What’s better than free fabric? Well, not much, that’s for sure! Except maybe time to sew it up, but since I don’t possess magic time controlling powers, a fabric giveaway will have to do. I have a beautiful bundle of Jackie McFee‘s new fabric collection, My Gray or the Highway, to give away. Jackie always has such fun names for her collections! I got to work with these fabrics before they were released so I’ll share my projects before I get to the giveaway details.

I’ve worked with several of Jackie’s collections before so when she contacted me to work on some projects for last year’s Quilt Market, I was really looking forward to what she had come up with this time.

She said she was hoping to make her booth at Quilt Market into a college dorm room. I think she really nailed it! 

Of course every college dorm room needs a quilt made with love, so I suggested my friend Crystal of Cloth Albatross make one and, as usual, Crystal knocked it out of the park. I’m always delighted by her creations.

A girl needs a stylish bag to carry her books in, so Courtney of Skull and Thread made this amazing backpack.  

Jackie said she wanted to have a travel bag and some desk accessories, so I suggested the Swoon Dallas Duffel for the travel bag. I also thought the Radiant Home Studio North Pond Book Cover and the Tablet Case from Anna Graham’s (Noodlehead) book Handmade Style: 23 Must-Have Basics to Stitch, Use, and Wear, would be great to add to the student feel.

Here’s where Jackie really wowed me. For the patterns I suggested, she made up the concept image with the fabrics in place. Sooo cool! 

I think the actual sewn up version came pretty close to Jackie’s idea. We changed up the “dk Gray Felt” for cotton webbing to be more sturdy, and I added a Strap End from Emmaline  for an extra elegant touch.

The inside is fun too!

Here’s what she envisioned for the travel bag:

I did add a vinyl overlay to the bottom, but it doesn’t come quite as high as the concept, and we changed the straps to be cotton webbing to match the notebook cover. For the exterior zippered pocket, I used the double welt technique I learned from Swoon Bonnie Bucket Bag to add the mint colour. 

Pretty cool hey? Even the fabric placement is almost the same!

The tablet case was lots of fun and used some the lighter prints in the collection. This one is a pretty quick sew and comes together similarly to the pencil case in the book.

I’m not sure which is the front or the back since they each have pockets! The lining is the same colourful print from the small pocket (this print might be my favourite from the collection).

I loved seeing it all come together and Jackie’s booth turned out so well!

Now for the moment you’ve all been waiting for…enter to win through the rafflecopter below!

Good luck, and be sure to share with your friends for extra karma!

This story starts out kinda funny. I had been following Lysa Flower on Instagram for a while, and realized she must live close to me after she posted some pictures to local events. I can’t remember how it came out for sure, but after a couple messages back and forth, we discovered we actually live in the same town! How cool is that?! Lysa is as cool in real life as you imagine she might be from her Instagram feed. Lysa was going to the Spring Quilt Market and had some projects on the go and when she asked me to make this bag with her Cassette pattern and Kimberly Kight’s Snap to Grid fabric, I simply couldn’t turn it down. 

I was a little nervous to dive right in since I didn’t have a ton of paper piecing experience. I made this practice one using Libs Elliott’s Tattooed collection and omitted the piping. I also only put the cassette on one side since this was just practice and time was ticking. You may have noticed I did in fact make some mistakes on this one: my seam allowance was a little too small in the top left and you can see my stitching, and I didn’t use a separate colour for the center of the “cassette.” Phew! I was glad to learn those mistakes on my practice! I also tried to place tabs for the strap at the seam for the zipper panel, but that made it very difficult to do the drop in lining at the end, not impossible, just verrrry difficult. 

The Snap to Grid collection is so much fun! If it reminds you of the 80’s, that’s because it’s meant to! It’ll have you wearing side ponies and stirrup pants (or at least reminiscing about them). Lysa wanted the whole bag to be like a 3D cassette tape, not just on the front, so we adapted both the Sew Sweetness Polaris bag and Lysa’s Cassette Tape pattern to make it happen. 

​Cotton + Steel has such fun selvages and I was so glad this project has the perfect place for them.

For the Exterior Bottom Panel, I used the Large cassette bottom pattern piece and extended the lines to match the width of the bag pattern. Then I added matching fabric to make up the rest of the panel.

Once I completed all the paper piecing, assembling the bag was identical to the instructions in the pattern.

The inside of this bag is just as cheerful as the outside, isn’t it? 

You can read about the rest of Lysa’s Market projects and collaboration with Kimberly Kight over on her site, and sign up for her newsletter while you’re there!

