Sunday 21 April 2013

Aeroplane Bag Making and a giveaway!

This weekend I got started on Sara's Aeroplane bag patten.  I have picked a range of textures with a vintage flowery Jonelle curtain for the lining, a Japanese corduroy for the main body, a denim (not pictured) that I got from the car boot sale and some leather that was once a couple of Marks and Spencers cushions (lucky charity shop find).  The cushions also yielded two lovely brass zippers and I had a navy zipper that I didn't use on another project.  The cotton webbing was from an ebay seller- I tend to choose webbing rather than making my own straps; saves time and I prefer the finish.  I Instagram the process (verykerryberry) as I go as it is such a great way of photographing the process and having a little company.
Sara was kind enough to send me some 'Soft and Stable' to try out and it is great stuff.  Foam construction with a fine knitted layer on both sides and very to cut and sew through.  I can see why she recommended it as it gives instant structure but its buly is quite manageable and it is sew in so no worrries about wrinkles.  I skipped the lightweight (Shape Flex/Vilene G700) interfacing for the lining and body of the bag as my fabrics were thicker than quilting cotton.
I was planning to have a leather base to the bag but I didn't have enough so I went for a front pocket instead and that was probably a good thing as leather is tricky to sew and I didn't want to invest in a specialist needle as I don't plan much leather sewing!  I used Superior 100 titanium needle (Justine stocks these in UK) on everything so far which with a Horizon AccuFeed Dual foot did power through.  
Clover Wonder Clips are the best invention ever.  Eternal Maker have just started stocking them.  They are great for for bags . Useful for binding too- I used them for my glue binding tutorial- but outstanding for holding all those layers when making a bag and leather cannot be pinned.  You can also see washi tape holding the straps onto the pocket ready for top stitching down- washi tape is aonther sewing room essential-for those that don't know, it is decorative paper tape like masking tape and peels off easily, great stuff!
You can see how the clips hold the multiple layers in place.  I used a dab of Copydex on the heavy interfacing to keep that lightly attached to the denim layer before top stitching on the seam at the front held it in place.
The front so far,(and the other finished without pocket).
This has been my friend: the pressure dial on my machine.  It adjust the pressure from the presser foot.  The default is 7 but for thicker layers I reduce this to 5 and 4 for the thickest and it works brilliantly.  I also do this when hemming knits with a twin needle and it stops them stretching out of shape. 
One inside pocket made, the other to follow.  So far an excellent pattern.   The insructions are clear and well paced.  I am not surprised!  Sara really does know what she is talking about when it comes to interfacing and structure of bags!  Another Aeroplane bag maker (Elizabeth (Don't Call Me Betsy) described this as like making a zippered pouch and it is exactly that but as it is on a much bigger scale it is a lot less fiddly! There aren't many pattern pieces as some pieces are rotary cut and the lining is cut using the front and back sections that you have sewn as templates for a perfect fit.  Now to sew pocket two, darts and the external zipper (that is the bit I am slightly apprehensive about)!  My K charm was from Ayumi but there are lots of brass charms available on Etsy and ebay.
Giveaway time!
 Wanna make one of your own?  Or maybe another of Sara's bags?  Leave a comment and I will pick 3 random lucky winners.  You have until my next bag post to get your entries in. If there is no email in your contact details you will not be able to win so check before you comment or leave a recognisable address in the comment kerrykit (at) yahoo (dot) com- you know the sort of thing.
Each winner will receive 3 PDF bag patterns of their choice- go look, drool at what you can pick and marvel how Sara can design in 3D!
sib blog

119 comments:

  1. wow! a truely re-cycled bag xx well done x

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  2. Your enthusiasm for this pattern really inspires me to give it a go and make one myself. I've only ever made tote bags before, and only ever put zips in dresses and skirts, but you make me feel I could do this.

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  3. Fantastic so far and love that you've been so thrifty! I wish I had a pressure dial like this on my machine..

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  4. Great bag! Sara's patterns are awesome I can't wait to make an aeroplane bag for myself.

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  5. Me, me, please pick me! Your tips are so inspiring! Thanks for the reminder about our pressure dials.

