Betsy!

I finished it… just!!!

I battled through the layers, broke my foot pedal in the process, but made it to the end.  I may need to tidy up a few little bits, as my control via the start/stop button is a little lacking, but hey, you want to see it?!

I made a couple of alterations to the pattern; inserted a thick interfacing to the base to give it a little more structure, and did not attach the long strap slider in the end, because, to be honest, on all the bags I have made with a slider, once on, the slider has never been slid!  Having added thick fusible fleece to the main length for comfort, I attached a couple of non-wadded tabs to the ends of the long strap, to both increase the length, and also allow me to sew though the layers securely.  I didn't make it detachable, I didn't see the point.

My inside side lining panels are pieced, due to running out of the main lining fabric, but I like the look with the accent fabric.  I also didn't topstitch right the way round the ends, because of the bulk, especially at the inside pocket corners, which for me, made it impossible.

I love how it turned out, even if there are areas which, with a more powerful machine, I may have been able to improve upon.  But it is what it is, and I will use it with pride.

Its first over-nighter will be the Brownie Pack Holiday, I'm all about the glamourous lifestyle me!

Some deets for those who like to know...
Betsy Travel Bag - Kristi McDonough Schnitzel & Boo
Made with Cotton & Steel and Melody Miller linen (outer)
Quilting weight lining - C&S and Kona solids
Yarn Dyed Essex linen accent fabric
Pieced and quilted with Aurifil 40wt

Betsy Binding...

Getting there!

There are so many layers in this bag, the corners were never going to be pristine and sharp, I am resigned to that now, and I know that when I am not looking at the problem areas up close, I won't notice or be niggled so much.  That's the plan!

So it looks like I am heading for a weekend finish. Woo hoo!

Well my #ukminiswap parcel is still residing in a local delivery office, so I am hoping that my partner is able to pick it up soon, I am getting nervous about whether she will like it!  I am trying not to think about what is coming my way too, I have concentration issues at work enough as it is!

Oooh a Wednesday WIP...

Cracking on, albeit at snail's pace…

I love how the front accordion pocket(s) turned out, the back inset zip, not so much.  The thick layers are making my stitches all kinds of random, despite the topstitch needle and walking foot.  I unpicked once already, that's my limit.

I think my biggest problem is going to be the shoulder strap, as I added some extra 'padding' already; there may need to be a bit of a rethink, when I eventually get to that bit.

Sunny Success!

What a beautiful day - I cracked on with some stitching, caught up with last night's Ordinary Lies on my iPad all while the conservatory was still cool enough to sew.

So I go me a FAL finish already!

I finished up my #UKminiswap extras, I will get a group shot before I pop the lot in the mail, but here's the FAL item, an Anna-Maria Horner Lola pouch…

I have loved all the Lola's I have made, and this is no exception, and the Cotton & Steel binding has to be one of my favourites.

I also made a good start on my Betsy Travel Bag, not quite caught up with the Sew-along, but a good start nonetheless…

I could have achieved more, but I spent an hour or so soaking up some vitamin D, because I am sure the lovely weather won't last and I've really got to keep those rickets at bay xxx

Betsy vs the Egg...

Apologies for the absenteeism; the kids were with my parents for a few days, and so dear hubby and I made the most of the peace and quiet, and quite frankly computer-time was the last thing on my mind.

Today the kiddos came back, chaos descended, but somehow I managed to make a start on my Betsy Travel Bag…

Sooooooo much cutting and interfacing; this has all the makings of being the most complex and expensive bag I have or will ever make, but I am loving it so far.  I have used my hoarded Cotton & Steel linen, which was waiting for the right bag, I've popped in a little old skool Melody Miller, and am using some gorgeous yarn dyed Essex linen in Flax from my lovely buddy Jude's Etsy shop.

I am not sure when I will get time for the actual sewing; tomorrow has already been earmarked for new bike practice by dear son at the park, so it will definitely be making an appearance on my Q2 FAL list.

I am slowing eating my way through the Easter treats, and a first for me, I am actually struggling, (i.e. I haven't managed to wolf the lot in 3 days!), so for once stitching, or the plotting thereof, is taking priority over chocolate!  I'm sure it'll pass.