For this month's Island Batik Ambassador challenge, we were tasked to make a bag using a By Annie Pattern. This was a unique challenge because this time we were given the opportunity to choose the fabrics and the bag pattern. I chose A Place For Everything Bag 2 bag pattern by Annie. I used three Island Batik fabrics from the Spring 2021 line of fabric that just came out and is in stores now. I chose two fabrics from the Butterfly Blossoms line and one fabric from the foundations line (Moonstone). The fabrics have blues, purples and teals in them.
As a bag designer, I enjoy making bags and making a By Annie's bag for our September challenge is an honor. I chose this bag because I believe in challenging myself with new or different techniques and experiences. I have also made several other By Annie's bags and have enjoyed making those too.
In July when we received our Island Batik box, my By Annie package was in it and ready to go with the fabrics, stabilizers, zippers and hardware. It was amazingly generous of Island Batik and By Annie to gift these to us as an ambassador.
So I was ready for the task and started working on my bag. These patterns have thorough details and have video tutorials that can be added as as option. This bag had many parts so I quickly got to work and started cutting all the pieces. Labeling each piece helps the bag making process. Working methodically is the way to go!
During the process, I put in zippers, mesh panels, vinyl panels, strapping and hardware. Although there are many pieces to the pattern, don't be afraid to try one. Her patterns have illustrations much like my patterns where they have photos.
Here are some process pictures of installing handles, the gusset, binding and zippers. When putting in zippers, zippers by the yard/meter are nice to use because they can be cut to a specific length as needed. Binding covers the raw edges nicely and provides a pop of contrast color. When installing the binding, clips work nicely to hold the it in place.
The process of building a bag can take a while but it is so satisfying once it is finished and can be used. This bag has tons of pockets and places to stash whatever you may need. The inside folders come out and there are pockets on the outside as well as the inside. It is very versatile.
In the end the bag turned out great and I really love it. I already took it on a trip with me to Vermont and stuffed all my sewing supplies in there as well travel supplies as well.
Bag Making Tips:
Label every piece.
Take your time while sewing and putting together the bag.
Use a larger needle. I prefer a 90/14 topstitch needle or 100/16 topstitch needle because the eye is larger to allow the thread to pass through it easily and the larger needles can handle multiple bulky layers of fabric at once.
Reduce the pressure on your foot. This allows the bulky sections to move under it easily.
Use clips when binding the bag.
Buy zippers by the yard or meter.
This bag is a great travel bag too.
It was a wonderful project and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Thank you By Annie, Island Batik, Schmetz Needles and Aurifil Thread. All of these products were given to me as part of the Island Batik Ambassador program.
Take a look at all the other wonderful bags made by my fellow ambassadors. They are great.
Megan Best ~ Best Quilter Pamela Boatright ~ PamelaQuilts Elizabeth DeCroos ~ Epida Studio Jennifer Eubank ~ Archipelago Quilting Jennifer Fulton ~ The Inquiring Quilter
Preeti Harris ~ Sew Preeti Quilts Joanne Hart ~ Unicorn Harts Mania Hatziioannidi ~ Mania For Quilts Jane Hauprich ~ Stitch By Stitch Custom Quilting Connie Kauffman ~ Kauffman Designs
Emily Leachman ~ The Darling Dogwood Denise Looney ~ For The Love Of Geese Leah Malasky ~ Quilted Delights Sally Manke ~ Sally Manke, Fiber Artist Maryellen McAuliffe ~ Mary Mack Made Mine
Claudia Porter ~ Create with Claudia Gail Renna ~ Quilt Haven Threads Brianna Roberts ~ Sew Cute and Quirky Michelle Roberts ~ Creative Blonde Gail Sheppard ~ Quilting Gail
Andi Stanfield ~ True Blue Quilts Jennifer Thomas ~ Curlicue Creations Suzy Webster ~ Websterquilt Janet Yamamoto ~ Whispers of Yore