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  6. Reading your enthousiast blog I would like to have a go making a bag. lia.vandenbrand@live.nl

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  7. Awesome progress. I have only discovered your blog recently and it is sooooo inspiring.
    Cfmarson (at) gmail (dot) com

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  8. Great post, the photos really document the process well. I like the range of materials you are using. All Sarah's patterns look good, I'd love to have a go!

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  9. I'm halfway through an aeroplane bag too at the moment and loving it, great pattern

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  10. Loks like a fabulous pattern. I'm also inspired by your recycling....must check those charity shops out.

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  11. Loving how your bag is coming out! I'd love a chance to win the pattern!

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  12. I can't wait to read more about your bag - it's going to be wonderful!

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  13. You're making great progress, I can't wait to see this finished! Thanks for the chance to win our own patterns!

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  14. Great bag, I love how you have used the leather.

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  15. Re-draw if you pick me - just wanted to say yours is looks very sophisticated!

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  16. That bag's coming along a treat, and great recycling too. Thanks for running the giveaway.

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  17. I love the leather pocket! What a great detail!

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  18. Great bag and great pattern. I love the K charm¡¡¡¡

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  19. It's the details that make something special, and this bag will have those in spades! Can't wait to see the finished product.

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  20. Such great tips! Plus, I love that you used materials from another piece for your bag. Looking forward to seeing the complete finish!

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  21. I love that this is such a thrifty bag! It's going to look great!

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  22. You bag pieces look very professional already! Very good to use second hand material.Lots of tips, fun to read. I always like your posts as there are useful tips in them. I was looking at Sara's bags and they look good, handy and lot of different ones too. I would like to join in for the give way, thanks already.
    Groetjes
    Annemieke

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  23. I'd love to try some of her bag patterns, thanks so much for the give away!

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  24. After reading Elizabeth's (Don't Call Me Betsy) post about making this bag & now yours, the Aeroplane bag pattern is now on my must make list. Great to read about your process & thanks for the chance to win.

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  25. I can't wait to see how this bag turns out!

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  26. That looks like an interesting bag. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  27. great bag! looking through her shop she has a lot of fun ones to choose from :)

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  28. Love the little K charm. Think I might have to grab a couple myself. The pouch shape is really nice too -wouldn't have thought to use that on this scale but it really works.

    Looking forward to seeing the finished product.

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  29. Everyone seems to be making this bag! I would love to make one as well! Thanks for the chance!

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  30. Having heard nothing but rave reviews about Sara's patterns, I would love to win this giveaway. Thanks for the chance.

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  31. Your bag is looking good - I'd love to make one too!
    Thanks!

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  32. Who can't use another bag! Thanks for the chance! Gcastillomail at yahoo dot com

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  33. Love the fabric you've picked for your Aeroplane bag.
    I'd love to win 3 of Sara's bags ~ she makes wonderful patterns and I've been wanting to make the Aeroplane bag too.
    Thanks for the chance.

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  34. Great details! I would love some new bag patterns! They are addictive!

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  35. This bag looks pretty cool and I love Sara's other patterns. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  36. I've been enjoying your IG updates. so many good shopping tip's too!. Its a gorgeous bag :-)

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  37. I'd love to make one and to win!

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  38. That bag is going to look like a high-end purchased bag by the time you're done!

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  39. You inspire me to run right out and start one for myself! Love it!

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  40. The Aeroplane bag is my favorite of her patterns! I will make one someday (hopefully sooner, rather than later). :)

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  41. Ohh, yes please! I need something to kick me into bag making - I do need a new bag (or two, or three)…

    Yours looks lovely; such an inspiration!

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  42. Great bag so far.
    I like your fabric choices.
    I have been eyeing this aeroplane bag pattern.
    Thanks for the giveaway.

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  43. i really like this pattern and would love to try making it, like a couple of her other ones too

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  44. I have only made a few bags. Love the recycled leather idea!

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  45. I have admired this Aeroplane bag pattern for a while now, but haven't tried it yet. Thanks for sharing your process, and having this giveaway!

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  46. I was looking for a new bag pattern. I love the aeroplane bag pattern.

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  47. Thanks for the extra tips and insights! I love to read a bout people's experience with a pattern. Thanks, too, for the chance to win some of Sara's great designs.

