Sew Now! Sew Wow! Sewing Machine Bag and Cover

Lately, I've been going to events where I have needed to bring my sewing machine. Having a bag designed specifically for my machine and supplies was necessary. While making this bag for my flickr swap partner, I knew I would be a great option for a sewing machine carrier for myself.

I had the last of my Alexander Henry Sew Now, Sew Wow fabric to use for the main body of the bag.

                          

And denim from my stash for the contrast pocket and lining. 

I wanted to add a little bit of pop so I accented the pocket and the handles with white ric rac trim. 

To keep my sewing tools secure, I added a strip of black elastic along the front portion of the bag to hold them in place as my vehicle moves. The elastic is tacked in place along the same stitching lines as the pocket. 

The interior size of this bag is perfect to hold my machine without giving too much room for it to knock around.

For added structure and protection, I omitted the suggested lightweight interfacing. Instead, I applied fusible fleece to the wrong side exterior fabric. This turned out to be a great buffer to prevent damage to my machine. If you choose to use this pattern for a carrier, my suggestion would be to omit the fusible fleece within your seam allowance. It makes the seams bulky. A regular sewing machine may not be able to handle the denim, upholstery weight fabric, and fusible fleece. Additionally, I used purchased cotton webbing for the handles. They are strong, durable and able to hold the weight of the machine and supplies.

A pinner commented that previous bag would be perfect as a machine cover if flipped upside down. What a brilliant idea for when the machine is not in use.

Happy sewing!
Bianca

Fabric Shopper: Flickr Super Swaps

It's time for another round of  Flickr Super Swaps. This time we got to choose whether we wanted a fabric shopper, a placemat or a seasonal item. I was partnered with someone who wanted a fabric shopper. She likes pastels, linen, and cloud themed fabric. Based on the specifications of the bag she wanted, I looked through my pattern stash decided to make Butterick 5380.

                         

I really wanted to buy cloud themed fabric to go with my partners signature style. I had a sinus infection that knocked me on my rump and had no energy to shop for fabric (Shut Yo Mouth!). When I got well, I decided to shop my stash. I bought this fabric at the now closed Glick Textiles in Houston. They had $15 sealed cardboard boxes of fabric. You would buy all it sight unseen and have no clue what you were getting. It was such a thrill!

The pattern came together really fast without a hitch it is great for beginners. The only made two changes to the pattern. I omitted buttons the bias tape along the top of the pocket. Instead, I stitched the lining to the exterior pocket right sides together and flipped it. Here is the completed bag and a few added goodies.

Butterick 5380

The pockets go all the way around!

I love the interior capacity. I think I will make one as a sewing machine carrier. 

A few added goodies

I'm a strange person. I contract with myself and set private, sometimes trivial goals. Even when I wish I can break the contract with myself, I don't. My swap package arrived from my partner before I completed the bag I was giving. I refused to open it until I had completed the bag. It was really hard because I was anxious to see what I got. It was the motivation I needed to get it done. I held myself to my standard and was happily rewarded. Here are the goodies I received in the swap.

Happy Sewing,

Bianca