Project 4: Directions FAIL

For once, I followed directions. The directions in Small Stash Sewing: 24 Projects Using Designer Fat Quarters (by Melissa Averinos) for the “Strapping Bag.”

Well, okay, I substituted a regular print fabric for the suggested corduroy sides and skipped the decorative stitching, sue me. But otherwise, I followed instructions to the letter. The result, while cute, does NOT look like the photograph in the book.

The book:

Mine:

Do you see the difference? The book illustration shows the strap width staying constant all the way around as it becomes the gusset for the bag. But if you follow the directions, using the construction technique as described, that is an UNPOSSIBLE outcome. I knew this as I was doing it, but I said to myself: “Oh self, you’re an ignorant know-it-all, you are. They published this book! It must be right!”

Needless to say, it was not. I can clearly see how one could construct the bag to get the illustrated outcome. And if I were gonna make it again, that’s certainly what I would do.

The result is, once again, a bit hippyish for my taste.

I love the lining and the inside pocket, though. I also added a magnetic snap.

I used the bag last night when I went forth to forage for food, and it’s nicely sturdy and functional for a smallish bag. Most important to me, however, I realize now that ~ with a little trial and error ~ there’s no reason I shouldn’t be able to design these things for myself. I already have an idea in mind.

But clearly I need to be sewing these things using my own fabrics.

The end.