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  48. I've been following Sara for a long time, amd have several of her other patterns. I haven't jumped into the larger styles yet, but I read all about blogger's foray into the Weekender. I would prefer to try the Aeroplane instead. Thanks for the great pics, they are really helpful!

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  49. I have bag making on my list of "projects to attempt when I feel brave enough" so your post has been encouraging as it looks very do-able. I keep reading about the binder clips and will have to search them out locally, I'm tired of sticking myself with pins! Thanks for the giveaway, it's very generous.
    Char
    achay23 (at) msn (dot) com

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  50. Your bag looks great so far - looking forward to seeing it finished! I have not yet tried sewing a bag but would love to give it a try!

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  51. Thanks for sharing your process. I love the look of this bag.

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  52. What a great bag pattern, I look forward to seeing how yours turns out.

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  53. The bag is looking really good. Can't wait to see how it is finished! Very interesting and clear step by step instructions, as always.

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  54. Fun! I love seeing people's creations along the way!

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  55. What a great bag! And thanks for the tip about the pressure dial! I had trouble going through six layers of fabric last time I made a purse, and I never thought of adjusting the foot pressure! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.

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  56. This looks great - a real one off and I'd love to have ago at this bag. Describing it as being like a big zippy pouch makes bags like these seem less daunting some how.

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  57. hello there, thanks for the message via I.G I would love to be entered into your give away for the bag pattern, which looks fab by the way .

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  58. Hi Kerry, I'm looking forward your final result :) always get a new lesson, every time I stop by here.

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  59. I saw this bag at Don't Call Me Betsy and loved hers too! Love the fabrics you chose - that leather pocket is fantastic!

    starsandsunshineblog at gmail dot com

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  60. I'm dying to make myself a fancy bag for the retreat and I think this could've just the ticket (no pun intended!)

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  61. Ooo, yes please. I am hoping to make the aeroplane bag but haven't bought the pattern yet.

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  62. Oh Kerry - I've loved following your progress on your Aeroplane bag! it's just aboslutely gorgeous and I love the addition of the leather pocket....it really gives it that je ne sais quoi! I've been thinking of making a bag for FQR and am starting to think this could be perfect! Thanks for such a fab giveaway x

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  63. I would love to try out some of her patterns-thanks for the opportunity!
    mmckee@wi.rr.com
    mmckee (at) wi (dot) rr (dot) com

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  64. I've just treated myself some Wonder Clips - winning a bag pattern would give me chance to try them.

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  65. Great! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  66. Lovely bag (especially when used as a pooch pouch!) and great giveaway - I've been eyeing up some of Sara's other designs too! All on my ever expanding list of things I absolutely MUST sew! Cripes I need more time in life... x

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  67. I "think" I would like to try one of these bags. I want to make myself a new purse and would love to win this prize!

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  68. I would like to make a few of her patterns! I just got those clips and can't wait to use them!

    Susie
    legato1958@aol.com

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  69. loving your bag so far... would love to make one of these for Sewing Summit!

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  70. This bag looks gorgeous!! I've yet to make my first bag, but after around 3 - 4 months of sewing feel ready to take the plunge. It would fantastic to win some easy to follow patterns to help me to do this!

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  71. Love making bags & love your bag. It looks like a very useful bag.
    lyn.robyn.smith@gmail.com

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  72. So many nice bags!
    carin(dot)aschan(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  73. uau , i really would like to win this, they are so pretty :)

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  74. What wonderful bag patterns!


    lenelson(at)mail(dot)com

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  75. i love following your process with this on instagram. now that i've joined, i get what the hoopla was all about. i've been considering this pattern. i saw that someone used the big version to put their sewing machine in. i'd love to have a bag to tuck my machine in when going to guild meetings and sewing dates.

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  76. oh my, I would love to make one. hrobbins422 at yahoo dot com

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  77. These look like fun to make...thanks!!

    cjpike (at) indiana (dot) edu

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  78. I have drooled! Thanks for a chance to win.

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  79. I'd love to give a bag a try. Your bag looks like it is coming along nicely.

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  80. Wow, the bag looks so good. I'd love to win the pattern

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  81. Love what you are doing here! Great post! Thank you for this great giveaway! You are so sweet.

