Carry-All Bag pattern by So Sew Easy

Let me introduce you to the newest bag pattern by Deby @ So Sew Easy: the Carry-All Bag.

Carry all bag pattern

From the pattern description:

“Not too big, not too small – just right! This Carry-All Bag might be just right to carry everything you need to the gym, as a carry-on bag for travelling or even for an overnight stay. There are lots of pockets both inside and out so you can quickly and easily keep everything organised and to hand without having to rummage about.
A wide zipper top makes loading and unloading the bag a breeze and zipper pockets inside and out also keep things secure. All pockets are optional and can be placed either inside, outside or both.”

Rating: Intermediate

I was again, very honoured to test Deby’s newest pattern, and let me tell you, this one rocks! I find it hard to believe that Deby has been sewing for only a few years. Such attention for detail, such complete explanations, it’s a sewer’s dream to work with one of her patterns! I mean, I have sewn quite a few of her patterns, and I can tell you, as a pattern tester, when she sends us the patterns to test, there is little (or nothing at all) to change! If it’s a clothing pattern, I find the size fits right out of the printer, or if it’s a bag, like this one, I have nothing to complain about.

 

I used a medium weight upholstery cotton for the shell, and white cotton for the lining. I didn’t use any stiff interfacing, because of my fabric’s weight, and it could have been tricky at the corners. Instead, I used an interlining: a polyester… something, I believe it is used for outerwear (the lady in the remnants shop didn’t know what it was). It provides a bit of structure, but not enough, I’d go with a stiff interfacing for next time  – excluding the seam allowances, though. In order to keep it from moving and standing away from the shell, I stitched it here and there, following the flowers lines, so you can notice it only when you look closer 🙂

 

The bag has many pockets, both on the inside and on the outside:

One side has a zip pocket

 

Another zip pocket, on the inside

 

Pockets, pockets, pockets

The pattern is rated as “intermediate”, and I (kind of) agree. I mean, the main difficulty is pairing the right fabric with the right interfacing, and keeping track of the large number of pattern pieces (I needed half a day to figure out everything, but only because I wasn’t really concentrating). Otherwise, if you can sew a straight line, and have a large band internet connection, you can do it, too! Because Deby has also provided very detailed video instructions for every step of the process. It’s like having your personal instructor in your sewing room! (Small confession: I decided to be naughty, and didn’t watch the video, but follow the written instructions with lots of pictures only 😉 If I could do it, everybody can! 😀 )

Top zip closure

 

Bottom bag, without bag feet

I loved sewing this bag, I received many compliments for it and I got to play with some nice colourful fabric!

What do you think, have I convinced you to go and give it a try? 🙂

 

 

Pattern testing: Dahlia top

My latest sewing enterprise: the Dahlia Top by Rachel @  Golden Rippy.

Dahlia Top

When a pattern is really easy to sew, and I encounter no problems, I find it difficult to write a blog post about it. (Is it the same for you?) I know, it’s a plus, DEFINITELY. This cute little top only took me about an hour to sew. 5 pattern pieces only (front, back, armbands, waistband and neck band) that went together like a dream. No stumbling upon difficult seams, no need to finish seams as this knit fabric doesn’t fray!

Dahlia top

This is size 8 with size 12 length, for a tall and skinny 7yo :). My fabric is a slinky cotton jersey, probably a bit too lightweight/slinky for this pattern, but it was the only thing I had on hand.

The sizes available are from 12m to 11-12y, so this top is a great investment!

The only change to the original instructions was with my topstitching: I was actually inspired by the last episode of the GBSB, where Tamara had topstitched her knit top with a triple zigzag stitch. My jersey is too plain, so I topstitched it with the famous triple zigzag stitch, using a contrasting purple thread (I wonder how I ever thought about buying purple thread? It’s definitely not a colour I’ve used before… oh, well, I’m glad I did buy it 😉 )

Dahlia top – shoulder view

 

Dahlia Top – Front neckband – love the effect of that topstitching!

The pattern also includes two small pieces and isntructions on how to make a flower, to be attached to the top at the front, towards left. When I had my daughter measure the top, it was without the flower, and daddy (aka my worst critic!) asked me not to add anything, because he liked the top on his little girl that way! So, no flower this time around. (Don’t tell hubby, but my next top will definitely have a flower – we, girls, know better, right? 😉 )

She hates when she has to stand still, so she makes all these funny faces! 😀

 

I really believe this top can be personalized in many ways (colour-blocking? contrasting bands? stripes and polkadots? ), I’m searching through my favourite sites right now for nicer knits!

I hope you give this great little top a chance, go grab it here: Golden Rippy shop! Rachel is also having a sale, so you can buy it at a discount price!

 

xo, Mariana

 

Straight leg knit pants and slouchy sweater from So Sew Easy

I mentioned in my last post of 2013 that I had started pattern testing. Well, I am so lucky to be part of the lovely testing group for Deby @ so-sew-easy.com. Last year, Deby called for testers, and I applied. I was jumping with joy when she answered, telling me I was in! Can you believe that? Especially since she had already mentioned that most patterns would have been designed for knit fabrics. WHAT??!! Have you seen that kind of fabric on my blog yet? No, you haven’t! That’s because I had only tried sewing with it once, and let it go for what I thought to be easier fabrics to work with (that is, woven fabrics). Well, I did buy a few knits a while ago, but never had the courage to sew them. Until Deby asked for testers. I did what I always do when I try a new sewing technique/pattern: just do it. And I sew with knits! Not one, but TWO garments!
The first one was the Slouchy Sweater. An easy pattern, with just two pieces, and very few seams. Perfect for me!

No, I don’t have pictures of me in it – I was ill when I finished it, and it was (and still is!) winter here, folks!

 Wow, look at those stripes matching! It wasn’t that hard!

The Slouchy Sweater is perfect for a couple of hours sewing, in front of your favourite tv show! No need to worry too much about it, because Deby takes your hand and leads you through either written and video instructions! How cool is that?

The second project I sew for Deby was the straight leg knit pants pattern. I sew this in a soft and buttery knit, it was a pleasure to work with that fabric! 

 Indoor pictures again – it’s too cold to even try and go outside for a photo session 🙂

 As you can notice, I modified Deby’s pattern. No, there was nothing wrong with it. As for the Slouchy sweater, too, the sizing is perfect! But straight leg pants aren’t my style (actually, I don’t see them flattering me, although hubby did say he liked them and that I could leave them as they were, because they were beautiful). So, I modified them! Don’t you like it, too, when you sew something really easy and quick, and then you have enough patience and time left to personalize them? I do!
Again, even somebody who has never sewn with knits before, can tackle this project. There are written instructions, with pictures for each step, and if you are more of a visual learner (like me), or need extra help, there’s always the video that can help you.

In the meanwhile, this busy woman also released a free pattern, the gathered front top. Can you believe how productive she is?

Thanks, Deby, for the opportunity, these patterns are perfect!