I've been meaning to make myself a lunch bag for ages. I've been using a shop-bought one that is fine, but has gone quite manky and has a persistent, lingering smell that I can't seem to get rid of - and yes, I do clean it out regularly! I couldn't make just any old bag as I need to use ice blocks from the freezer with it. It gets pretty warm in our office and there's not much worse than a warm yogurt for your mid-afternoon snack!
Then I came across this tutorial by Clover and Violet and I was away. Now, this item was on my list under "projects I have supplies for". I'm not entirely sure what I meant by this, unless it was because I had some of the heat-keeping-in wadding stuff. I can't remember what it's called! Supplies were needed and I found myself shopping... I needed some Lamifix (which I bought from e-bay) and somehow or other, I found myself at Hulu Crafts buying this charm pack of Noteworthy and two FQs from the same line!
This is where not having an LQS and not seeing fabrics in the flesh proves a problem. Yes, the two FQs are from the same line so they do co-ordinate, but most of the fabrics have the orange or green in them...
I started with some simple patchwork - a high percentage of those points meet... though not all of them! Then it was time to FMQ so out came the curved basting pins. What a difference they make! Why did I get by with ordinary safety pins before?? Having never really FMQ'd before, I dug out some scrap fabric and added some of the heat-keeping-in wadding (that's such a catchy name for it- if another supplier starts making it and wants to use that name, I'd be happy to sell it).
It wasn't until afterwards that I remembered I was saving that fabric to make Ange the pair of HK knickers she'd begged me for! Sorry Ange...
The trial was successful, so I moved onto the real thing. I LOVE it! It was such good fun! I do need to remember to stop for a pause with the needle down though - see that little stitch/line type thing above, in the middle?
I just did a random design - is this called meandering? It's a lot tighter towards the end than the beginning, but I am SO chuffed with it. (Speaking of being chuffed - my horse came in second on the Grand National. I don't actually own the horse but I did pick him on the sweepstakes at work so he's earned me about a fiver! Oh and yes, I'm actually writing this post "live". The rest of the week's will be scheduled though, so don't hate me!).
Here it is from the back - no backing fabric as the bag will be lined.
Next came fusing the Lamifix to the lining fabric. What a mess! It looks dreadful! I'd ironed the fabric, but the Lamifix had been folded for posting to me and obviously I couldn't iron the creases out. I'd think twice before using this stuff again, but for a lunch bag lining, it doesn't seem to matter so much.
And here's the finished bag. I completely forgot to put interfacing in the handles, so they're quite weak but I don't tend to have bricks or lumps of concrete for lunch, so they should hold up.
I also made the handles longer than the tutorial said so I can put it on my shoulder if necessary.
See the horrendous, creased lining?? Edited to add: I do know that you sew a lining slightly smaller than the bag, and I have done. It's horrendous and creased due to the lamifix (see above).
Zip ends = disaster. Absolute disaster. There were just so many layers.
Edited to add: I do like the lunch bag, I like the finished product, I didn't enjoy sewing it.
This is my first time doing free motion quilting (other than on a coaster!) so I'm linking up to Fiona's New to Me challenge.
20 comments:
I am working on a tote and tried to FMQ, too. My machine is not equipped for that, so I was working against the feed dogs the whole time. It isn't pretty, but no one will look that close and it has the texture I wanted. Great job on your bag- love the fabric!
Fab lunch bag, the quilting is gorgeous!
Alison
x
At least you got it checked off of your list even though you might not like it, I think it looks pretty. Great job on your first time FMQ! I have to buy my fabric on line also, it is so hard sometimes matching things up and not being able to see it yourself.
It looks good to me!
1) I think it's called Insul-Bright.
2) I bought some lamifix to see what it did, it's folded at the moment...I'll see if I can work out how to uncrease it before I use it!
3) Posting live is overrated
4) Congratulations!!
5) Quilted hello kitty knickers sounds warm...
1) I think it's called Insul-Bright.
2) I bought some lamifix to see what it did, it's folded at the moment...I'll see if I can work out how to uncrease it before I use it!
3) Posting live is overrated
4) Congratulations!!
5) Quilted hello kitty knickers sounds warm...
p.s. I'm not sure if my comment came through so I'm posting it again...I wonder if it'll appear multiple times, like maybe 6?
Not every project goes smoothly, and lining very rarely fits perfectly and smoothly in bags - at least - mine certainly doesn't! I try to make it a bit smaller than the outside and that helps a BIT, and one other thing that kind of "hides" the loosey bulgies is to put a fabric covered plastic base in the bag - oh look - where'd the lumpies go? LOL!!!
LOL...I'm so sorry...but you're too funny. The lunch bag does look great, but I have moments where I just want to stay away too. I am popping over to visit from your link at Sew Lux challenge. Love that fabric!!!
Such a fabulous result. Well done.
Your bag turned out cute! Though, I think maybe your troubles came from the fact the Lamifix didn't work properly, and that the insulated batting is stiff and difficult to work with. I too often feel like I need a break from sewing. Especially if I have a project that turned out to be more work than it should have been. But, I still love your bag!
Wendy,your lunch bag is fabulous! I am working on something right now with a Noteworthy mini-charm pack. You are right,about the colors,I was a little disappointed that there was not more of the grey,red and aqua prints.
It might be wrinkled on the inside, but it's a prettier lunch bag than you could buy, and it's been quilted beautifully
Well done for your fmq, isn't it frustrating when you can't get the creases out, bet it's the best lunch bag in the office.
Hi Wendy,
I've had those projects that you want to make and then find it is more hard going than it is worth. You have made a lovely bag in the end. Now onto the next project.
Cheers, Anita.
I have something in the cupboard that I think is similar to the Lamifix, but have never tried it I think it will be staying in the cupboard a bit longer:)
Congrats on the FMQ'ing it is so neat!
I have the same lining problem, the trick is to use a slightly larger seam allowance for the lining so it sits nicely.
No one is going to see the inside other than you and the outside looks FABULOUS, Wendy!!! Great idea to add the longer handles.
Well done! Checking over from New to Me challenge.
Hi! I'm hopping over from New to Me. I think you did very well for your first FMQ! And aren't we sometimes prouder of those hateful sewing objects than of the easy-going ones?! I'll rate you five stars for your perseverance :o)
Hi Wendy, I've featured your lunch bag today...
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