Friday, February 10, 2017

The Roundabout Hobo

I was privileged to be able to test the newest Dog Under My Desk pattern by Erin (Erickson) Gilbey. I had no qualms about testing this pattern, because I know that her patterns are always done with very detailed instructions, lots of photos demonstrating how to do what she's talking about, and little tips along the way for making your sewing experience as easy as possible. Whenever I sew with one of her patterns, it's kind of like "coming home" - a comfortable place to be, y'know? I love them, and as I've said in the past, they are definitely my favorites. I never have to worry about pattern pieces that don't line up right or instructions that are confusing or diagrams that are hard to figure out... or any of those things I've been challenged by with some other patterns. Simply put, Erin's patterns are the BEST!

This new pattern was no exception. It was beautifully done! Testers look for anything that's amiss, and all I found was one minor typo and one teensy seam issue, both of which Erin corrected, so the pattern is perfect!

Here's my Roundabout Hobo.....


..... and a goofy photo of me, just for size reference.


It has such a cute shape, and little easy-to-make pleats help to give it its roundness.


There's no gusset or bottom piece to fiddle with, and not even a separate strap. In fact, there are only four pattern pieces and no extra stabilizers, so it's also quick to cut out.

It has an inner patch pocket....


..... a top zipper closure.....


..... fun contrasting lining fabric that peeks out of the handle.....


..... and an inner (or you could put it on the outside if you preferred) zipper pocket.


Actually, that zipper pocket is the reason I volunteered to test the pattern in the first place. Erin had mentioned in her Facebook group that she had a new technique for adding a facing inside the pocket so that even the zipper tape was finished off. Although I've done a lot of zippered welt pockets, I couldn't imagine how it was done... but I knew that I wanted to find out! Here's how it turned out. Isn't it just lovely?

(This pink is the actual color of the lining, not as red-ish as the pics above.)

As I was first following the instructions for that zipper and facing, I at first thought, "Is it really worth the bother? Who ever looks at the inside of a pocket at the zipper tape, anyway?" But once I had it finished and realized how slick it went, and that there really wasn't much more to it than what I had been doing before, I've decided it's now my go-to method for that type of pocket. I love it! I'd have paid the full price of the pattern just to get it.

Speaking of the pattern price... if you're interested in buying the pattern, it and all the patterns in the DUMD Pattern Shop are discounted 20% through Valentine's Day, so hurry up and get yours! The discount will automatically be applied when you check out - no code needed.

I've already used that pocket technique in another bag that I had partially finished but put on hold until I knew how to do the zipper facing. I can't wait to finish the rest of it and show you... it's soooo pretty! You shouldn't have to wait too long to see it, because I have a bunch more projects in the queue already and need to get at them!

8 comments:

Geneviève said...

I'm curious to read about the pleats and the strap, they look so different than the other patterns I've tried from Erin. Oh, and the zipper, it looks so neat! You did a superb job and now I can't wait to try that method myself!

Grandma G said...

Thank you, my friend! I hope you enjoy the pattern as much as I did! ❤

annie dee said...

It's lovely! And even though you didn't highlight it, I can see that the pattern matches!! Perfectly! That's astounding! It's a super bag and I'm very curious about the pleats and the lining peeping out of the handle. Very glad you posted the one of you (it is not goofy) to show size and where the bag hits on your side. That's very helpful. I'm working on my very first DUMD pattern (Daytripper) and it's as amazing as you report. I love all her photos; her tips are invaluable and answer every question I've had as I work. (I can't post photos of my project until the recipient gets the finished product!) Thanks for sharing your gorgeous work!

Grandma G said...

Thank you, Annie Dee! Well, it matches perfectly in some places... but if you notice the side/bottom seam, it's a bit off. 😖😄

You chose one of the more challenging patterns as your first! But like you said, Erin has it all covered. Can't wait to see your Daytripper!

Unknown said...

Lovely, lovely bag! Your precision stiching and sewing skills never cease to amaze me. Are you a professional seamstress/tailor? Also your sense of style, color and pattern is always perfect and gorgeous. Enough contrast to make it exciting but never overdone or garish. I can see where Jessica gets her artistic talent. Thank you for sharing your photos with us. You are an inspiration. ❤️

Grandma G said...

Oh, my goodness... thank you, Cynthia! 💕 No, I'm not a professional. I've just had many, many years of practice. Funny about the artistic talent... Jess may have inherited it from me, but I've learned most of my "design sense" from her! Actually, she's the one who's chosen the fabric combos for almost everything I've sewn from her fabrics. 😊 But not this one! Although she's the one who gifted me the fabric, she didn't even know I was using it, much less what I combined it with. The idea of the contrasting zipper came from her many bags ago, though. So she's still kinda behind it all. 😉

P.S. Did you get your mini Daytripper made?

Unknown said...

No not yet. I've been having some health issues lately so I've been sticking with the simpler bags. Maybe when I'm feeling better I'll tackle something harder. :)

Grandma G said...

Hope you're on the mend soon, Cynthia! 💕