    Have a super great sewing and stitching day!

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  82. I have made a large bag from a different designer, and it took forever just to cut all the pieces. Now I am wanting a bag to carry my sewing machine. This sounds perfect!!!

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  83. Sara's patterns are so amazing!

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  84. Wow, you make bag making looks so easy:) cant wait to see your finished bag!

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  85. Perfect timing! I've been wanting to make some of these bags. Thanks for the chance!

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  86. That bag will be superb! I have only made a bag of my own design, without a pattern! To be fair, it looks ok as long as you admire from afar, but it is not good enough to give to anyone. If I win this giveaway I could make bags that might stand inspection! Fingers crossed. Thanks.

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  87. I would love to have a chance at winning a pattern - I've never made a 'proper' bag from a pattern before - thanks so much for this opportunity.

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  88. I've been drooling at Sara's bags for quite a bit so thank you very much for the opportunity to win some of her patterns!

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  89. Love the thriftiness of this, Kerry. Looking forward to seeing it's progress. It's a pattern I've considered too. Would love to make a weekend travel bag and this looks a great one :)

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  90. The Aeroplane bag looks like it would be a very useful bag. I love seeing that you are re-using some cushions to make it. (I have some of the brilliant clover clips too - they are very useful!) Thanks to you and Sara for giving us a chance to win some patterns - they all look scrummy.

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  91. What a cool bag! I love the leather pocket on yours!

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  92. Sara is so talented, and this Aeroplane bag pattern is really "taking off"...couldn't resist saying that! I would love to give it a try!

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  93. Oh what a fabulous giveaway - I can't wait to see your bag - it looks so great!

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  94. Love all the upcycling for your bad. So excited to see your finished product!

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  95. I really like the dot dot dash bag pattern. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  96. Love all your recycled elements, fabulous!

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  97. I love how you show us your sewing projects including all the nice links to your tools and materials. Thank you for the give away. I can't wait to see your finished bag.

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  98. I love how you up-cycled your components! I would love to win!

    kjohnson@wsjournal.com

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  99. Love the colors! jennifer.e.heels@gmail.com

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  100. Hi: I like the idea when you show sewing things with the links of the materials.

    Thanks for the giveaway.

    Ale
    Costa Rica
    aleabarca612@gmail.com

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  101. I love that you are recycling materials for your bag and the addition of that little 'K' charm. Thank for the chance to win some fabulous patterns. They are my one weakness!

    Fiona
    angelfishcrafts{at}gmail{dot}com

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  102. I have been seeing these Aeroplane bags all over the Internet. I would love to win and have the chance to make one myself! Lisa in texas

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  103. Your bag is looking amazing!!
    Thanks for the giveaway and the tips!!

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  104. The bag is great and your blog as well! love everything you recommend!!!

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  105. love the bag and the charm you added, nice touch. would love to have a go and make one myself
    claire x
    clairejcorry (at) gmail (dot) com

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  106. I would love to make one! Thanks for the chance.

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  107. Your bag is great! I would love to have one for myself. Thanks!

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  108. I would love to make the aeroplane bag and I am pretty obsessed withe the rest of her patterns. I am not sure which ones I would sew first!

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  109. i not only like the aeroplane bag but the lock & load bag too. all of her patterns are very pretty. i would sure be honored to win one of them.

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  110. I love your fabric choices for the bag. I have looked at the bags and I like everyone of them so this will be hard!

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  111. I just finished the paparazzi bag and I think I am in love with Saras patterns...

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  112. would love to have a go at one of these bags. Although I think I would need to practice some basic totes first!

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  113. i'm really loving the versions i've been seeing of this bag, and yours is no exception! Sara's patterns are so lovely, and i'm dying to play with them! my absolute favourite is the Petrillo Bag, followed closely by the Locked and Loaded Bag and the Aeroplane bag. finally, bag patterns large enough to hold all of my crap! ;)

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  114. I love this bag...hope you follow Lucy's suggestion and link it up to this months Le Challenge ... Where the theme is wings!

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  115. Oh! Love the bags...love the patterns!!

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  116. Beautiful, practical bags -- and love your fabric choice!

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  117. wow, adding the leather pocket is a great idea! very elegant.

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