duffle bag

I came across this duffle bag pattern a while ago.  It looked like it had potential  to be a good pattern to make for presents.  And I wanted something big that I could carry my craft gear in when I go to SIT.

The bag is made from quilted fabric parts.  One long one for the top and sides of the bag and two smaller squares for the ends.  There is a pocket between the straps and another zippered pocket on one end.

The ends had markings in the corners that were supposed to match up with lines on the main bag UGGGHH.  Too hard.  I marked the centre of the end squares and then divided the bag end opening into 4.  Matching up the 4 markings I eased the two pieces together.  Not sure if this was the best way to do it, but it made more sense to me.

The bag was so fidley to make. I seemed to fuss over lots of parts of the construction.  Cutting the larger pieces of the pattern were from measurements.  I found it a little difficult to measure and cut these square on the floor.  Too big for my cutting mat and rotary cutter too.

Placing the straps is all based on measurements as well and it got all a bit too much for me.  I am pretty sure the bag sat on my sewing table for a couple of months patiently waiting for my attention.

Today I decided to just knuckle down and finish it.  It was still fidley and fussy, but I got it done.

Not sure how much I like it, but it will probably grow on me as I love the fabric.

The good – it is big and looks pretty good.

The bad – the hessian straps (with grosgrain ribbon on them) aren’t very soft and not sure hot long I would like to hold them for.  The pattern called for 3.5″ jute for the straps but I think a nice wide webbing would be good too.

On the inside the seams are all exposed.  They are finished with the overlocker but I would have preferred there to be a separate lining. 

Also the pocket between the straps is a little high up and would have been better about 2 inches lower.

So overall – I made a big bag.  I will use it and really like the way it looks, but I don’t love it and didn’t enjoy making it.  Sorry friends you won’t be getting this as a gift anytime soon.