The Sew Along is all finished now but fear not! You can catch up and refer back to all the posts below:

Day 1: Getting started – cutting and fusing pieces
Day 2: Starting Exterior of bag 
Day 3: Finish Exterior of bag
​Day 4: Make the Lining 
Day 5: Finish the bag! 

Thanks so much to everyone who joined me and to Emmaline Bags for offering up prizes and a discount. 

Here are some entries from readers who completed their Castell during the Sew Along:

​Dot used a mix of neutrals to create a gorgeous elegant beauty.

Roxanne’s contrast stitching and snappy edge clasp balance out the browns in this bag perfectly.

I love the detail Tara added to the pocket flap, and the contrast in the casing and zipper!

Dot, Roxanne and Tara each won an Emmaline Bags credit: have fun shopping for bling ladies! You can search #CastellDayBag on Instagram for more inspiration.

I hope you enjoyed this set of Sew Along posts. Let me know in comments or email what you’d like to see more of on this blog. Stay tuned for a fun round-up.

I guess it’s a tradition now! Since my oldest son got a backpack when he went to school, my other son was expecting one when he started Kindergarten. Thanks to gradual entry, I managed to get an extra week to finish this one up. He’s much smaller and won’t really be bringing much home each day, so I decided to go with the Sew Sweetness Cumberland Backpack (small size). The patterns comes with many purchase options, including a bundle of PDF pattern and video. The video is an online workshop where Sara of Sew Sweetness goes through each step with you. Here’s a trailer of the video for the Cumberland Backpack.

I loved that this bag started taking shape right away; sometimes bags can take so long to make and you can’t really see progress along the way, but the front zippered compartment is pretty early on. This looks tricky since it’s a zipper along a curve, but it actually went pretty smoothly, especially with the wider zippers I use (and called for in the pattern.) I chose a simple magnetic snap, but the pattern includes instructions and measurements for a twist lock as well.

I used two different prints from Libs Elliott’s Tattooed Collection. The silver in the lightning bolts of the main print matches perfectly with the vinyl I used for some of the accents. I also used grey zippers and matching webbing to tie it all together. 

I’ve come to really appreciate the binding finish! This pattern actually comes with two finishing options. If you really don’t like doing the binding, you can follow a separate set of instructions, which are clearly marked for the alternative method. I like that the binding finish offers a relatively quick and simple way to complete the bag and even adds a bit of structure for the shape. You don’t need your binding stitching to be perfect because it’s hardly going to be seen, squished into the seams inside the bag. 

I can see making this as a cute backpack purse for myself, and I love that simple changes can give it a completely different look. If you haven’t already, you should check out thetester photos on the Sew Sweetness site for some examples. 

Now they each have their own, and I’m off the hook again, until next year! The small Cumberland is the perfect size for my little Kindergartener! If you missed it, you can read about the Adventure Time Backpack (pictured below left) here.  If you want to give the Cumberland Backpack a try, you can purchase the pattern here. 

Every year I tell myself that I’ll prepare better next year, but when the time comes, I haven’t and I’m left scrambling with my back-to-school sewing. Oh well, that’s the way it goes I guess. It just adds to the excitement of sewing: racing against time. Two years ago I made my son a backpack (you can read all about it here) and he really loved it, and it lasted amazingly. It was only starting to wear at the hanging loop. I could fix the loop, but I think it’s time for a new bag anyway. For my youngest, I’m making the Sew Sweetness Cumberland Backpack, but I wanted a more traditional style backpack for my oldest.  After nearly giving up, I found the Andrie Designs Adventure Time Backpack. 

I like that it comes in 2 sizes (I made the large) and that it has options for side pockets, plus the front zippered pocket. There are also options for an organizer-type interior pocket and additional zippered pocket at the front, but I omitted both those features. I also skipped the piping to keep the project a bit quicker. 

I kept the interior zippered pocket and added a strap to stabilize the load inside. According to the Canadian Chiropractic Association, the heavier items should be closer to the body, so the idea is that the strap inside can hold the heavier books toward the back and lighter items, like a lunchbag in front. The strap was really easy: I just sewed a piece of velcro into each side seam of the back panel. So he can adjust it to be narrow or wide depending on what he’s carrying that day.

Water bootle pockets are a must! In the winter, he likes to use these side pockets for his gloves too. I used the polyester mesh from Paccana; it’s really affordable, and durable too.

