Why I chose this pattern:
As you know by now, I love big bags, and this one qualifies. I picked up this pattern at JoAnn's during one of their 1.99 pattern sales. I liked that it had a zipper closure and lots of pockets.
As you know by now, I love big bags, and this one qualifies. I picked up this pattern at JoAnn's during one of their 1.99 pattern sales. I liked that it had a zipper closure and lots of pockets.
Difficulty Level: Although the sewing is pretty basic, I have to rate this as highly difficult due to the directions.
What I Loved:
The fabric. No, seriously, the final product is cute and big, and has lots pockets.
The fabric. No, seriously, the final product is cute and big, and has lots pockets.
What I Didn't Love:
Hmmm.....where to start? To begin with I thought the way that this bag was constructed was odd. There were so many pieces and the way that it was constructed was made to be much more difficult than it needed to be.
Next, the directions were beyond horrible...they were abysmal. The pictures didn't help at all. There were some points where I think I read the same step 25 times only to give up and figure it out on my own - sometime it worked, and sometimes it didn't (I ripped lots of seams).
The way that they attach the exterior pockets to the interior lining of the pocket was just weird and confusing. One of my side pockets was done wrong because I couldn't understand for the life of me what they were doing (I only figured it out when making the second).
The inside pockets were not lined (yuck), and they didn't even suggest to use a light interfacing on the lining and pockets which I feel is a must in creating a nice bag.
The straps were constructed in a strange way too - ten times more difficult than needed to be. I really don't understand why anyone would make straps in this manner.
The way the zipper attached to the bag. Although once it was finished, it looked nice, I have to say there must have been an easier way to accomplish this. I think getting the recessed zipper attached (as they suggested) took longer than anything else. I probably took it apart 3 times because I couldn't understand what they were doing.
Hmmm.....where to start? To begin with I thought the way that this bag was constructed was odd. There were so many pieces and the way that it was constructed was made to be much more difficult than it needed to be.
Next, the directions were beyond horrible...they were abysmal. The pictures didn't help at all. There were some points where I think I read the same step 25 times only to give up and figure it out on my own - sometime it worked, and sometimes it didn't (I ripped lots of seams).
The way that they attach the exterior pockets to the interior lining of the pocket was just weird and confusing. One of my side pockets was done wrong because I couldn't understand for the life of me what they were doing (I only figured it out when making the second).
The inside pockets were not lined (yuck), and they didn't even suggest to use a light interfacing on the lining and pockets which I feel is a must in creating a nice bag.
The straps were constructed in a strange way too - ten times more difficult than needed to be. I really don't understand why anyone would make straps in this manner.
The way the zipper attached to the bag. Although once it was finished, it looked nice, I have to say there must have been an easier way to accomplish this. I think getting the recessed zipper attached (as they suggested) took longer than anything else. I probably took it apart 3 times because I couldn't understand what they were doing.
Suggested Changes:
Pretty much everything. Honestly, this was the worst pattern I have ever sewn. I would have given up on it, but I had cut all the pieces and didn't want to waste the Marcus Brothers fabric!
Pretty much everything. Honestly, this was the worst pattern I have ever sewn. I would have given up on it, but I had cut all the pieces and didn't want to waste the Marcus Brothers fabric!
Would I Recommend it?
No. No, no, no, no, no. Did I make that clear? Unless you are in for some serious mental punishment stay far away from this pattern. If you already bought the pattern, put down your scissors, and slowly back away!
No. No, no, no, no, no. Did I make that clear? Unless you are in for some serious mental punishment stay far away from this pattern. If you already bought the pattern, put down your scissors, and slowly back away!
This was one of mt first sewing projects. I did tweak a few things but i didn't find it that hard lol. Now i think i could fly right through it. I dont read directions either i just look at the picture and go. lol
ReplyDeleteHow funny! Maybe I was more confused because I found the pattern be a such a "round-about-way" of creating a tote...Who knows! I'm glad it worked out for you though....it is a nice bag when completed.
ReplyDeleteI am working on this bag now. I friend is paying me to make it for her. I need to have it finished before Monday. AKKKKKK!! Any suggestions you have would be great!!
ReplyDeleteI am currently working on the D version... I am stuck on the lining sewing... i dont understand the instructions at all... I am a very new sewer and really should have gone to a class... i am usually very crafty but i guess not with sewing... any advice on the last couple of steps ? (im stuck on 38).
ReplyDeletehi there, I am attempting to create the C version. I am having trouble understanding the cutting of the fabric for the lining. Do you need only one piece of the lining fabric or does this fabric have to be twice the length?
ReplyDeleteHi Hui,
DeleteHonestly, I made this bag years ago and don't even have the pattern any more. I can tell you it was by far one of the most frustrating, difficult to understand directions I have ever made....I wish I could help you, but without the instructions in front of me, I have no idea. Good luck!