PATTERN REVIEW: I'll Have One Of Everything Bag

A few weeks ago I was given the opportunity review the book Seams to Me by Anna Maria Horner.  If interested you can read the review HERE.

As part of my review, I wanted to make one of the patterns from this lovely book.  I choose to make the the "I'll Have One of Everything Bag".

First, let me say that this bag is PERFECT for anyone who has a bunch of scraps they want or need to use up (and that is most of us). I choose to make this bag bright with orange as my main color.  Fun, right?  The bag is actually quite simple in design - there are no pockets, snaps or zippers to get hung up on.  It would make for a good craft or knitting bag....

For the most part, this bag is a quick and easy sew.  The most tedious part is choosing the fabric and cutting the panels.  The exterior of the bag came together quickly and easily.  The lining is just one fabric, so that was simple.

The straps are braided strips of ripped fabric which gives it a true scrappy feel....

And the optional hanging strips of fabric finish the bag off...

Overall, I am happy with the finished product. I did, however, have a challenge with the construction of the bag.  The last step of adding the scrappy tassels was extremely confusing.  I must have read and re-read the directions about 15 times and still could not understand how I was supposed to attach them.  I finally gave up on the directions and winged it.   It would have been helpful if the book offered a diagram of how to do this (there are very limited construction diagrams in the book).

This was my one criticism of this book....since the book is geared towards the novice sewer, I find it odd that the diagrams are so limited.  Someone new to sewing may find it difficult to follow the directions without the help of detailed images.

CONSTRUCTION TIP:

Strap Channels:  When creating the strap channels, make your life easier by basting the ends together before adding them to the bag to prevent slipping.  Also, get them centered correctly by folding them in half lengthwise to mark the center.  Line that fold line up with the center of the exterior panels and pin from there.  When adding the strap channels to the exterior pieces,

OPTIONS:

Top Stitching: You may want to add a bit of edge stitching on the panels.  You can choose to do this on one side or on both sides of each seam.  It will add a bit more interest to the bag.

Stability: Switch out the interfacing for thin batting or fusible fleece....it will add some more dimension to this scrappy bag.  If doing this, you will want to top stitch!

Handles:  Make the bag a bit more sophisticated by skipping the scrappy braided handles and choose leather, bamboo or metal circular handles!

Tassels:  Opt for leather or fun purchased tassles...or skip them completely!

As for my bag....well, my daughter adopted it before I could even get pictures of the bag.  She begged me for it as I was making it, and of course I gave it to her!

 For her, this is a nice large bag - like mother like daughter I guess!