Have Bag, Will Travel

She's done! Well, sort of.

I finally got the lining all sewn in, but I made a small boo boo. Remember the part where I said I wasn't following the directions exactly?

Yeah, I didn't see the part where I was supposed to tack the seams of the lining to the seams of the outer shell before I stitched the lining in. See how they're not tucked into the corners?

I may possibly go back in later and fix it, but it's the lining so I'm not too concerned with it's imperfections.

I used the quilt as you go method for mine too of course.

I've been wanting to make this bag for a couple of years now, but the thought of the cost of all of that interfacing, not to mention actually having to sew it all together, really scared me.

Once I saw it done this way I was gung ho about getting it done in time for my weekend retreat next month.

I did make the straps longer like so many others and it's a perfect fit over my shoulder. I think I cut them at 54" long and 5" wide. 

I used duck cloth for the interfacing, batting, and both Melody Miller and Echino prints for the outer to make sure it had plenty of strength.

For some reason I had a bit of trouble figuring out the zipper. Plus, I didn't stitch as close to the zipper as the instructions called for because I wanted to be able to see more of that beautiful coral color. 

It ended up making my bag bow a little bit in some weird places though :(

I have lots of fun little surprises in the pockets.

Laura Gunn in the main pocket

Tula in the side pockets (you didn't really think I would make a bag and not include some Tula in it somewhere, did you?)

And some Laurie Wisbrun in the inner pocket.

I say it's not technically done because it needs a false bottom. It's done enough to use though so I'm considering it a finish. I'm pondering the false bottom for a bit because I want something sturdy, but I don't think I want the feet or anything like that. I wanted it in the beginning, but I hardly ever travel and it just won't get so much use as to justify doing all that to it. I think I'll have the hubs cut me a piece of acrylic instead, strictly for structure and support. 

I finished this one just in time too. My Grandpa's memorial service is in a couple of weeks in Phoenix. I'll be spending a long weekend attending that and I'm not a huge fan of checked luggage. It's the absolute perfect size to both hold everything I need, and to use for a carry-on. I'm excited to test it out!

This is my finish for February for the 2013 Lovely Year of Finishes.