Duffle Bag is finally finished
 

I finally finished this bag that I will give as a graduation gift. I have always wanted to make this bag but the instructions were very hard for me to follow. After much research on the web by others who have made it & also reading reviews I decided to make it this year. I over thought, over researched, over worried about this bag way more than I should have but now that it is finished I really like it. (So much that I don't want to give it away but don't want to make another one either....so....I'll give it away.) :) It's the perfect size for a lot of things...carry on bag for air trip, overnight stay at a friend's home, camp, picnic, etc.
I put velcro on the pockets & made a large pocket on the back that was not on the pattern. I put tabs on each side to handle the adjustable across the body strap that I added. I added a little chap stick holder that I think she will like. I made it with Robert Kaufman line of fabric (Let Me Entertain You - Design #16334) and canvas for the bottom & pockets & straps. The pattern did not call for interior lining & I did not line it inside.

Back of bag.

Side of bag with chap stick holder

That's a great bag! You did a great job with the fabrics too. It should be easier to make a second one now.

You did a LOT OF WORK, but it is beautifully done, Congratulations!!!!
Aurora41

That is awesome. You did a fantastic job!

It is lovely! I would want to keep it, too!

Beautiful bag, great work.

you did a great job

Super, super nice bag. You did an outstanding job and it looks so nice. This will be such a treasure to her.

Very professional. That is a very exception gift. Absolutely beautiful.

Ditto to all above. This is a wonderful bag for a special occasion. She will treasure it for us, as well as get a lot of good use out of it. I understand the "no more" feeling, but never say never. You just never know what will happen next. Could be another in your future for yourself.

Very professional looking. No wonder you want to keep it.

That is beautifully done!

Daffy

What a great bag! It will make a wonderful gift. Now that you have done all the work of figuring out the pattern, a second one would be much easier. Just sayin'.... :o

Great bag! What pattern did you use? I have always wanted to make a duffle bag but was never confident enough to try.

Great bag and great gift! I can tell how much care you take with your craftsmanship -- wanting everything perfect is a lot of stress -- but can't argue with success. You should be very proud!

Great job. I have a pattern, the material and even a craftsy class to make one. But for 2 years now its been on my bucket list. I'm sure it'll be appreciated

Awesome bag!
I too have been making some travel bags. I took a class On Bluprint with Annie Unrein. She has step by step instructions which are easy to follow. I could never have made it without the video.

What a great bag! Looks so professional.

Watson

You did a marvelous job. I, too, hate making bags, so procrastinate and only make them as special gifts. You did such a great job though, never say never.

Awesome! So professionally done!

Congratulations! What a wonderful bag. I’ve had several bag patterns with terrible directions. It’s so frustrating. Glad you could find some help.

That's a sharp looking bag and will make a great gift!

That is a great bag. I have a pattern similar that I've not gotten to as yet. But I have LOT of patterns I've not gotten to. Good that you finally tackled it and yes a 2nd one would be easier and go quicker now that you know how to do it.

Thanks for all the compliments & encouragement. I used this free pattern:

http://www.robertkaufman.com/quiltin.../cargo_duffle/

I did a lot of web searches such as Noodlehead Cargo Duffle Bag reviews, modifications, sew alongs, etc. in helping me get through the sketchy instructions. The bag instructions do not show it to be lined but I think if I ever made it again I would try to line it & put pockets inside as well. Seems like you can never have too many pockets. :) I think I would always make the cross body adjustable strap for it when making more. It can easily be detached & stored in a pocket when not in use. I love the weight of the canvas for the accent pieces. It helped with the sturdiness of the bag. I used a jacket zipper that you could open/close from either side.

That is a great bag! Congrats on an excellent project.

Thank you for the helpful information.

That is a fantastic duffle! It looks professionally made. What a great job you did! The recipient will surely love it!

Woo Hoo! That is beautiful work. I know she will just love using it. If you think she might want more storage inside, you could always make a couple matching zipper pouches for the inside. Just a suggestion.
Nice pattern for a freebie.

Your bag is lovely and I can only guess at how much work went into it. I hope the recipient enjoyes many hours of fun travel while she uses this bag.:cool:

Wonderfully done! It looks like it's ready to go anywhere! I know what you mean about overthinking. I did that on a bag...it has not been finished (for 3+ years), and I'm not willing to make any more bags...except really, really simple ones. It is impressive, to me, that you got this done! Yay!

Looks like one that was purchased in a Boutique shop. Great job!

Very nicely done.....she will love it.....I can’t seem to get into purses and bags but make many simple no pattern grocery or tote bags.......

Well done! Great looking bag~

Great job and I smiled when I saw your chapstick attachment. I’m also attached to chapstick.

Nice, very nice.

A very professional looking bag. Well done.

So many quilts on my bucket list but also seeing some great non quilt projects on this site that are very tempting. Fantastic job and thanks for the link!