I showed you some fabric months ago that I wanted to make a bag out of but didn't know what to use for the lining. As it turned out, I had a piece of fabric I'd gotten in a grab bag that I thought was perfect for the bag, but there wasn't enough of it. Long story short, it was out of print, but thanks to a Google image search, I found a couple of places that still had some. The first one was in the UK, and I didn't want to pay shipping from there, so I kept searching till I actually found ONE SHOP in the USA that carried some yet. The fabric was on sale, even, but with shipping, it's kind of an expensive lining. But perfect. ;)
Here's the bag I made - for me! It's the Mini version of Erin Erickson's (I should be a spokesperson for her patterns, don't you think? Ha. I guess I sort of am.) Daytripper bag. Tips for making the Mini are on her blog here.
Jess had given me the fabric for Christmas a couple of years ago, and it seemed just right for a bag for myself. I wanted something basic that would go with a lot of things, because I don't like changing bags.
The strap is adjustable so I can hang it on my shoulder or over my neck crossbody style, and I added a strip of fleece interfacing to it as a bit of padding. I also added some piping to the outside pockets to trim them a little.
Here's a closer look at the fabric and piping (and my lovely little freebie label):
There's a recessed zipper at the top. The pattern had slip pockets on one side of the lining (see that pretty fabric in there?)...
... and since I like a lot of pockets, I added slip pockets plus a zipper pocket to the other side of the lining. If you ever need to make a zipper pocket like that, there's an excellent tutorial here. It was a breeze following those instructions - best zip pocket of that kind I've ever done.
I so love that lining. It was worth the effort and price, in my book.
I like how it peeks out whenever I open the bag or a pocket... a nice pop of contrast.
For being a "mini", it's still a good-sized bag. I can fit my iPad in the back pocket.
This is a closeup of a little zipper pull I'm debating about using. I've gotten one free with every order I've placed from Zipit. Whaddya think? Use it?
So, there's another bag finish. I'm very pleased with it, and it went together just as smoothly as all of Erin's patterns do.
On that note, I'm going to say good-bye for a bit of a blog-cation! I have a lot of things I need/want to be doing, so I'm giving myself permission to not blog for a week or so. But I'll be back sometime next week. Meanwhile, I hope you all have a very Happy Thanksgiving!!
6 comments:
Oh my word, Grandma G! It's fantastic! And thanks for reminding me about these patterns. I want to make a purse for my sister and this just might be exactly what she's trying to describe. Can you provide size for this 'mini?'. Is it about 12 x 9 x 3? Tx! ��
Thank you! Just an inch or so wider, otherwise that's the size. Be sure to check the link to Erin's tips for making it. Have fun with it. You just might want to keep it yourself. ;)
Looks perfect, and the lining is so pretty! The zipper pull doesn't quite do it justice, though. See what else you've got.
Thanks, Jess! Okay... I'll just have to try to remember where I put them!
Hi Grandma G,
I'm cutting out my fabric for the mini day tripper and I'm confused. I was wondering if you could help me. I emailed Erin with my questions and she hasn't responded. I very much understand. She's a busy mother with an active boy, and has also had health problems.
I'm reading the modifications she posted on 1-17-13. She says after reducing the pattern to 85%, slice off the back piece 2.25" down. By back piece does she mean the back piece of the main fabric body piece A? Wouldn't this cut off the curve at the top and how does that then match up with the front body piece?
Also she says to cut the zipper gusset to 3" wide. My zipper gusset pattern piece (H), is 1.75" wide after the 85% reduction. And why are we slicing oh 1/4" of the zipper gusset after the 85% reduction?
I know you are very busy as well, but I'm such a big fan of your bag making skills and craftsmanship. I'm hoping you have time to guide me. I have a dear friend who gave me some Marimekko fabric ($60.00 dollars a yard. Yikes!) and asked me to make a bag for her. I don't want to screw this up. Thank you so much. Cynthia Tomlinson
Hi Cynthia,
Wow, that's spendy fabric, all right! I'd be very cautious, too! :) Glad to help you.
The slice at 2.25" is instead of the 3" stated in the pattern for the regular size bag. The zipper goes between the 2 pieces. Page 7, Step 6.
Trimming the zipper gusset (not the pattern piece, but after zipper is installed) to 3" is instead of 3.5" on Page 23, Step m.
The 1/4" is just to make it fit perfectly. Trust Erin. ;)
It's confusing when just reading through the tips without putting them into the pattern process. I felt that way, too! But it all worked out! Good luck with your bag. I'd love to see it when you're finished.
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
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