I finally got one made with the help of Up North and knlsmith. Thank you both. They really are easy to make once you get the first one done. It's one of those "Duh" moments. :D Now, here are a few things about the bag that I will change or maybe it's just me and I'm not doing it right.

First thing I found out with sewing all those layers it can get really thick. I did use a jean needle but still broke one. I was wondering if you can use the fusible fleece everywhere except the lining and maybe use something else (but what) to cut down on the bulk but still have some firmness to the lining. I would still use the fleece for the inside pockets. I also had kind of a hard time finishing off the bottom of the lining after the bag was turned due to the thickness (wasn't pretty). How did everyone do theirs to get a clean finish on it?

I think I will do the handles differen't also. I have another pattern that uses the same size handles, made differently, but much easier because of not so much bulk. I don't have a top of the line machine but with the thickness it was hard for me to sew close to the edge and keep it from sliding out from under the foot and still trying to catch both sides of the handles.

The ties and button loop were fun too :shock: Being as small as they are my feed dogs just wanted to eat it up. Is there a trick to sewing something that thin?

Now I'm wondering if maybe I should have used my walking foot instead of my 1/4 foot? Maybe that would make the sewing easier.

I have a couple small quilts I need to finish and then I will be starting another one. I just thought maybe some other posters would have some tips or tricks on this bag that would help with some things other members may have had. All in all I am happy with it. I think I did a pretty good job for being my first one.

For anyone who needs help with anything, pm someone on this board and ask for help. Thats how I got it figured out. Thank you again Up North and knlsmith for posting a picture on how to do the ouside pocket.

Kristina

Maybe you used heavier fusible fleece than I did. I did not have a problem with that part. There are different weights, I chose the thinner one and it still gives the purse enough body. For those tie strips and handle I found If I held my finger right alongside on the left it helped it stay where it needed to be. I just hand stitched that bottom opening closed Pinning along the edge. I had several Duh moments on my first one! The second one was much easier!
And You are Welcome for the help!!

I too don't have any problem with the bulk. I wonder if you used a heavier weight fleece. I have a bolt of it upstairs - I'll check the exact name and product number and get back to you.

I used the Pellon 987 fusible fleece.......it works wonderfully.
I had made a different bag as a Christmas gift last year, and used a thicker fusible fleece and it was nearly impossible to deal with the thickness of the seams at the end. the 987 is MUCH better.
You can find it at Joann's by the yard. .
Ginny

I used warm and natural white with mine. Also a jeans needle and a slightly longer stitch length. I knew that all the quilting I was planning would give it enough body. I am kind of bad to follow a pattern to a T, so I quilted all my fabrics first and then cut and assembled the pieces. This made it to where I had to cut out the batting from the seams after sewing them to get a smooth seam, But that wasn't as bad as you would think. If you use a applique pair (duck bill) of scissors. I also cut down the batting in the handles to half the size they stated, pressed like they say folding the sides in and ran four lines of stitching to give it some stability.

I trim back the fleece about 1/4" smaller length and width than the pattern says, then center it on the fabric. I use a walking foot for most of it. It is a pain to do the handles, but I just take my time. I usually have a size 14 needle in when I make the bags. And I use the Pellon 987 fleece. I did do one with fleece on the outer fabric and instead of fleece, used decor bond on the inside. It was a little easier to handle. On my machine, I have the option of moving the needle, so I move it where I need to in order to have the skinny ties catch the feet. It seems easier to control that way. Also, I use a 1/4" wide piece x 4-1/2" long piece of lite steam a seam 2 on the ties and press it on so it doesn't slip when sewing. Just fold the ties in half, match up the fold to the seam line and make sure they are the same distance from the top. Much easier! :)

You know you may be right. I have never used this stuff before and the only place I could get some in the town I live in is Wal-Mart. We have no LQS. I know it said Pellon on the end of the bolt just don't remember what the # is. I will have to check this out otherwise I will be placing an order with Fabric.com. They have the Pellon 987 for $7.00 a bag. They have others from the bolt that is a little cheaper but not sure about it.

Thanks everyone for your input.

Kristina

On my first bag I too used WalMart fusible fleece on the outer bag and the lining. It is hvy wt pellon fleece. With my machine I didn't have to much trouble sewing it but it was bulky. On the second bag I made I used the hvy wt on the outer part and the pellon 987 on the lining. This worked great for me. I also used the 987 in my handles. I cut my handles 4 times the width and fold. I didn't have any problems sewing these either. Wishing you the best of luck on your next bag.

I used the Walmart fusible fleece also, some areas were thick, but I would recommend using your walking foot. I found that this eliminated the issues you said you had. The only only place I had an issue was around the magnetic button I used, and that was my issue, not the machine's! I really enjoyed making mine and am excited about making another soon.

Is there a tutorial available for these. I like it, I want to make one. ;) ;)

Thats a good idea about using both types of fleece. I still have 2 1/2 yards left of the Wal-Mart fleece and have no idea what I would use it for. I'll try it on my next bag.

Thanks

Here is the tutorial you will have to get the pattern I got mine at the LQS.

http://justenoughtime.wordpress.com/...6/01/ladybugs/

thank you ,thank you

you can order the pattern here go to shop then click patterns


http://www.quiltsillustrated.com/events.htm

I sugguest you use your walking foot for whole project. that is what I use. If you can move your needle over while sewing the strings and straps that will be a big help. The pellon 987 is a good choice for batting. Good luck and enjoy your bag.

If your machine can handle the bulk, I would keep using the 987 fleece. I used the even heavier fleece for my second bag and had no problems (I have a Bernina). I don't like the idea of trimming the fleece from the seam lines because IMO, that would debilitate the seams. I carry lots of stuff in my purse, so I would be afraid the weight of my junk would strain the seams if they didn't have the fleece. I also recommend a walking foot and for the machine trying to eat the ties, how about starting to sew not at the very start of the strip, but have your whole presser foot on top of the fabric. Your first stitch would then start about 1/4 inch in.

Love these purses, they are fun to make and the results are awesome. All of the pictures I have seen here are beautiful!

I have this pattern and just want to thank everyone for their comments. I now feel like I have a "road map" of pitfalls and problems. It's Spring and making a bag is high on my list. :thumbup:

Using a walking foot is probably a good idea. Since I have a Pfaff with the built in walking foot I don't think about that. I did mention in my thread that I used foam board from Hobby Lobby for the bottom. I just make a pillow case and slip it in. It is working out great. I have had acrylic cut for the bottoms of some Bible Totes I made with my embroidery machine. I just can't cut that myself. You can buy that at your local home improvement store in the glass area and have them cut it to the size you need. It makes a good sturdy bottom. Have fun.

DEFinitelhy use walking foot. Use pellon 987f but i saw walmart hard 973 (i know it was 97 something) it was a bit denser, not thicker, you could use it too, but use that walking foot. if you don't want to use the fusible on lining try Decor Bond for stiffness. Yup, it's cheap and easy to find to. it is a fusible that is pretty stiff, but not super stiff like Bukram.
Glad we could all help!!

Soooo,, where's the picture? :)