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: