A couple weeks ago, I added a new sewing machine to my family. A new, old machine. A 1954  Singer 301A to be exact. I have nothing but love for Brienne, my Juki F600, but her giant size makes her a huge pain to travel with. A smaller travel machine had been on the back of my mind wishlist, but I wasn't seeking one out actively.

Coincidentally, my LQS had this little 301 on consignment from Kimberly's Junk in the Trunk, a local vintage Singer queen. I tested it out and it was love at first stitch. I've never sewn on a smoother machine! I had to take him home, and his price tag of $160 made it an easy choice. 

I have a tendency to name inanimate objects, and my 301's name was a no brainer: Podrick! He'll be a wonderfully reliable (if simple) squire to Brienne. 

Since I adopted Podrick to be a travel machine, I made him his own little travel tote. I saw pictures of a simple boxy tote floating around Pinterest, which I eventually tracked down as the Pack N' Go Tote by Kimberly Walus in the book Fresh Fabric Treats.

 Since the original bag pattern wasn't going to be big enough for Podrick and the design was simple, I drafted my own pattern. The finished bag is 15"L x 8"W x 12.5"H. The exterior pockets are all 9.5" tall, deep enough for some magazines, notes, patterns, or rules. The foot pedal and cords fit perfectly into the side pockets.



I used some jelly roll strips of Hadley by Denyse Schmidt for the exterior pockets, yardage of one of the brown Hadley prints for the main exterior, Andover textured solid for the handles, and some random blue fabric by Zen Chic for the lining. I used Annie's Soft & Stable to give the main bag structure and padding. The exterior pockets just have a layer of batting.

Podrick fits inside perfectly! I can't wait to take him to the HMQG retreat in June. 

The Matsuri Bag

 It's time to introduce you to the second of my two new bag patterns, the Matsuri Bag!

If my spirit animal could be a bag, it would be the Matsuri Bag. I'm a very mercurial person by nature, and that extends to the my choice in bags. My favorite bags are ones that are adaptable and versatile. I carried a crossbody bag at Fall Quilt Market, which worked fine initially, but evolved into an uncomfortable boat anchor as I loaded it up with books, mini charm packs, and pamphlets. So when Quilt Con rolled around, I took a backpack instead, which was more comfortable, but became irritating when I had to constantly take it on and off to access the contents.

The Matsuri Bag converts from a crossbody bag to a backpack with the help of some simple hardware.

I designed the Matsuri Bag for those all-day adventures where your needs may change. Some simple hardware and an a detachable, adjustable strap lets you transform your crossbody bag into a backpack to suit your mood. The bag gets its name from Japanese festivals (the term is also used a lot in the US in conjunction with anime conventions) where you can play games, eat street food, and buy souvenirs.

In addition to it's cool convertible feature, the Matsuri Bag features two gathered side pockets which are perfect for a water bottle, car keys, or your phone.

The two versions Matsuri Bags above were made by yours truly. The bag on the right was made with my scraps left over from my Quilt Market samples for Lizzy House's new collection, Natural History. I'm a scrappy person at heart, and Lizzy's new line begs to be carried everywhere. The bag on the left uses a variety of Carolyn Friedlander prints I also had left over from various projects.

I was very lucky to have several gracious, generous pattern testers who all blew me away with their lovely bags!

First up is Michelle (@chellesquilts) who made her Denise Schmidt print pop with diamond quilting! She even added an ingenious little key fob to the side pocket! Seriously clever.

Next up, Jana (@megmormel) with a lovely Priory Square Matsuri bag, modeled by her daughter! Those big blooms are a perfect focal point for the main panel.

 Chen (@mushyhed), who you may know as Alison Glass's hype girl, made her bag with some of Alison's new Ex Libris and Andover's black chambray. Result: drool-worthy. If you're going to Quilt Market in Minneapolis, keep your eyes peeled for this one in Alison's booth!

Nicole (@nf_merritts) put her Cotton + Steel Mesa canvas to work for her bag. I love the bright contrasting pockets! Her adorable son is also an apparent fan of the finished project. :)

Another awesome mama, Erica (@skynme2), made her Matsuri bag for her petite teenage daughter who needed a backpack that wasn't so traditionally HUGE. I'm only 5' tall myself, so I feel you there, girl. Plus, she used one of my favorite prints by Sarah Watts!

Dyan's (@sew_joyful) Matsuri Bag had me stomping my feet from excitement. I've been head over heels for Rashida Coleman-Hale's rice print canvas since I first saw it. I love the density of the rice on the zipper gusset at watching it tumble down the front panel.

Last, but certainly not least is Tara (@taraceleste) with her cat print Matsuri Bag. This bag (and her amazing photos) totally slay me. As her pictures show, this pattern makes a great "mom bag" for carrying diapers, snacks, drinks, and any other kid essentials. It also doesn't hurt that it's covered in cute kitty faces!

I hope you enjoyed seeing the many faces of the Matsuri Bag! If you'd like to make one for yourself, click the link below to go directly to the product page on my Craftsy shop.

Click Here to Purchase the Matsuri Bag pattern!

The Dear Watson Bag

It's with great pride and excitement that I get to unveil the first of my two bag patterns: the Dear Watson Bag.

The inspiration for the Dear Watson Bag came from my own hesitation to try my hand at structured bag patterns beyond the basic tote or zippy pouch. I was certain that I needed some substantial sewing machine engineering skills beyond my capabilities. But once I got over my inhibitions and made my first legit bag, I couldn't believe how simple it was. I try to share my experience with other bag newbies, they are usually as incredulous as I once was. 

I really love making bags because it enables me to carry my quilty style with me out in the world. I wanted other quilters to get that same proud feeling. I wondered how could I make structured bag making more accessible to beginners. The answer is to keep it simple, but make it look like a big accomplishment. The Dear Watson Bag has a polished, modern look thanks to its tapered handles, hardware, and decorative details. I wanted people to be able to say "This is the first bag I've ever made," and have their friends go, "No way! It looks so professional!"

The Dear Watson Bag pattern teaches lots of bag making skills.

The Dear Watson Bag gets its name from the great words of Sherlock Holmes. Because after all...it's elementary. In this pattern you will learn how to add structure to your bag with By Annie's Soft & Stable, install a zipper closure or magnetic snap, make an interior welt zipper pocket and slip pocket, make tapered handles (with and without hardware and handle tabs), box the corners of a bag, and make an adjustable, detachable strap. It may sound like a lot, but my friend Stephanie announced to our guild, "If you can make a zippy pouch, you can make this bag."

My guild buddie, Liz (@fatchickquilts), made two Dear Watson Bags because she's an overachiever. If you're going to Spring Quilt Market, check out Andover's booth for the bag on the left which uses Carol Van Zandt's new collection, Luna Lounge. 

Another guild friend, Hilary (@youngtexanmama) made her bag with Marvel comics fabric and some fancy leather! She modified the handles to work better with her materials, and the result is awesomesauce.

Guild buddy no. 3, Karri (@karriofberries) cranked out this baby at the Stash Bash! Alison Glass is always a good fabric choice. ;) 

Guild buddy no. 4, Stephanie (@houstondiy) combined the two views of the pattern for a stunning finished project! 

Katie (@robutton) made a fiesta-worthy bag that makes me miss my good old college home, San Antonio. There's no shortage of happy colors here!

I hope you enjoyed all the bags! If you'd like to make one for yourself, click the link below to go directly to the product page on my Craftsy shop.

Click Here to Purchase the Dear Watson Bag pattern!