Just look at these gorgeous craft related fabric designs – they all arrived on my doorstep this last week!
Having long lusted after this design after seeing it as a banner on Teresa’s blog Navy Blue Threads, I discovered it was called “Sew Retro Montage” by Makower and tracked some down online. What initially began as a search for this amazing fabric …
…ended with multiple purchases of fabric loveliness!
“Cotton Reels” also by Makower;
“Knitty Sheep” by Kanvas;
“Sew Be It” by Henry Glass & Co;
“Sew Retro Tonal Pattern” also by Makower;
This fabulous Simplicity Pattern design by Fabric Traditions;
I couldn’t resist this “Postcards” design either;
They’re all quite pricey at around £12.00 per metre for a narrower-than-normal width of 110cm but, as I intend to use them for smaller projects, I should be able to make them stretch a fair way.
I had in mind a WIP bag using my favourite two fabrics, this one for the main body of the bag…..
…and this one for the lining;
As this bag will be for myself, I could afford to be a little extravagant with my fabric and lining choices.
I also decided to make a real statement by quilting the fabric onto wadding prior to construction. This takes quite a long time to do but adds an air of “couture” to the bag and is totally worth it having invested in expensive fabric.
Free machine quilting is not difficult to do, just time consuming – take plenty of breaks to relax those shoulders!
Drop the feed dogs (or cover them, depending on your machine), remove the sewing foot and you’re ready to go. I did the free machine embroidery in a random swirly design, filling in the space as I went.
TIP: Use a new needle and good quality thread like Gutermann’s 100% polyester – cheap thread is often made from only two twists and will snap easily and frequently.
This is what the quilting looks like on the reverse;
The textured finish on the front is really lovely;
It’s not the easiest thing to show in a photograph, but here’s a direct comparison of an un-quilted and a quilted piece of fabric side-by-side to show you the difference;
Do you want to see the finished bag?
TADAH!
It’s HUGE, large enough for the biggest projects which is just as well as I have a penchant for making bedspreads and throws, whether they’re patchwork, crocheted or quilted. This bag can cope with the lot.
Here it is, holding my latest blanket; a crocheted super-chunky number that measures (at the moment) 1.5m x 1.5m. There’s still plenty of room to carry all the yarn and bag of crochet hooks!
Don’t you just love the lining?
It makes the inside a pleasure to gaze upon:)
When empty, you can see how cavernous it actually is.
Did you notice the sizeable pocket on the front?
No?
Well that’s good then, because I was very careful to match the pattern so it just appears to be a continuation of the fabric.
Look again – you can just make out the handles of a pair of scissors peeping out of the top….
Inside the pocket I made provision for some sewing essentials; a pair of scissors, a seam ripper and a tape measure.
Even the pocket is quilted and lined for consistent quality.
I already know this is going to be the most used bag in my collection and I love, love, LOVE it!
Now, here’s the thing – I need someone’s help.
I have drafted a PDF pattern which I hope to sell in my Folksy shop, and I am looking for a volunteer to test it first to make sure it is easy to follow.
All materials will be included in a parcel that will be sent to the tester; fabric, lining, wadding, thread, wooden handles and pattern drafting paper.
The pattern will be sized for a smaller bag, but the construction is identical as that for the larger bag.
The quilting is optional but the wadding will be included if you wish to attempt it.
The pattern will be emailed in PDF format which can be printed off if preferred.
You will need to be able to follow instructions carefully and make a note of anything that could be worded more clearly/in more depth and any possible errors.
When completed, the bag is yours to keep – I would just ask that you blog about it (hopefully favourably!) on your own page.
So, is there anyone out there willing to give it a try?
Maybe Teresa, Karen, Beth, Lucie, Caren, or Lisa?
Please………:)
Update: Pattern is available NOW in my shop – CLICK HERE
January 20, 2015 at 9:40 pm
If you can’t get one of your usual pattern testers, I’d be happy to help.
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January 21, 2015 at 12:18 pm
Thanks Sarah!
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January 20, 2015 at 9:53 pm
I have my hand waving madly in the air in my bedroom on my own looking a bit mad and I don’t care. Oops me please!
