Sewing Pattern Review: The Senna Tote Bag

Today, for my first sewing pattern review ever, I'm reviewing one of my favorite bag patterns, ever.  The Senna Tote by Vanessa of LBG Studio, for Willow & Co. Pattern Collective is a very versatile, zip-top tote bag.  It has two exterior pockets, and one large interior pocket that can be divided as you wish. 

As with most bag patterns that I purchase, I added a few elements, and chose different interfacings.  I'll summarize my materials and approach to the construction of the bag.

FABRIC + MATERIALS

Feature Fabric: Arrows in Coral, Moonlit Collection by Rashida Coleman Hale for Cotton + Steel
Contrast Bottom:  Diversitex Polyester/Cotton Twill Navy
Lining:  Water Repellent Nylon from Frank's Bargain Center in Claremont, NH
Handles + Exterior Pocket Lining:  Roc-Lon #412 Natural Super Muslin
Hardware:  YKK #3 Nylon Coil Zipper*, 1.25" Gold-toned Metal Diecast Zinc Slides
Interfacing:  Pellon Thermolam Plus Sew-in, Pellon 50 Heavyweight Sew-in, Pellon 926 Extra-Firm Stabilizer, Warm & White Cotton Batting
*A note about the zipper:  The materials list calls for a 22 inch nylon coil zipper, which is then cut to 19.75 inches.  So really, you can get away with a 20 inch zipper (trimmed down), or simply make longer end tabs if you need to use a shorter zipper, or to allow use of a metal zipper.  The important thing is that the total length be 19.75" after attaching the end tabs.

INSTRUCTIONS + ILLUSTRATIONS

I was more than pleased with the instructions and illustrations in this pattern.  The wording is clear; not confusing whatsoever.  There was never a point in the process that I was unsure of what to do.  The pattern pieces are easy to assemble, and there are cutting instructions for the rectangular pieces if you want to save paper.  The line drawings are BETTER than process photographs, in my opinion.  I was most nervous about the "corners" where the zipper end tabs meet the side seams, but I was pleasantly surprised with how easily it came together.  Vanessa has you sew "dot to dot" to attach the zipper, and it works out quite well as long as you follow her seam allowances.  I'm happy with the result.

 

MY APPROACH

The pattern calls for quilting cotton and some combinations of Pellon SF101 and canvas as interlining.  I like to add some softness to a bag when possible, so instead I used Pellon Thermolam Plus Sew-in for the entire body of the bag, and added Pellon 926 to the contrast bottom for structure. I used Pellon 50 to interline the exterior pockets sandwiched between my feature fabric and my favorite muslin, Roc-Lon #412 Super Muslin.  The back of the bag has a unique pocket that spans the entire width.  This would be perfect for file folders or larger items.

For the handles, I used Super Muslin and a single layer of Warm & White for some padding.  I also added tri-bar hardware for ome visual interest.

I kept the interior simple, using a water repellent nylon in anticipation of using this as a beach or pool bag someday.  I interlined the pocket again with Pellon 50, and divided it into equal thirds.  Lastly, I skipped the zipper topstitching.  I'm rarely pleased with how my zipper topstitching turns out, so I usually skip it unless I feel the bag looks bare without it.

Overall, I definitely recommend this pattern.  As I said above, the instructions and illustrations are clear, and the process is enjoyable.  The Senna Tote Bag Pattern is available from Willow & Co.  I am also offering this bag made to order in my Etsy Shop.

I've linked this post to the following (check out what others are making!):
Show Off Saturday @ SewCanShe
InspireUs Thursdays @ The Inspired Wren
Purse Palooza @ SewSweetness

An Overdue Update + Pumpkin Dog Biscuits

In the almost one year since my last post, I’ve completed many projects, sold quite a few, and most importantly, learned so much about sewing and more particularly, bag construction.  I continue to improve my techniques with each bag I make.

I started this blog as a place to elaborate more about my sewing projects, particularly the ones for sale, but I found that after I spent so much time photographing and describing the items, there was little left to say, especially since I sell only a few items- in different prints.

So I’ve decided to change the purpose of this blog from “making things” to “making.”   After all, we all make things everyday, whether it’s making something great, making something better, or making a mess.  We’ll see if this approach prompts me to write more.  

With that said, here's something I made recently: Pumpkin, Parsley, and Oat Dog Biscuits.

