Tuesday, September 15, 2020

It's In The Bag blog hop (plus giveaway)

Welcome to my stop on the It's In The Bag blog hop!  This month, Island Batik Ambassadors each made a bag By Annie, with a kit put together by Annie herself!  Annie included everything needed for the bag: hardware, zippers, her amazing Soft and Stable, elastic, mesh, pattern, and fabric by Island Batik.  My fabrics are from the Lemon Grass collection by Kathy Engle for Chris Hoover of Whirligig Designs and I love the prints Annie chose for me!


Here's a closeup of one of the quilted panels so you can see the color variation in this fabric.  I quilted a 1" cross-hatch with Aurifil 2783 (dark blue) in the top thread and Aurifil 1231 (lime green) in the bobbin, to match the green speckled print that is the lining fabric.  I used my favorite Schmetz needles.  One tip if you are making this or other bags with lots of layers: switch to a new needle when you get to the steps with lots of layers. 

 

I chose my pattern back in February when I had just joined a local guild.  I picked Running With Scissors because it's a great gear bag for quilters--it can hold so many tools and accessories!  I had visions of workshops and sew-ins with the guild.  Well, not this year, but whenever those things happen again, I'll be all set. Look at everything I can fit in my Running With Scissors!

The inside has pockets with a quilted layer to protect tips of scissors, seam rippers, snips, and anything else with a sharp tip.  There are also some smaller zipper pockets inside, one with vinyl and two with mesh.  These pockets are great for any small items; I have wonder clips, spare bobbins, a pack of Schmetz needles, letter markers for pattern pieces, and diagonal seam tape in mine and there's still lots more room.  A row of elastic loops can hold spools of thread, chalk markers, or other tools.

empty case, so you can see how many pockets there are

There are two large zipper pockets on the outside.  They are a great size for patterns or for smaller rulers or templates. 


Now, I want to back up for a second and talk about my history with bags.  I'm terrible at them.  Terrible. Every few years I would convince myself that I'm not as bad as I remember, and I convince myself to try another.  The last time I made a bag was 2015. Since then, I've remembered and I've not attempted a bag since.  To say I was worried about this challenge is a huge understatement. 

My kit from Annie with everything I needed          

I had made one of Annie's patterns before, her project bags that I took as part of a class at my local quilt shop--and it was my first time with a zipper! But I assumed the only reason I was even halfway successful was that I did it as a class.  Turns out, it's Annie's patterns!  Annie is very thorough, which is probably why I like her patterns!  (We joke at work that Thorough is my middle name.)  I do want to be honest, this was not an easy project, nor a quick one.  I spent 3 sewing sessions just making/prepping the components of the bag, and probably 5 or more sessions on assembly.  But while it was not easy, it wasn't what I would call hard.  You just do each step as explained and make your way through it all.  I did have to concentrate, but the end result is well worth it.  



Annie's add-on video helped with some of the tricky parts.  Many of the patterns come with a code to unlock these videos on the By Annie website.  If you have an older pattern without a code (like mine of the project bags) then you can by the add-on video separately.   I also want to give a shout out to Wendy of Pieceful Thoughts of My Quilting Life who did an unofficial QAL with me--she knew I was worried about bag making in general and she gave me a ton of moral support.  Quilting friends are the best!

In process, with lines marked and pockets pinned

I'm amazed at my confidence now and I want to make all the bags!  I think the companion to this one, Take A Stand, may be my next make.  Though I'll tell you, I really want to make the Ultimate Travel bag.  And there are so many great other By Annie patterns to choose from!

 
Running with Scissors also includes instructions for a small ironing pad.  When storing, the pad goes over the tools on one side to protect all the tools in the case.  I think my case also needs some coordinating sewing supplies like a needle book and a pin cushion.  I still have space in my case--what do you think I'm missing?



 Annie's pattern does give instructions for zipper pulls for all the outside zippers, but I am not really fan of zipper pulls.  I decided I only needed one for the main zipper keeping the bag closed and that I wanted to make my own.  My friend Kate gave me a sewing necklace and earring set a few years ago.  I don't wear earrings, so I saved them for the charms.  I added a blue bead that matches the color of the dragonfly fabric to the sewing machine charm.  I'm not a beader but I had some very basic supplies and I made a pull I'm happy with that is unique to my bag!