That grovelling aside this is poptastically bootilicius. The fabrics are utterly luscious and your choice m’am I doff my cap to you, great job and am now suffering fabric envy 🙂
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January 21, 2015 at 12:25 pm
This had me laughing out loud! The fabrics are amazing, aren’t they? I couldn’t stop at just one – I had to have the lot! Thanks for volunteering – I wish I could afford to send everybody a kit:)
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January 21, 2015 at 4:49 pm
Cross my heart and hope to die if I tell a lie (Lordy did we really say that as kids) ……. I am sulking atm, typical only child syndrome I’m afraid 😉 Already had it made in my head and blog mentally prepped lol!
Ever the optimist I shall continue to read on with you and hope when you need a pattern tester in future you will give me a nod, I may have to cut out on the floor BUT nearly 46 years of sewing not a lot scares me.
Keep being creatively spectacular.
Samantha x
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January 21, 2015 at 5:35 pm
Thanks Samantha, sorry I had to disappoint you and lots of others – didn’t realise so many people would be willing to give it a go! I will certainly bear you in mind for future pattern testing:)
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January 20, 2015 at 9:58 pm
I’d love to help too, though i’ve never pattern tested before. I’d probably have all the things needed if you wanted just the pattern tested and not as a kit. 😀
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January 21, 2015 at 12:28 pm
Thanks so much Ali, it’s a very kind gesture:)
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January 20, 2015 at 10:47 pm
Yes, of course. Would love to. No problem.
And of course would write a lovely post about it as I’m sure it’ll turn out just perfect.
A great roomy bag, by the way. So useful.
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January 21, 2015 at 12:32 pm
Thanks so much for your prompt response! You were the first one in my named list to reply so I would like to take you up on your offer if it still applies:) Could you email your address to info@sewchet.com please? I have to finalize the PDF pattern but can send the materials out to you now. Thanks again!
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January 20, 2015 at 10:47 pm
I’ll do it! What a fun bag!
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January 21, 2015 at 12:33 pm
Thanks – it was fun to make, too!
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January 20, 2015 at 11:01 pm
OMG your bag is amazing!! You thought of everything! Your pattern matching with the pocket is superb, you really cant tell there’s a pocket there. I love everything about it! Oh the stuff I could stash in there ..
You just made me want to buy all that fabric you photographed but if you make me pattern tester of what I imagine will be a fantastic pattern I will forgive you 😉
I guess you will have to draw a commenter at random or something – I’m sure there will be a lot of very willing sewists/sewers/seamstresses/whatever!
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January 21, 2015 at 12:40 pm
Thanks Beth – a lot of thought went into designing a fit-for-purpose bag. Most on the market are simply too small to actually be of any practical use, so size was my priority. I’m sorry I can’t give everyone a chance to make this kit but the response has been overwhelming! Maybe Lucie’s blog post about it will encourage you to have a go anyway?
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January 21, 2015 at 12:52 pm
No worries! Yes I will keep an eye out for Lucie’s post 🙂
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January 20, 2015 at 11:04 pm
I would love to have a go. I have never done it before but would try my best for you. It is absolutely lush. Niki
PS i found out about you from your brother John & sister in law Kelly. Lovely couple. I do alot of sewing and we got chatting one evening and I have been following you since. I love all your work.
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January 21, 2015 at 12:42 pm
Thanks Niki! I’d love to see some of your creations if you’d like to share them on my Facebook page:)
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January 20, 2015 at 11:29 pm
This is so beautiful! Too daunting for me yet, as I barely know how to sew anything more than a square, haha! Someday though!
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January 21, 2015 at 12:45 pm
Thanks Gina! I have been sewing (sometimes professionally) for over forty years now, so keep at it – there’s nothing quite like experience to improve your skills:)
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February 2, 2015 at 7:24 pm
I love that you never stop learning with our crafts!
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January 20, 2015 at 11:45 pm
Oh MY!!! What a FAB, FAB, FAB design!…AND, soooooo practical for your crafting!!!!! AND… to be put in your roll call for a prospective maker… I AM SO HONOURED :-D…. Thank You!!!!! even if I don’t get the chance to have a go – Thank you so much for even thinking of me as a candidate!!!
LOL…I have the wonderful image of oursewingpatch bouncing on her bed with flailing arms about to take to flight in her desperation:-)
Absolutely love your choice of fabrics too! It’s so nice to have something inside just as nice as the out!