Even though the last one held up really well, I wanted to make this one a bit more durable, so I used Cordura (also from Paccana) for the base and back panel of the bag. This will also help keep the insides dry if he sets his bag down outisde.

I found this fabric at my local fabric store, Overseas Fabrics, actually my son picked it out. I rarely take him to the fabric store with me, since I’m usually asking my kids to stop touching everything, because it’s so darn tempting to touch it all, even for me. I was pleasantly suprised though, when the owners welcomed my kids and invited them to touch the fabric and enjoy their time in the store. Since we were at ease, it was no trouble finding the perfect fabric. He told me he wanted space or galaxy fabric, so when we saw this one, it was perfect. They have a huge selection of solids and we easily matched one of the colours from the print. I happened to have zippers that matched perfectly, and the velcro was such a fluke!

If you’ve been following my blog for some time, you’re probably aware that I avoid hand sewing at all costs…but these wooden tags from Brickbubble are adorable and I couldn’t resist putting one on this bag. Confession: I didn’t sew it by hand! I practiced a wide zigzag stitch with my machine on a scrap to find the right width and then once I figured it out, just used the zigzag on each side.  Reece: 1 | Hand sewing: 0 

Of course none of this matters unless he likes the final product, so I’m happy to report, he is one happy customer! 

Did you have any back to school scrambles? Let me know what you were up to for back to school sewing. 

If you’re looking for more back-to-school ideas, check out this round-up post from last year.

It’s Day 5 of the sew along, and if you need to catch up, you can check the previous days below. Today we finish the bag, including adding optional hardware. If you still need it, use code castellsew20 to save 20% on the Castell Day Bag pattern (both PDF and paper patterns are eligible for the discount).  There will be 3 prizes of Emmaline store credit ($20, $15, and $10) drawn randomly, see details on how to win at the bottom of this post. The code is valid until August 31, 2017, so don’t wait too long to grab a copy.

Here’s the schedule:
Day 1: Getting started – cutting and fusing pieces
Day 2: Starting Exterior of bag 
Day 3: Finish Exterior of bag
Day 4: Make the Lining 
Day 5: Finish the bag! (That’s today!)

Place the exterior of the bag inside the lining of the bag, right sides together, so the exterior will be right side out and lining will be wrong side out. At the top, match up centers, side seams, and seams made when adding side pieces. I clipped all the way around to help align the bag but we’re only going to sew between the markings we made to sew on the zipper casings. To join the lining and exterior, sew one line of stitching at the front and another line of stitching at the back, each line being where the zipper casing was previously basted in place, between the marks; make sure to backstitch at starts at stops.

Once that’s sewn together, use the turning hole in the lining to turn the bag right side out. Take your time and do this carefully, because we don’t want to rip the lining.

After the bag is turned right side, pull the lining out enough to access the turning hole, press to join seam allowance of turning hole together, pin or clip in place and sew with a small seam allowance.

IMPORTANT: Even though I have combined many steps in this pattern, attaching the zipper tabs must be done one at a time; you need to insert wire frames after completing one zipper tab and before doing the second.

This part is finnicky: Lay the zipper casing flat against the open side at top of bag, lining up center of zipper to side seam. Smooth out bag and casing as much as possible and clip in place. The zipper casing will extend past the side of the bag, that’s ok. Sew a line of basting stitch across the end of the bag and trim excess zipper casing, leaving a 1/4″ seam allowance.

Here’s what it looks like from underneath before you sew and trim.

Fold down one long edge of each zipper tab by 1/2″ to the wrong side.

Place 2 tabs right sides together and sew together at the short sides only.

Press the seams from the short sides open. Now slip one assembled tab over the end you just basted and trimmed, matching raw edge from zipper tab to raw edge of zipper casing/zipper. Sew across end to secure.

Flip up zipper tab so the right side is out, match up folded edges and topstitch at open end, then another line of topstitching at zipper tab end closest to rest of bag.

Now insert wires frames in each zipper casing and complete zipper tab on remaining open end. This completes your bag!

If you don’t have any additional hardware to add, then you go ahead and show that baby off to the world! I am adding metal edge trim to each flap, and strap ends to my strap anchor tabs. You’ll need a small precision screw driver and if you like, you can add glue as well. I don’t use the glue usually because truth be told, I’m scared to make a mess with it and the screws hold it in place very well. If the products were weight bearing, then I’d face my fears and go for the glue. I find it easiest to place the screw on the end of the screwdriver, rather than trying to screw it in from the trim. Each of these trims are quite simple to install; the hardest part is keeping track of those tiny screws! Just slide the trim on and place each screw. Don’t go too tight because you don’t want to strip it. I did have to squish my strap tabs with some pliers to make the ends skinny enough for the strap ends fit, but it was just right for a snug fit.

