. Auto-generated description: A black and white cat with wide eyes sits on a desk next to a sewing machine, surrounded by various objects.

The pattern was made by Kandou Patterns. The vinyl, zipper and hardware are products from Zipper Valley.