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January 21, 2015 at 1:01 pm
I’m thrilled that you are impressed, being such a talented designer maker yourself! I’m sorry I couldn’t choose everyone but, in the end, it seemed fair to go with the first out of my list to volunteer. As for being a candidate – all six of you seemed obvious choices as you stand out in terms of your creative abilities:)
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January 21, 2015 at 3:48 pm
I bet you’ve been blown away with all the offers to make up your little sample and very fair indeed to go with the first person to offer their services. I’m sure your pattern will make up wonderfully and I’m sure she’ll have a great time doing it! 😉 I think after all my make it up as you go along approach….I would have had hot sweats following a pattern LOL 😀
Also, Thank you Sheila for your lovely compliments too!!! : )
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January 20, 2015 at 11:46 pm
OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG Your bag IS simply stunning!!!!
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January 21, 2015 at 1:01 pm
Thanks T! I’m glad you love it too:)
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January 21, 2015 at 1:20 am
Oh lovey I adore this bag!! Everything about it is just fab. I have put it on the list of “have to do”. I am currently working on the Greengate afghan that you posted, Lucy’s granny stripe, Lucy’s jolly chunky bag and one of her awesome floral wreaths. All I have to do on the chunky bag is line and attach the straps and flowers. I am having such a wonderful time in my own little hooky world. I wish I could just take one stroll in one of the yarn shops that you and Lucy buy yarn at. The colors are just so scrumptious!!! The Rowan, Debbie Bliss and Andes etc would just fly me around the heavens. LOL So far all I have been able to try is the Style Craft Special DK and Style Craft chunky. Oh my…..
Take care my friend. Lots of love and hugs sent your way from across the pond.
Thank you for sharing your talent and world with all of us.
Robin xxxxxxxxxx
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January 21, 2015 at 1:02 pm
Thanks Robin, you really do say the nicest things! Feel free to share photos of your makes on my Facebook page – I’d love to see them:)
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January 21, 2015 at 1:23 am
Oh yeah completely forgot I got a brand new spectacular sewing machine for Christmas. 🙂 So many crafty fun projects flying around in my head. Such fun!!!!!!!!
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January 21, 2015 at 1:04 pm
Ooh, lucky you! I treated my self to a new one last year after my twenty-plus year old machine was given a new home:)
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January 21, 2015 at 8:04 am
Wow, lovely fabrics. I adore the little sheep and the Vintage Postcards. 🙂 Gorgeous.
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January 21, 2015 at 1:05 pm
Aren’t they fabulous? No projects comes to mind for the “Postcards” yet, but I’m working with the “Knitty Sheep”.
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January 22, 2015 at 6:17 am
Absolutely fabulous! 🙂
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January 21, 2015 at 8:23 am
Oh! wow! Think Beth’s right you’re going to have to do a draw 🙂 Count me in too, I absolutely love the vast proportions of this bag and the quilting detail is just lovely. Great to see the fabric made up into something and the lining matches perfectly. Great job and thanks for the mention x
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January 21, 2015 at 1:09 pm
Thanks so much for your offer Teresa, I wish I could give a kit to you all! It was your banner that inspired this bag, so thank you for that. Out of interest – what did you make with your fabric?
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January 21, 2015 at 2:48 pm
Would be a pleasure! I made a Colette Sencha blouse with mine. It’s not bad, but one of those makes I enjoyed making more than wearing…
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January 21, 2015 at 11:12 am
Lovely! This really makes me want to try machine embroidery. Must finish at least one project first!! 🙂
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January 21, 2015 at 1:11 pm
Free machine embroidery is great fun and something I’ve only experimented with recently, although I have done plenty of regular machine quilting before. The sign of a good crafter is to have several projects on the go at the same time!
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January 21, 2015 at 1:12 pm
Haha, that’s a comforting thought! x
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January 21, 2015 at 12:33 pm
I forgot I wanted to ask where you got the handle poles from? Are they actually sold as bag handles or are they some kind of wooden stick, or…??! They look great!
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January 21, 2015 at 12:55 pm
It’s a 2.40m length of 18mm wide dowelling which you can buy in any DIY chain or builder’s merchant for a couple of pounds. My husband bought this locally from Bradford’s builder’s merchant and just cut it down to size for me and sanded the ends. It’s enough to make two large bags and is far cheaper than sourcing ready made bag handles!
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January 21, 2015 at 8:01 pm
Oh good I was hoping it was something recycled or cheap!
