Monday, September 20, 2021

By Annie bag Challenge

 Hi, and thanks for stopping by!  The Island Batik Ambassador Challenge for September was to make a bag using patterns By Annie, and fabrics from the new collections.  


I picked the main print and accent fabric from the Fancy Feathers collection, and the lining from the Foundations, Wisteria.  By Annie provided a choice of patterns, and all the supplies to make the bag.  I picked the Tools of the Trade Large bag, a large portfolio style bag that can carry a cutting mat, rulers, assorted notions and scissors, as well as fabric for making a project.  It can also be adapted for artists and any creative person who needs a large bag to hold supplies.  Large sketch books, pencils, and all drawing/painting supplies would work, too!  By Annie sent the zippers, webbing for the straps, the mesh and fold-over elastic, magnets for the flap and triangle rings, plus Soft and Stable for making the bag. 


First step is to watch the Add-On Videos.  You'll get a coupon with the purchase of the bag to use for free access to the videos, and they're very helpful.  The pattern is great, too.  Great detail steps, suggestions, and more.  Together, the pattern and videos will help you get excellent results.  

First, read all the directions.  Annie has created a unique way to make bags, and once you try it, you'll see why it works.  I quilted the outer fabric, lining and Soft and Stable on my Handi-Quilter Amara long arm.  I used Aurifil 40-three in 1243, Dusty Lavender, and a panto called Kim's Feather.

Next, you prepare the parts.  Make the mesh pocket, the outer pocket, straps, padded sleeve, and flap.  



Once you have the parts ready, you assemble the bag and bind it, and you're basically done.  You can adjust the spaces of the sections on the inner sleeve, so you can personalize it for your needs.  Mine has a section that holds my favorite 8 1/2" square ruler, plus scissors, Olfa rotary cutter, Fiskars snips and seam ripper, Sewline pencils and more.  Behind the sleeve I can fit my 12 1/2 by 24 1/2 Creative Grids ruler as well as an 18 by 24" cutting mat!  
I was taking a drive with friends to The Milk-Pail U-Pick Apple Orchard, so I grabbed the bag for some photos. 



You can use the free patterns to make a shoulder strap that connects to the triangle rings, or clip keys there.  The front pocket is a combination slip and zipper.  Phones, directions, etc can fit there.

Open it wide for access to both sides with rulers and mats on the left, and a mesh zipper pocket for fabric, blocks and patterns on the front.  

Don't forget to grab an extra pack of Schmetz needles!  I used the Denim needle for this bag, since it has a few sections of multiple layers, and it worked wonderfully.  I did much of the assembly with the Even Feed foot on my Janome Horizon 9450, and Aurifil 40wt Mako thread, which is the perfect combination for success.  



Please check the other Island Batik Ambassadors for their bags.  You'll get great inspiration!  The variety of designs and fabric used is great.  Have fun planning your bag! 

On a side note, I've contacted the winner from the Studio 180 hop, and Bonnie will get a supply of fabric from me when I can pack the envelope.  I'm having more cornea surgery, so it may be a while.  I'm hoping this graft/implant will help fix the issues I've been having.  I have Keratoconus and my cornea graft from 7 years ago is failing.   I'll let you know how it works out.  

Thanks for visiting.

Maryellen