If you made a cross-body strap, connect it from the left rectangle ring at the front to the right rectangle ring at the back (it doesn’t really matter which side is at the front, as long as you connect it to the opposite side at the back).

I hope you enjoyed the sew along, and please feel free to ask any questions, either in the comments, by email, or in the Emmaline Sewing Patterns Group on facebook.

To be entered to win an Emmaline store credit ($20, $15, and $10), simply tag me @reecemontgomery and Emmaline Bags @emmalinebags in a picture of your completed Castell Day Bag, and use #CastellSewAlong on Instagram before September 12, 2017. (Profiles must be public so I can see them. If you don’t have/use/like Instagram, you can also upload a picture of your completed bag to be entered to win.)

Welcome back to the Castell Day Bag Sew Along. It’s Day 4 and if you need to catch up, you can check the previous days below. Our bag is really taking shape by now, are you getting excited?!

Here’s the schedule:
Day 1: Getting started – cutting and fusing pieces
Day 2: Starting Exterior of bag 
Day 3: Finish Exterior of bag
Day 4: Make the Lining (that’s today!)
Day 5: Finish the bag!

These pockets look so impressive, but they’re super easy to make! Take 2 pocket lining pieces and place right sides together with zipper sandwiched between at the top and the zipper facing down. Some people may find it easier to use a basting tape, like Wonder Tape, to hold everything in place before sewing zippers. Once the tops of the lining pocket pieces and one side of the zipper is lined up, sew in place using a zipper foot. You may notice my zipper tape is much longer than the top of the pocket piece: for me this is a major benefit of making my own zippers. I will trim it later, but for now I don’t need to move the zipper pull out of the way as I’m sewing in my zipper. If you want to read more about making your own zippers, read my post here. 

Flip the pocket pieces so they are right sides together and press away from the zipper.

Topstitch along the pressed edge about 1/8″ away. Now we need to create the gathering for the pocket. To do this, we run a basting stitch (long stitch length) at the bottom of the pocket pieces. Make sure to leave a long thread at both ends.

Before we pull up our gathers, we are going to sandwich the other side of the zipper tape between the pocket middle and the pocket top. The pocket middle should be right side up and the pocket top should be wrong side up. If your fabric for pocket top is directional, make sure you’re placing it correctly, because we’re going to flip it up in the next step. For this step, make sure your zipper is now right side up. (Note: I’m sorry if my fabrics are confusing – I chose to make my pockets opposite fabrics of each other and switched pockets while taking step photos.)

Flip the pocket top up, press away from zipper and topstitch.

Now we create the gather in the pocket by very gently pulling on a single thread at one end of the bottom edge of the pocket. Since I’m right handed, I find it easiest to hold the threads in place on the left side, and pull gently on the right. You can gently move the fabric along the thread to smooth out the gathers, otherwise the fabric just bunches up at one end. You’ll want the bottom of the pocket to match the width of the Pocket Middle behind it. Don’t try too hard for this to be perfect, it will get sorted when it’s basted in place. Now pull in the zipper pull and baste the pocket to the Pocket Middle starting from the topstitching above the zipper.

Now attach the pocket bottom to (you guessed it) the bottom of the pocket. Again with this step, pay attention to the direction of your fabric, since it will be flipped down once it’s sewed on.

Turn down the pocket bottom and topstitch.

Now attach the lining side panels. Once they’re sewn, trim off any excess zipper tape.

Press away from center and topsitch if desired. Repeat with remaining lining pieces to create second lining half if you haven’t already.

Place both assembled lining panels right sides together. Clip or pin bottom together. Sew together but leave a turning gap in the middle about 6-8″ wide; to do this, I like to sew one continuous line but backstitch when I get to where I want my turning gap to be, then switch to a basting stitch for the length of the turning gap, and then back to my regular stitch length. 

Press the bottom seam open. Sew up side seams with a 1/2″ seam allowance.

With side seams open, box corners as you did with the exterior.

Here’s what it looks like so far…

That’s it for now! On Sunday we finish it all up! I’d love to see how you’re doing. Share with me on Instagram with #CastellSewAlong or in the Emmaline Sewing Patterns Group on Facebook and don’t forget to tag me @reecemontgomery so I can see. Thanks for joining me and I look forward to seeing you all again for Day 5, the final day.