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January 21, 2015 at 8:03 pm
I know what you mean – you can easily pay ten pounds for a set of bag handles when really you don’t want to pay that for the entire project!
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January 21, 2015 at 6:39 pm
The bag is stunning and I am most impressed! I can’t do that 🙂
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January 21, 2015 at 8:00 pm
I’m sure you could – it’s not complicated sewing like making a ball gown with 84 different pattern pieces including a 4-layered corset consisting of 32 pieces. Yes, I have made one like that. Several, actually……:)
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January 21, 2015 at 8:47 pm
Ha! Now you’re just showing off 🙂 I made a wedding dress once and was so stressed I gave up following patterns ever after. If I can’t free form it, it doesn’t get made. I’m not sure if that makes me creative or lazy 🙂
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January 21, 2015 at 8:51 pm
Definitely creative – I’ve used patterns for so many years that I often don’t have a clue where to start designing my own:)
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January 21, 2015 at 8:54 pm
Awww – that’s sweet of you to say 🙂
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January 21, 2015 at 7:40 pm
Love you bag! I would love to try it and post it on my blog. (I’m always posting about patterns that I’ve tried.) I’m currently in Utica, NY. I’m not sure where you’d be shipping the materials from but what a great idea!
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January 21, 2015 at 8:10 pm
Thank you Tara, I’m glad you like it. I’m in England and overseas shipping wasn’t a viable option, I’m afraid. Maybe you’d be interested in the ‘Tutorials’ page of my blog – you might find a project that inspires you;)
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January 21, 2015 at 11:08 pm
Super bag, I have this fabric and have been saving it for it for the right project.
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January 22, 2015 at 12:17 pm
It’s fabulous, isn’t it? I did it the other way around – couldn’t make the bag until I found the perfect fabric. Have you decided what you’re going to make with yours yet?
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January 22, 2015 at 10:24 am
Lol, I thought it was going to be a small WIP bag, like for socks and then bam! you hit me with the photo with a model for scale. Fantastic.
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January 22, 2015 at 12:19 pm
Ha ha! I know, all the bags out there are far too small for what I wanted so I knew I was going to have to design my own. At 46 I can only model my legs as they’re still skinny and make the bag look even bigger:)
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January 22, 2015 at 12:34 pm
Reblogged this on Stitched Up From the Start and commented:
Wow, thanks for thinking of me! I’d love to road test this but I’m knee-deep in second baby/c-section universe…a strange alternate planet where nothing exists outside my own house!! Good luck though. X
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January 22, 2015 at 12:45 pm
Ooh yeah, I know that feeling – make the most of it while it lasts! Lucie (from Love, Lucie) is going to take up the challenge. Thanks for the re-blog!
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January 22, 2015 at 8:35 pm
I love it? Makes me want to be better at sewing!
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January 24, 2015 at 8:42 am
Quilting aside, it’s a project that even a beginner could tackle. I’m just working on getting the pattern as clear as possible….
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January 22, 2015 at 11:02 pm
I love that bag!!!
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January 24, 2015 at 8:40 am
Thanks Sherry – it’s quickly become my favourite!
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January 22, 2015 at 11:11 pm
Fantastic bag – I really love it! So very smart to do the quilting first! Reading and seeing how you free machine quilted does make it less intimidating – must give it a try some time ….. thanks for sharing! Marianne xx
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January 24, 2015 at 8:34 am
Free machine quilting is quite theraputic really, once you get in ‘the zone’. It’s mesmerising seeing the scribbly pattern work its magic across a plain piece of fabric and lends such a great weight and structure to the finished bag.
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January 23, 2015 at 1:29 am
What a beautiful bag and the quilting made it couture! If you’re still in need of pattern testers, I would love to have an opportunity.
Cheers,
Marie
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January 24, 2015 at 8:30 am
Thanks Marie! The kit is already off to a tester (Love, Lucie) so keep an eye out for her update!
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January 24, 2015 at 8:05 pm
I love your bag! It is adorable! You and your blog are just inspiring. I guess I should sew a bit more in the near future. Have been so busy with fingerprint art and natural toys… 😉 I am going to follow you know. Can’t wait all the bags the others are going to sew. Best wishes from Toronto.
http://www.meandmyveritas.wordpress.com
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January 26, 2015 at 9:53 am
I’m pleased you like the bag! Thank you for following the blog – I will strive to keep the inspiration coming:)
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January 26, 2015 at 2:17 pm
SO LOVELY….. I ALSO LOVE THE FABRICS….. THANKS FOR SHARING….