Supplies for this project were provided to me by By Annie, Schmetz Needles, Aurifil, and Island Batik.


No blog hop is complete without a giveaway!  Visit Island Batik to enter their weekly giveaway for a chance to win a fat quarter bundle of the fabric from my bag, Lemon Grass, or a fat quarter bundle of Mandala Magic by Jackie Kunkel of Canton Village Quilt Works. And I'm giving away 3 Stash Builder rolls of these luscious green fabrics.  Each roll has 4 strips that are 5" by WOF, so that's 60" by width of fabric in total!  Cut them into charm packs, 2 1/2" strips, or use for applique. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks so much for By Annie for the chance to make this great bag and have confidence that bag making is something I can do!

51 comments:

  1. I popped over from Wendy's blog to see your bag. It is beautiful! A small needle book for needles and straight pins would be a good addition.

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  2. Oh, clever idea of adding the zipper pull - I am going to see if I can come up with one! Yes, I think a small needle book would be a great idea too. Can't wait to see your next By Annie project. Your bag looks fabulous, Emily!

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  3. That is a great bag! With things like this, as you discovered, taking it one step at a time, going slowly but surely, gets it done. And you can be proud of a fine job and a fun accessory you'll use a lot.

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  4. Love your bag and the unique pull. Between you and Wendy, I'm convinced I need to make one of these. You did a wonderful job, it is so pretty!

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  5. Love that this bag is not only cute but useful, too! I think adding the mini ironing pad would be great. That way when you do get to go to classes, you'll have it handy.

    Sandy

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  6. What is missing is a small bag of M & Ms. Love to have chocolate handy when I am quilting

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  7. Your bag is wonderful and this is a great post. Great job .

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  8. Sounds like pampered goodness to have a bag and needed notions hand picked by Annie herself!!! Great job on yours, Emily!!! Looks like you need a Clover white marking pen for marking dark fabrics. And a Folded Corner Clipper. Just some thoughts...

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  9. I love your bag! What sewist wouldn't love it! Your charm is the sweetest! Thank you, Susan

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  10. You did an awesome job making your bag. It is very pretty and holds so many things. I would like to make the Ultimate Travel Bag 2.0.It looks big and roomy with lots of zipper pockets. Thank you for sharing today and for your giveaway.

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  11. I love your bag. It's awesome. I would love to make the ruler wrap bag. It is now on my todo list. Thanks

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  12. The more I read about Annie's bags, the more I think I want to try one! You did an awesome job and I'll bet you feel more confident now. Your bag needs some sweet treats to stash away when you feel to indulge. Personally, I'd add some Peanut M&Ms! Enjoy your bag!
    duchick at gmail dot com

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  13. Oh, wonderful post and wonderful bag! I always appreciate it when a blogger admits they were nervous about making something--especially when it's the same things I'm terrible about making. So, I think I should tackle any Annie's bag, since it appears her patterns are a great way to get over my bag-related-anxiety.

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  14. Very nice bag! I have taken a class that made a bag by Annie and loved it, I am trying to get my courage up to do The Ultimate Travel bag but am scared of doing it on my own!

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  15. This is AMAZING Emily. Honestly - all the pockets and zippers, compartments - wow! Love the fabrics too. I bet you feel so satisfied having completed this complex pattern. I don't know about Annie's patterns but I am curious so I had better go browse a bit. Bravo - this is a wonderful bag you've made!

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  16. Love it! Annie's patterns certainly are thorough, and that leads to success for sure! Well done!

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  17. Awesome bag!! It will be on my list to make for sure! I think you should add a few candies and tea bags if you are tea drinker like me! :) or hot cocoa! Thank you and have a great week!

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  18. What a great organizer bag--and pretty to boot!!

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  19. Forgot to say--I think I would like to make this bag.

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  20. Looks like your bag is very useful, and I love the colors. I would learn how to sew zippers and mesh in a bag if I made it. Nancy A: SewingGranda@gmail.com

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  21. This is lovely and very useful bag. I'm going to make one too.

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  22. Your bag is sew adorable and useful. You did a fantastic job, I am happy that you gained a bunch of confidence in the bag making department!! This looks like a bag I would like to make.

