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!
wow! a truely re-cycled bag xx well done x
ReplyDeleteYour 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.
ReplyDeleteFantastic so far and love that you've been so thrifty! I wish I had a pressure dial like this on my machine..
ReplyDeleteGreat bag! Sara's patterns are awesome I can't wait to make an aeroplane bag for myself.
ReplyDeleteMe, me, please pick me! Your tips are so inspiring! Thanks for the reminder about our pressure dials.
ReplyDeleteReading your enthousiast blog I would like to have a go making a bag. lia.vandenbrand@live.nl
ReplyDeleteAwesome progress. I have only discovered your blog recently and it is sooooo inspiring.
ReplyDeleteCfmarson (at) gmail (dot) com
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!
ReplyDeleteI'm halfway through an aeroplane bag too at the moment and loving it, great pattern
ReplyDeleteLoks like a fabulous pattern. I'm also inspired by your recycling....must check those charity shops out.
ReplyDeleteLoving how your bag is coming out! I'd love a chance to win the pattern!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read more about your bag - it's going to be wonderful!
ReplyDeleteYou're making great progress, I can't wait to see this finished! Thanks for the chance to win our own patterns!
ReplyDeleteGreat bag, I love how you have used the leather.
ReplyDeleteRe-draw if you pick me - just wanted to say yours is looks very sophisticated!
ReplyDeleteThat bag's coming along a treat, and great recycling too. Thanks for running the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI love the leather pocket! What a great detail!
ReplyDeleteGreat bag and great pattern. I love the K charm¡¡¡¡
ReplyDeleteIt's the details that make something special, and this bag will have those in spades! Can't wait to see the finished product.
ReplyDeleteSuch great tips! Plus, I love that you used materials from another piece for your bag. Looking forward to seeing the complete finish!
ReplyDeleteI love that this is such a thrifty bag! It's going to look great!
ReplyDeleteYou 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.
ReplyDeleteGroetjes
Annemieke
I'd love to try some of her bag patterns, thanks so much for the give away!
ReplyDeleteAfter 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.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see how this bag turns out!
ReplyDeleteThat looks like an interesting bag. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeletegreat bag! looking through her shop she has a lot of fun ones to choose from :)
ReplyDeleteLove 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.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to seeing the finished product.
Everyone seems to be making this bag! I would love to make one as well! Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteHaving heard nothing but rave reviews about Sara's patterns, I would love to win this giveaway. Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeleteYour bag is looking good - I'd love to make one too!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Who can't use another bag! Thanks for the chance! Gcastillomail at yahoo dot com
ReplyDeleteLove the fabric you've picked for your Aeroplane bag.
ReplyDeleteI'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.
Great details! I would love some new bag patterns! They are addictive!
ReplyDeleteThis bag looks pretty cool and I love Sara's other patterns. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI've been enjoying your IG updates. so many good shopping tip's too!. Its a gorgeous bag :-)
ReplyDeleteI'd love to make one and to win!
ReplyDeleteThat bag is going to look like a high-end purchased bag by the time you're done!
ReplyDeleteYou inspire me to run right out and start one for myself! Love it!
ReplyDeleteThe Aeroplane bag is my favorite of her patterns! I will make one someday (hopefully sooner, rather than later). :)
ReplyDeleteOhh, yes please! I need something to kick me into bag making - I do need a new bag (or two, or three)…
ReplyDeleteYours looks lovely; such an inspiration!
Great bag so far.
ReplyDeleteI like your fabric choices.
I have been eyeing this aeroplane bag pattern.
Thanks for the giveaway.
i really like this pattern and would love to try making it, like a couple of her other ones too
ReplyDeleteI have only made a few bags. Love the recycled leather idea!
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteI was looking for a new bag pattern. I love the aeroplane bag pattern.
ReplyDeleteThanks 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.
ReplyDeleteI'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!
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteChar
achay23 (at) msn (dot) com
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!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your process. I love the look of this bag.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great bag pattern, I look forward to seeing how yours turns out.
ReplyDeleteThe bag is looking really good. Can't wait to see how it is finished! Very interesting and clear step by step instructions, as always.
ReplyDeleteFun! I love seeing people's creations along the way!
ReplyDeleteWhat 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.
ReplyDeleteThis 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.
