Then Anna of Noodlehead released her Cargo Duffle pattern for Robert Kaufman. Not only is it fabulous, it is FREE (thanks, Anna!). I NEEDED to make one, and A + B = Dance Cargo Duffle.
I modified it slightly, making it smaller in width by about 2 inches, which still provided oodles of room. I also only did one cargo pocket as I only had a small scrap of my favourite Japanese ballerina fabric left, which I used for the pocket flap. L-O-V-E.
The bag is quilted in a quilt-as-you-go manner to achieve its structure. The top half I quilted in straight lines (well, as straight as I can manage), and for the bottom portion I did a combination of freehand swirls and pebbles. The raw sedges inside the bag are then covered with bias tape. I had a half genius idea to cut my lining pieces a half inch larger on each side to allow fabric for fold over to cover the edges without bias tape. I say "half genius" because if I was really smart, I would have allowed a full inch for a double fold cover….a bit of pulling and coaxing was required, but it all worked out well!
I used a variety of girly fabrics for this bag- a wee floral from Tasha Noel's Little Red Riding Hood, a bit of Aneela Hoey Cherry Christmas, some Camille and Bonnie Bliss, a Riley Blake stripe, and some Essex linen to round things out, all from my stash. Which I have to say, only encouraged me further to justify my ridiculously out-of-control fabric hoarding….love how I had all these fabrics on hand that went together so perfectly!
I think my very favourite detail is the personalized label on the side panel, using printable fabric. Super cute and prevents other jealous ballerinas from trying to pinch her bag ;)
All in all, I expect to have a very happy little girl dancing around the tree on Christmas morning!
It's excellent, I am sure she will love it. I have been looking at this pattern, I might have to make one too.
ReplyDeleteIt's so so cute!!!!! seriously what an awesome present. And the personal touches you added are just perfect. :)
ReplyDeleteSO beautiful. Love the swirls.
ReplyDeleteSo perfectly perfect! Adding this to my list for sure :)
ReplyDeleteIt's lovely, that ballerina fabric is just perfect!
ReplyDeleteI need one of these duffles in my life. Yours looks awesome!
ReplyDeleteImpressed {very}
ReplyDeleteThat is brilliant...she'll be the best turned out ballerina in the troupe.
ReplyDeleteMama might even get requests from other little ballerinas who want the fashion accessory du jour!
Too cute, she will adore it!
ReplyDeleteI have to admit, from the title I was fully expecting that bag to be dancing, but it's cute anyway ;o)
ReplyDeletewhat a fab bag, such a good shape and size and you chose great fabrics for it. I remember my (long-gone) dancing days with fondness... I was crap at it.
ReplyDeleteOh this bag is great! I am sure she will love it.
ReplyDeleteI would love to have a look insight. Not sure how the edges look like (after they are covered).
Susanne
I love this too! Lucky daughter. I might try this pattern ... I don't have the gumption for a Weekender, and I like the boxier, shallower shape of this one.
ReplyDeleteThe bag is gorgeous! I'm sure the ballerina will love it. I haven't made a lot of bags, but I may go check out this free pattern. Just to see how difficult it would be to sew!
ReplyDeleteI just love it. She will be thrilled.
ReplyDeleteit's perfect. I love all the pretty fabrics you used, all the little dancers will surely be envious of such an amazing bag.
ReplyDeleteWOW!! very cool :)
ReplyDeleteI love it!!