Carrier Challenge Update

This post originally appeared at The Dropped Thread on 4/4/13. It has been moved to this blog by the owner.

Dear Reader,

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter Holiday.  I know it's been a while since I've posted.  I'm already behind on the 2013 Carrier Challenge due to various technical and personal mishaps.  But, I'm not giving up!
I did get several carriers done. Here's an update:

Carrier #1 - Indygo Junction's Crossover Carry-All #IJ890

Indygo Junction Crossover Carryall
Exterior fabric - Duck cloth
Interior - 100% cotton bright pink solid

For my first carrier I used a duck cloth that was on clearance at Hobby Lobby for the exterior because that allowed me to eliminate lining the bag with additional stiffening.  I'm for anything that allows an extra step, and it turns out that the sewing machine I was using at the time wasn't made to handle too many layers.  There were issues with the dog feed.  (Have since replaced machine with a Janome Memory Craft 6600 Professional - Yay!)

I used the short handled version included in the pattern (there is a variation with a longer strap for wearing across the body).  The pattern was easy to follow, but I had to cut the strap enclosure wider than called for to allow for the strap to fit.  Also, as I understood the way the side enclosure and strap are finished, the strap is sewn down and not movable.  This does not allow for the sides of the bag to gather as shown in the pattern front photo.  The purse ended up have a wide opening on each side, which I feel makes it easier for someone to stick their hand into the bag and steal something.

For the interior I used 100% cotton quilting fabric in a bright pink solid, which I had in my horde.  I regret using it because it is too flimsy to hold the snaps firmly (even with interfacing) and will eventually tear through the fabric.  I also used a standard snap (for clothing) instead of a magnetic purse snap.  The snap sides fit so tight, it is almost impossible to get the stupid thing open.  Lesson learned.

Changes I would make if using this pattern again are:

1. Adjust the strap enclosure is the strap moves freely and the enclosure gathers
2. Use duck cloth or fusible fleece on the interior for better support
3. Use magnetic purse snaps.

Carrier #2 - Betz White Caitlyn Handbag

Betz White Caitlyn Handbag

I really enjoyed the pattern and I'm very pleased with how the handbag turned out.  I used the "Make New" version.  This was the first thing I made using my new sewing machine, and didn't have any machine issues.  I changed the interfacing listed in the pattern (100% cotton canvas) to a thin Pellon craft lining.  The only issue I had with the pattern was that the flap almost doesn't quite reach from back to front.  It needs another 1/4" - 1/2" to fit correctly.

Fabrics used for the Caitlyn Bag

For the fabrics I used "Skull + Roses Black" by Alexander Henry, "Spirit" by Lila Tueller for Moda, and "Astor Manor" by 3 Sisters for Moda.  I wish I had cut the novelty pattern more carefully so that the pattern lined up on each side - lesson learned.

I made a covered button for the first time.  It was very simple.  Also, I did use magnetic snaps, but they seem a little small and don't hold very well, but that might be because the flap is straining and should be longer.  I was afraid the snap would be too big for the width of the strap if I used the medium size - I was wrong.

Changes I would make if using this pattern again are:

1. Adjust the length of the flap so that it is a tad longer.
2. If using a novelty fabric, line up the pattern when cutting so it looks continuous on each side.
3. Use a larger magnetic snap, and possibly a larger (1") covered button.

Carrier #3 - A Quilter's Dream Half Moon Bay #P079

Half Moon Bay Bag - Exterior

Half Moon Bay Bag - Interior

This is the first thing I've machine quilted - Yay! This pattern calls for six fat quarters, but if you make the background (brown fabric shown) for the front and back the same you use 1/2 yard and 4 fat quarters.  I made this bag in a class at Sew Contempo in Webster, TX.  The pattern instructions for cutting the fabric were somewhat confusing, and I ended up cutting one of the fat quarters the wrong direction and ran out of fabric.  Luckily, I had purchased and "extra" coordinating fat quarter and used it.  With the instructor's directions, I had no problems sewing the bag together.  I did make one mistake and used the wrong piece for the bottom on one side, making me have to adjust the size of the whole bag.  I didn't label my pieces - again, lesson learned. This mistake is not noticeable and was correctable with help from the instructor.  I'm not sure I could have figured out how to adjust if I had been making it at home.

Fabrics - "Enchanted Pond" by Holly Taylor for Moda 

Changes I would make if using this pattern again are:

1. Label my pieces
2. Pay attention to fabric direction when cutting out - measure for length and width

Carrier #4 - Ellen Medlock Heart Minaudiere

Heart Minaudiere - Exterior

Heart Minaudiere - Interior

This isn't so much a pattern as it is a form that you glue the fabric onto.  It was very simple and easy.  Of course I didn't get the sides glued on correctly, there is a notch in one of the mold so that it fits around the "jeweled" latch -- another lesson learned.  Since it doesn't quite go in correctly, I think I can pop out that side and have my husband make a notch in it for me with his Dremel.

The fabrics I used are from an older Lakehouse Dry Goods collection in my horde.  I have fat quarters in the whole collection so you'll see more of this.

The only changes I would make next time are:

1. Follow the instructions and put the correct mold on the correct side
2. Use the tutorial from Ellen Medlock's blog on how to "seal the fabric" for durability.

I've had one instructor tell me never to point out where I made a mistake in a project because no one but me will know it is there, but I'm hoping someone else will benefit from my "Lessons Learned". There are two more carriers to report on, but I will save those for my next post.  Have a great week!

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Brenda