Simplicity S1387 and Kwik Sew R10826

Here we go with a new pattern review!  It's all about bags: tote and cosmetic bags.  This set makes a lovely travel trio.  One morning I was getting "reacquainted" with my sewing studio, looking at all my fabric, patterns, notions, and findings.  There are too many projects already cut and ready to sew, but I wanted to make something that would be a "quick sew".  The bags were easy to make for sure.  But by the time I decided which bags to make and pulled together all the required notions and fabrics, I very well could have sewn a few UFO's together.  Lol

Part I

All in all, this bag project was a good one.  So let me start with the tote.  I used Simplicity S1387, view A.  It is an over-sized tote with fabric straps and two snaps.  The pattern design finishes with a triangle like stitched line design that continues from one end of the bag to the other. 

The tote can be adjusted to appear smaller by closing the snaps on either end of the upper edge of the tote.  Great for travel. 

The bag looks like the photos on the pattern envelope.  It can be carried on the shoulder or by the straps.  It is sturdy and attractive.  With the snaps closed it  looks like an over-sized purse.  So there are lots of style options and fabric (leather) choices you could choose to design your very own unique tote.

The instructions were very easy, and I didn't find anything complicated about the construction process.  There is one thing I'd change about the straps though.  The design suggest that you use fabric for the straps and use wide braid to finish them.  I think webbing would be better.  

I love how this bag turned out:  the roominess, the collapsible sides, my fabric selection.  No really dislikes.

I used home-dec canvas like fabric (Joann's) for the exterior and broadcloth for the interior.  Both were in my stash. The bag also requires fusible batting and stabilizer (Pellon 808).  For the patches that go over the ends of the straps, I used some faux leather that was also in my stash (Hancock's Fabrics).  

This was the very first time that I used this pattern.  So I wanted to follow the instructions and design just to test out using it.  So, I only changed the wide braid to a sturdy ribbon that I already had in my stash.  I will probably use it several more times.  For one, I want to try a few of the other views; and two, these totes make an excellent gift idea.

In conclusion for the tote bag, I love how it turned out and recommend it to others.  The pattern has good bones and can be used to make some lovely totes and bags.  

Part II

Kwik Sew Zippered Cases pattern R10826 was equally easy to construct.  I made views A and D to complement the Simplicity Tote.  I used the left-over from the tote to make these.  They are perfect for toiletries.

Both bags look like the photo on the envelope, and they were very easy to sew.  Like the tote, they required fusible batting to add stability. 

Here again I didn't change or alteration the design.  Sticking to the instructions for the first time just to get a feel for constructing small bags like these was a good exercise.  I enjoyed the process.  

I like how they turned out and will definitely make them again.  All three bags were fun to make, and I was able to used some of the fabric and notions in my stash.   Plus, the bags look pretty good!  Win, win!

Happy Sewing!

C

 

Kwik Sew Sling Bag - KS4276

 

So lately, I've been sewing little bags and such.  And I saw this sling bag pattern by Kwik Sew.  So I thought I would give it a try.  It looked like a quick project.  Ugh! Ugh!

NOT!

This baby took almost as long to make as my new red maxi-dress!  It's all the zippers and other notions that took up a lot of time. 

I still think it's a good bag project to try.  So here is my little review.

Pattern Description:  Sling bags in 2 sizes;

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  Yes, it did.  But for some reason, I thought the bag would be smaller.

The front

The back

Were the instructions easy to follow? Very good and easy to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Now, that it is all made up. I really like the size.  You can put quite a few things in it.  It's a good bag to have hands free and still feel safe carrying it.  Also, I think it's a great travel bag for the airport and train.  There are two zippers pockets on the outside that you can slip a card, keys, and a few dollars in for easy access.

My dislike, I guess would be it took me so long to finish it.  And that's on me, right? Lol

Fabric Used:  I used a home-dec fabric from Joann's and a broadcloth for the lining from my stash.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: No changes.  This was my first time making this type of bag.  So I followed the instructions to the letter.  Oh, one little change. the slide buckle.  I couldn't find a one inch buckle.  So I used a 1.50" one.

Top of the bag

Top with parachute buckle closed

Bag opened

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I may make it again.  It would be a nice gift for someone.   Yes, I would recommend it to others sewists.

Conclusion: I like how the bag turned out.  I didn't expect it to take as much time as it did to make it.  All in all, it was a good sewing project and a change from garment sewing.

Happy Sewing!

C

Travel Mini Wardrobe

Finally..., I'm able to post some of the sewing projects that I have completed over the past month and half. The pictures still aren't that great but good enough to get an idea of how well the projects turn out.

As mentioned earlier, me and two colleagues will be travel to Naples, Florida, for a conference soon. I wanted to have a few pieces to complement some outfits that I ready have. I used M5597 to make the pants. Then I picked several top patterns to make the five tops shown. I probably won't take everything, but wanted enough to pick and choose from. I didn't create this mini wardrobe to compete in a wardrobe contest. My only goal was to create some comfortable piece to take on this trip as I will spend a lot of time sitting, learning, and talking about our vendor's product.



Tan and white top is made from Simplicity 4076. This pattern has been reviewed on PR many times and is one of my favorites. I've made view D and view A several times with only slight modifications.



I used Kwik Sew 3378 for the white and blue tops. Another one of my favorites. This makes the four and fifth version of this fav.








Simplicity 5875, view F with sleeve from view D. I didn't do my usual FBA on any of the tops. Most of the knit used had at least 30 percent stretch in them so I thought I could for-go the FBA. This turned out fine for the most part, except for the yellow matte jersey top. I noticed a few drag lines from the bust to the lower trunk area.



This woven top is made from New Look 6561. This is a wearable muslin. I expected more ease (style and wear). I'll try this one again.

I hope to make one jacket from either of these patterns this weekend.






My full review on Patternreview.comm.