Every couple of years, designer Sara Lawson of Sew Sweetness designs a collection of bags and pouches that are relatively easy to sew and comparatively less expensive due to a minimum of hardware. Yes, the bundle is pricey, but always worth the expenditure, in my opinion. There are typically twelve or thirteen patterns in the bundle and they make great gifts.
And a gift is just what I needed. My elder son, who lives in the D/FW Mid-Cities, has a lady friend now, after a long spell with no special person in his life. He is the happiest I recall ever seeing. The new partner and I haven’t met in real life yet, and may not before we meet in Seattle a year from today to cruise the Inside Passage to Alaska. But, in communications with them, I keep reiterating how happy I am that they have met.
So, in my position, what does a bagmaker do? Why, this bagmaker makes a bag!
Meet the Enigma Pouch, from Minikins 4. Based on her fabric choices in the illustrated bag, I believe Sara has envisaged it being used by crafters and sewists to corral their most frequently used notions. In my perfect world, I would use it for make-up or hair supplies when traveling.
I vacillated about inserting the zippered pocket across the interior. I was concerned that at about 7″ wide and only 3″ tall, it wouldn’t be very useful. But I finally decided to go with it. When I make one for myself (soon!), I can compare mine with this one and see which I prefer.
For this first go-round, I chose two coordinating fabrics from Tula Pink’s True Colors collection: Hexy Rainbow in Ink for the exterior, and Mineral in Agate for the lining. I gave Son’s Partner the choice of the Agate (pink) or Topaz (pale blue) and she chose the first. Then, having decided to change the branding of my work, I attached the first of the new JanBags labels. I believe I got that zipper from Zipper Valley. It is “Black – #5 Rainbow Nylon Coil Zipper Tape.” If you make bags and haven’t tried zippers-by-the-yard yet, what are you waiting for? They’re so easy to work with! I can’t identify the pulls, but the finish is gunmetal. By the way, I always waterproof my bags, inside and out, with ScotchGard. Any stains should be able to be removed with a damp cloth.
It’s a pretty straightforward bag to make. I goofed up on attaching the side to the bottom, but it was my own damned fault—I wasn’t paying attention and was hurrying to finish the bag before leaving on vacation. If you are a visual learner, as I am, there’s a video that walks you through the complete construction of the bag.
This was shipped off to Texas the day before we left for a week in Northern Michigan. When we get back, I’ll finish cutting out all the pieces and sewing the second bag, which will go to my almost-14yo granddaughter who just graduated this week from 8th grade in Traverse City. Then I’ll make one for myself.
So, for now, bye from Northern Michigan.
