Autumn Leaves Go Anywhere Bag

I've made many bags over the years and almost all of them are from Anna Graham's Noodlehead pattens.  She writes crystal clear instructions and they've always been bags I have used and used.  The Go Anywhere bag pattern has been on my computer for ages and buying this wonderful Sevenberry linen/cotton tree fabric in Fabric Rehab's recent closing down sale (same print, different colour on sale here) was the impetus to get it made.

Fabrics

A mix of Carolyn Friedlander's Euclid linen/cotton blend prints- available here and here for the main bag and lining.  These fabrics use Robert Kaufman Essex linen as a base so they are wonderfully stable to work with.  I used Sevenberry tree fabric for the outer pocket and some left over mid-weight denim for the outer and inner pocket linings.  The beauty of this bag is that no other hardware is needed and interacting is minimal if you use heavier fabrics like these.  To interfacing the handle and to support the pocket, I used Pellon Shape Flex SF101 (hard to find in the UK but available here).   It's the best interfacing I've used for bag making and Vieseline is not quite the same.

It's a bag of many pockets- three on the front, two at the back (as below) and one inside.

I used a tote bag most days, enough room for purse, phone, keys and groceries for whatever we are eating that evening. 

It's a straightforward pattern, my only extra tip was to try out something I saw on someone else's blog or feed ages ago (sadly I can't remember who) and use a little piece of plastic canvas to support the back of the magnetic fasteners.  The canvas is trimmed to size and fits behind the fabric and is followed by a snippet of wadding to stop the metal prods pushing into the fabric. 

As ever with Anna's patterns, I am really happy with the result and the bag has gone straight into use and compliments the amazing autumn colours this year. 

Anna's Noodlehead paper patterns are available in the UK- I found them at Minerva Crafts, Sew Hot, Pretty Fabrics and Trims and many more.   See other Noodlehead bags I've made here:

241 Tote

Gingham Tote

Sidekick Tote

Double Zip wallet

HandmadeStyle: Anna Graham

A few months back Anna got in touch to ask if I could test a pattern in her forthcoming book and now here is the book and it is just like her, full of effortless stylish information and basics that as soon as you see them you feel you have to make them!

It is divided into three sections, 'To Use', 'To Wear', 'To Carry'.  I tested the Gingham Tote pattern; the double zip version.  These are the book versions.

It is a rotary cut pattern which is my preference for bags and a practical design with ample storage options.  I used Ayumi's Lighthearted fabrics for the front pocket and the straps, the main bag is some linen that was a swap from years back, the zips were from Chase and the linings were a mix of stash fabrics.  I passed on my feedback I can see how the book text and diagrams have been tweaked from the version I received.  The bag went together smoothly and I love the result.  It is my work bag, I wear it cross body and it easily carries my food, drink, keys and random musical instruments.  I keep hair bobbles in to the top pocket and emergency snack bars in the bottom pocket.  

I like the way the bag fabric continues as a facing on the inner bag section.

My only change was to use cotton webbing (bought locally, find similar here) rather than construct my own bag straps.  The hard wear came from an old bag.

It is a book that could not possibly disappoint.  Each item is useful and restrained- no fussiness and a great attention to detail with pockets, fastenings and beautiful finishing touches.
 These are the items that most appealed and are on my to-do list.

Makeup travel case

Chambray Dress
I plan to make this as a top.  The envelope neck opening is a comfortable and easy neckline for summer and I love the way the shape repeats in the overlapping cuffs.

Double Zip Wallet

I've never made a wallet before and I like to take a lighter purse when I travel anywhere so this would be perfect.

Carry-all Pincushion
A jumbo storage pin cushion: these have already been appearing on Instagram!

< > quilt
My favourite designs in the book.  This quilt is constructed using the freezer paper technique  and I love the simplicity.  It would make a great pattern for a duvet cover too.

The project photographs are all at the front of the book, followed by the projects which are a mix of written instructions and hand drawn diagrams.  There is a full size pattern pull out at the back.  Clothes sizing is from XS to 2XL.The whole book is a delight and it's from the heart.  I can feel the hard work that Anna has poured into this and she must be incredibly proud, every design is a winner!

It is a Lucky Spool Book and you can find it on Amazon, Wordery and Book Depository,

Sunny Sidekick

Anna has just realeased her new bag pattern Sidekick Tote, and it is a beauty.  I had some daisy canvas bought for bag making a while back so I set to work.   I made the small size. Anna's instructions are always a joy to follow, clearly set out, lots of photographs and full of hints for tricky areas like zippers.  I haven't sewn an inset zipper like this before and I found this easier than putting a zip in a wallet or pouch

I haven't sewn an inset zipper like this before and I found this easier than putting a zip in a wallet or pouch.  The end extends past the opening like her  Open Wide Zipper Pouch so there are no lumpy bits to fit into the seam.    The pocket is easy to make and is the perfect size to have your phone readily to hand.  For the lining I used Essex yarn dyed linen, available at Eternal Maker  and Justine is also planning to stock it in her newly acquired shop, Simply Solids.  The tape measure print is Japanese linen from Etsy a while ago and the red polka is poplin from a local shop. I used webbing for the strap.

 I took it to the beach yesterday.  The first time I have travelled more than 2 miles in months, with the help of travel tablets and some concentrated starting at the floor rather than out of the window, we successfully managed a short train trip to our local beach for some gorgeous September sun.  When we got close enough for me to look out of the window I nearly cried.  It has been hard living so close to the sea and not seeing it all summer.

  Bag in action with feathery Tova (shamelessly inspired by Angela).

Anna's pattern is on sale here.