ReplyDeletehello 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 .
ReplyDeleteHi Kerry, I'm looking forward your final result :) always get a new lesson, every time I stop by here.
ReplyDeleteI saw this bag at Don't Call Me Betsy and loved hers too! Love the fabrics you chose - that leather pocket is fantastic!
ReplyDeletestarsandsunshineblog at gmail dot com
I'm dying to make myself a fancy bag for the retreat and I think this could've just the ticket (no pun intended!)
ReplyDeleteOoo, yes please. I am hoping to make the aeroplane bag but haven't bought the pattern yet.
ReplyDeleteOh 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
ReplyDeleteI would love to try out some of her patterns-thanks for the opportunity!
ReplyDeletemmckee@wi.rr.com
mmckee (at) wi (dot) rr (dot) com
I've just treated myself some Wonder Clips - winning a bag pattern would give me chance to try them.
ReplyDeletelove it!
ReplyDeleteGreat! Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteLovely 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
ReplyDeleteI "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!
ReplyDeleteI would like to make a few of her patterns! I just got those clips and can't wait to use them!
ReplyDeleteSusie
legato1958@aol.com
loving your bag so far... would love to make one of these for Sewing Summit!
ReplyDeleteThis 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!
ReplyDeleteLove making bags & love your bag. It looks like a very useful bag.
ReplyDeletelyn.robyn.smith@gmail.com
So many nice bags!
ReplyDeletecarin(dot)aschan(at)hotmail(dot)com
uau , i really would like to win this, they are so pretty :)
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful bag patterns!
ReplyDeletelenelson(at)mail(dot)com
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.
ReplyDeleteoh my, I would love to make one. hrobbins422 at yahoo dot com
ReplyDeleteThese look like fun to make...thanks!!
ReplyDeletecjpike (at) indiana (dot) edu
I have drooled! Thanks for a chance to win.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to give a bag a try. Your bag looks like it is coming along nicely.
ReplyDeleteWow, the bag looks so good. I'd love to win the pattern
ReplyDeleteLove what you are doing here! Great post! Thank you for this great giveaway! You are so sweet.
ReplyDeleteHave a super great sewing and stitching day!
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!!!
ReplyDeleteSara's patterns are so amazing!
ReplyDeleteWow, you make bag making looks so easy:) cant wait to see your finished bag!
ReplyDeletePerfect timing! I've been wanting to make some of these bags. Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteThat 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteI'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!
ReplyDeleteLove 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 :)
ReplyDeleteThe 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.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool bag! I love the leather pocket on yours!
ReplyDeleteSara 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!
ReplyDeleteOh what a fabulous giveaway - I can't wait to see your bag - it looks so great!
ReplyDeleteLove all the upcycling for your bad. So excited to see your finished product!
ReplyDeleteI really like the dot dot dash bag pattern. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteLove all your recycled elements, fabulous!
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteI love how you up-cycled your components! I would love to win!
ReplyDeletekjohnson@wsjournal.com
Love the colors! jennifer.e.heels@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteHi: I like the idea when you show sewing things with the links of the materials.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway.
Ale
Costa Rica
aleabarca612@gmail.com
Love the bag you made
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteFiona
angelfishcrafts{at}gmail{dot}com
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
ReplyDeleteYour bag is looking amazing!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway and the tips!!
The bag is great and your blog as well! love everything you recommend!!!
ReplyDeletelove the bag and the charm you added, nice touch. would love to have a go and make one myself
ReplyDeleteclaire x
clairejcorry (at) gmail (dot) com
I would love to make one! Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeleteYour bag is great! I would love to have one for myself. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeletei 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.
ReplyDeleteI love your fabric choices for the bag. I have looked at the bags and I like everyone of them so this will be hard!
ReplyDeleteI just finished the paparazzi bag and I think I am in love with Saras patterns...
ReplyDeletewould love to have a go at one of these bags. Although I think I would need to practice some basic totes first!
ReplyDeletei'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! ;)
ReplyDeleteI love this bag...hope you follow Lucy's suggestion and link it up to this months Le Challenge ... Where the theme is wings!
ReplyDeleteOh! Love the bags...love the patterns!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, practical bags -- and love your fabric choice!
ReplyDeletewow, adding the leather pocket is a great idea! very elegant.
ReplyDelete