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January 26, 2015 at 2:59 pm
Thanks Barbara:)
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January 26, 2015 at 4:05 pm
My goodness, you already have lots of volunteers. I like the bag. Let me know when the PDF is finished because I’d like to buy. And keep me in mind for a future tester.
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January 26, 2015 at 4:10 pm
Thanks Rhonda! I will include a link on my Blog when the pattern has been successfully tested and ready for sale. Thanks for stopping by:)
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February 10, 2015 at 5:22 pm
The “Sew Retro Bag” pattern is now available as a PDF in my shop – here’s the link:) https://folksy.com/shops/Sewchet
Thanks for your interest!
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January 29, 2015 at 6:45 pm
That’s a great bag, just the sort of thing every travelling sewist/knitter/crafter needs. I will keep an eye out for the PDF coming out!
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January 29, 2015 at 7:39 pm
Thanks Becca! Guess what? Like you, my day job is also as a wedding photographer:)
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January 29, 2015 at 11:04 pm
Wow what a coincidence! And you are in Bradford aren’t you? That’s where I did my degree!
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January 29, 2015 at 11:06 pm
I’m in South Somerset:)
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January 29, 2015 at 11:18 pm
Oh, my mistake!
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February 10, 2015 at 5:21 pm
The “Sew Retro Bag” pattern is now available as a PDF in my shop – here’s the link:) https://folksy.com/shops/Sewchet
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January 24, 2016 at 6:40 am
How would love to be a tester, but I’m in Pa.
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January 26, 2016 at 2:11 pm
I would love to be a pattern tester..how do I sign up for it?
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January 26, 2016 at 2:24 pm
This was over a year ago and has now finished – thanks for your interest!
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February 3, 2016 at 8:04 pm
I a, a fairly new sewer and I would be willing to be a tester. Plus this could help you out with a not very experienced sewer than those that are more experienced.
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February 3, 2016 at 8:06 pm
This was over a year ago and the final pattern is now selling successfully, but thank you for your interest!
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July 11, 2016 at 11:45 pm
Please please … I want to be a tester!
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July 12, 2016 at 7:24 am
Sorry, this is an old post from over a year ago and a tester was found.
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December 14, 2016 at 8:48 pm
I have made 2 of these larger bags and I love these bags! The pattern and the tutorial is so easy to follow. Thank you 🙂
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November 24, 2017 at 10:59 am
What a fabulous bag! And such gorgeous fabric, I don’t even sew and I want them all :p
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March 24, 2018 at 2:14 am
I would absolutely love to be a tester for your bag.
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March 24, 2018 at 8:41 am
Thank you, this was several years ago and the pattern is now available for sale.
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August 28, 2018 at 4:03 am
Hi Sewchet,
Really nice bag, I like it a whole lot. If you could come up with a pattern for one that also has a zippered gusset across the top – or even has that as an “add-on” for this pattern, please let me know? I love the bag, just need the zip in the top so when I’m klutzy the contents don’t end up spilled half across the road or down the stairs! 😀
Kind regards,
Megan
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November 20, 2018 at 9:28 am
Hello, Megan.
Perhaps you could cover (with the same material) and sew on three to five craft magnets along the inside top of each side to keep the bag neatly and securely closed until you needed to access your current project(s). Or in lieu of covered magnets, you could use white snaps.
Good luck!
Michele
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June 11, 2019 at 5:50 pm
I love to sew!! I would love to be a pattern tester for you. This is a great bag! Super design.
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June 11, 2019 at 5:54 pm
Thank you for your interest, but this is an old post from over 4 years ago.
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July 21, 2019 at 4:39 am
A friend of mine made this similar bag for her quilting supplies. I love it! I have been looking for the pattern as she passed away and I never got it fro her.
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September 4, 2020 at 11:37 am
I know your original post was over five years ago now but I loved the bag and have ordered and received the pattern but can’t find the fabric you used anywhere. I think it must have been discontinued. Any ideas for some similar fabric in the vintage style? Or if you know someone with a secret supply of the Sew Retro Montage………
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January 12, 2021 at 7:23 pm
Are you still looking for pattern testers?
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