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  23. Fantastic bag! I purchased Running with Scissors and after seeing yours, I need to start making mine.

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  24. You did a wonderful job on the bag. Way to go. This is the one I would want to make. A needle case and small pincushion sound like great add-ons to me. Maybe a couple of your favourite teabags? I know no class/store/restaurant ever has the herbal tea I like. :)

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  25. Wow! What a beautiful bag! I need one! I didn't see any pins mentioned in your bag. I always end up needing a few of those it seems! Thanks for sharing your fun giveaway!

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  26. Emily, you did a great job! The Lemongrass fabrics make your bag glow, too. It's such a pretty project. And it looks so useful. I want to make one now, too! Have a fabulous day!

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  27. Wow, I am impressed! And terrified to try myself, lol. Did I see a seam ripper?
    cork@pa.rr.com

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  28. Wow! This is a great bag, and the one I think I'd like to make. I have been hesitant to try something this complex, but your blog gave me hope! Your bag looks great too.

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  29. My favorite is the Flipped Out Bag.

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  30. Emily this is a great bag! So nice that Wendy sewed along with you. 😉. The only thing that I would make to add to your wonderfully organized bag is a collapsible thread catcher. That way even your offcuts stay neat and tidy. I think I need to make this bag, 😉. Thanks for the inspiration.

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  31. What a great job you did!! I am so excited by these bags. OK I think you are missing a small ruler! or mat.

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  32. I love your bag. I need one just like it. You still need a Hera marker, a bodkin, and tweezers

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  33. Great bag! I would add a small pack of hand sewing needles and pins. I love the fabrics you used!

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  34. Wonderful job on the bag you made! I would add clips to the bag! I can always use those!
    yoyopattycakes @hotmail dot com

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  35. Fabulous work on your
    bag and I agree you
    need a pincushion!
    Carla from Utah

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  36. Handy bag! Missing? A gift card...to buy more...of everything!!!

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  37. For sure I would make this bag. Did I see a pincushion, needle threader and Tulip needles. Must have little flash light and magnifier.

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  38. Great bag for travel! I'd add a small pincushion, some straight pins and maybe a magnetic needle keeper.

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  39. I had no idea you were anxious about this challenge or I would have helped. Looks like you only needed a bit of encouragement because you did an awesome job! I think a little needle case would be perfect for this. And the Take a Stand. In the videos it looks like the perfect companion for this because it stands it up right next to your sewing station. Kudos to you!

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  40. Your bag is beautiful! And I love the way you packed it. All those organized toys are so enticing - it would motivate me to work on a project the minute I saw it. It looks like you might want to add some pins and needles and a small pincushion. If I were taking this bag on the go, there would probably be some Lifesavers or a bag of M&M's too. (Not necessities, but sewing and indulgence are closely related!) I've made the Take a Stand, and I think you will enjoy doing that bag too. It's my go-to for making gifts. It's a smooth sew, and so beautiful and useful when it's done. Thanks for this beautiful and inspiring post!

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  41. I would make your bag and the one that holds the mats. 24Tangent@gmail.com

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  42. I like all these bags on the blog hop so far. Very practical use of space. I also like the laptop bag on her website.

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  43. I love ByAnnie bags and have made several! I have the Project Bags pattern to make next.

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  44. Emily you did a fantastic job of your Running With Scissors bag, and I love studying all the stuff you've packed in it... with room for more! That centre elastic holder thingie is pretty cool; she really knows how to make the most of space. I found her add-on videos extremely helpful too. I love the fabrics she chose for you.

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  45. Thank you so much for sharing. I love batiks and love your bag.

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  46. Kathy, Beautiful Bag! It's great to have all the small things we carry around to help with sewing in one place organized, instead of searching at the bottom of our carry along sewing bag.
    petuniakr@aol.com

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  47. I’ve only tried bag patterns that don’t have zippers. Zippers bring back memories of my dress making days:not necessarily good memories. How about adding a few layers of wool felt for sticking hand sewing needles.

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  48. I don’t think I saw hand sewing needles. I do think that bag holds a lot, it would be perfect to take to a class.

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  49. I'm just amazed at how much that bag can hold! It's beautifully constructed...I especially like your quilting...and so useful!

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  50. THAT is such a COOL project. Love it!!! Must add it to my Christmas gift for me list :-)

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