Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Amy Butler Weekender Bag!

On this day before Thanksgiving - there are many things that I'm thankful for. One of them is that I finished my Weekender Bag, the popular pattern by Amy Butler.

I've had the pattern for over a year and the fabric for many, many months. I'm not normally a procrastinator, except when it comes to bags. They're not my favorite things to make - but I've loved this bag for so long. And it almost seems a rite of passage in the modern sewing world to make a Weekender Bag. So armed with tons of advice from those who have gone before me, I made a plan several weeks ago to tackle a few steps per week. Breaking it down into chunks seems less overwhelming and time consuming.

And here you go!


And you know what? It wasn't so bad after all. Between my friend, Bonnie {with lots of experience I kept her on speed dial} and some cheerleaders on Instagram I muddled through one step at a time.


Per Bonnie's suggestion, I used Soft and Stable which seems to be much easier to sew than Peltex. And I'm 100% happy with how nicely it feels and stands up. There is one piece of Peltex in the bottom along with the Soft and Stable. I also used several of the suggestions from Mary Claire, who was nice enough to compile many of the recommendations found on the internet.


Now I just need a weekend trip, so I can go in style!

I also wanted to share with you the Snowball Games quilt from my book Simply Modern Christmas that my sister-in-law made. It's her first quilt! She used Scrumptious to make a nice feminine quilt for her niece who is having some health challenges. As another of 5 young boys, I'm sure she appreciates this pretty feminine quilt. It's filled with love and healing wishes!


11 comments:

  1. Your Weekender looks awesome! I'm still scared to make one, but I might try using soft and stable like you did.

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  2. Hi Cindy ,
    The bag turned out really cool ,you did a great job .love the color !
    Also the ruler is very nice , it takes someone with lots of math skills to make a ruler like that . I'll have to take a look at that.
    Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours .
    Jean M.

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  3. The bag is so Nice !!!! I like the quilt too !!!

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  4. The bag! The bag! The bag! It turned out so beautifully. As you know, I've been hanging on to the pattern, the fabric and supplies. This will definitely go on my "quilting goals for 2014" list. And do tell your SIL that she did a fabulous job on the quilt. Surely she will be inspired to make more quilts given her success with this one!

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  5. Great job Cindy. I love that bag and have made two myself. I also used soft and stable love that too! My daughter used here's on a trip to Paris with lots of compliments. One bag down now do some more!

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  6. Great job Cindy. I love that bag and have made two myself. I also used soft and stable love that too! My daughter used here's on a trip to Paris with lots of compliments. One bag down now do some more!

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  7. Love it! I use Soft and Stable for everything that needs structure - It's so easy to work with!

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  8. Your weekender bag is to die for! Beautiful! Also, I just purchased your book, Simply Modern Christmas, and want to make Snowball Games. Your SIL's quilt gives me inspiration to check out Bonnie and Camille's fabrics. Tell her thanks!

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  9. Congratulations on your gorgeous Weekender! I made one about a year ago and it's been on several vacations with me. I am amazed how durable and stylish it is--but it was a bear to sew. I might try another with soft and stable! http://homemadecity.com/2012/09/15/weekend-bag/

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  10. Your bag is beautiful! I myself have struggled through two weekender bags. If for some reason I decide to torture myself with another one, I will definitely try the Soft and Stable!

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  11. Bags are not my thing so I'll just admire your Weekender. It looks really good! I find bags too fiddly and can't be bothered with that when there's so many quilts I want to make. I adore the Snowball games quilt! I think I'm going to have to buy your book. I have just found your blog through the WIP Wednesday you hosted at Lee's.

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