There are lots of homemade dog treat and dog biscuit recipes out there.  I didn't follow any single one, instead I chose a few ingredients I wanted to incorporate to make my own recipe.  Pumpkin is a great digestive regulator, which is good for Rory's sensitive stomach, and parsley is known to help with "doggy breath."  So I ended up with canned pumpkin, dried parsley, and oats as my main ingredients, with egg and whole wheat flour as "binders."  The results is a a dense dog biscuit that, when left to dry for a few hours, ends up hard on the outside, and still a bit chewy on the inside.

Pumpkin, Parsley, & Oat Dog Biscuits Recipe

• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin or pumpkin puree
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 Tablespoon dried parsley flakes
• 2 Tablespoons nonfat powdered milk
• 1 cup old fashioned oats, ground (I use a food processor)
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix all ingredients to make a stiff, dense dough.  This can be done by hand, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook.  Add a splash of water if needed to make the dough pliable.  Roll the dough to desired thickness, and cut shapes with a knife or cookie cutter.  Place biscuits onto an ungreased baking sheet and bake for 40 minutes, flipping them over halfway through.  Turn off the oven and leave the biscuits inside for several hours or overnight to dry out.  The less moisture that remains, the longer these will keep at room temperature.  Freeze in a zip top bag to make then last even longer.

Enjoy!

 

Etsy Shop is Open! + COUPON CODE!

My Etsy Shop is open!  I have listed a few packable totes, foldover clutch/crossbody bags, and a couple cosmetic bags.  It is not much, but it's a start!  I plan to add some classic canvas totes once I build an inventory of them (they take MUCH longer to make than any of my other items).  I will post updates as I add more items.

To celebrate this humble opening, I am offering a coupon code for free shipping to all those who "Like" my Facebook Page.  After clicking "Like" you should be able to access the "Coupon" section of the page.  See you on Facebook, and Happy Shopping!

Sneak Peak: Fold over Clutch / Crossbody

UPDATE:  Items are now for sale in my Etsy Shop!

Today I'm revealing another item that will be for sale in my Etsy Shop, the Fold over Clutch / Crossbody Purse.  

I made several (read: 10+) attempts at constructing this bag, before I finally felt I had nailed down the best technique and process.  Below is a photo of my "prototype"that I carried around for over a month, and a pile of failure few of my "attempts" stacked in the background.

With a fully adjustable strap, this bag is quite versatile. It makes a great crossbody or shoulder bag for everyday, and can also be carried as a clutch for evening. It measures 11.25" wide, 7" tall when folded, and 12" tall when unfolded. It has a brass zipper, brass hardware, and two interior slip pockets.

The patterns pictured above will be listed for sale initially, and I plan to add more solid colorblock designs. 

Sneak Peak: Packable Tote Coming Soon

I have been sewing pretty much nonstop in preparation for the opening of my Etsy Shop, but I did manage to take a few photos of one of the items that I will be selling.  This particular bag is my "prototype" that I've carried to and from the grocery store multiple times now, and I can confidently say it has certainly passed my testing!  My testing = fit as much as possible in the bag so I can carry it over my shoulder and have my hands free to carry a 12 pack of craft beer.  I mean... other large items.  Like....milk.  Right... a gallon of milk.  ;-)

So with that said, I present the Multi-purpose Packable Tote!

When packed full, it measures 15.5 inches wide by 13 inches tall by 7.5 inches deep (for reference, it is a bit smaller than the "large" but certainly bigger than the "medium" canvas bag made by a certain company in Maine).  When flat, it's 15.5 inches by 17 inches.  The best part is it folds down to 5 inches by 8 inches, and only an inch or so thick.  The tie serves to keep the bag folded neatly, and it can also be tied when the bag is in use to keep it standing upright and to prevent items from falling out and rolling around in your trunk.  Just let the ties hang into the bag when not in use.  I haven't found that they get in the way at all.

The handle drop is 12 inches, fitting comfortably over the shoulder even when loaded up. 

The size of this bag was inspired by the "large" plastic bag at a fabric and craft store that I frequent probably too much.  I liked the size of the bag for how much it can hold (again, fewer bags is better, and we all know fewer trips from the car to the house is better, right?!), but I found I was always tying the handles together to keep items in place in the back of my Jeep.  So I made my own reusable (and prettier) version!

I'm calling this bag multi-purpose because it's perfect for so many uses:  beach bag, grocery bag, shopping bag, picnic bag, etc!  And since it is so packable, it's convenient to keep in the car or in a large purse to have on hand,  It would also fit nicely in a suitcase to use while on vacation.

This style will be available in this and other patterns when my Etsy Shop opens... someday.  Soon.  Hopefully.  Stay tuned!