and Finally a Finish..! (Soda Pop Love)

It seems like the more the year progresses,the more I am struggling to meet my monthly sewing goals.  Even though my goal for this month was only three bags,here it is the beginning of the last week of the month,

and to date I only have one finish!  I burnt the midnight oil last night,and then was up early again this morning to get this one finished up.

This tote was made using the Soda Pop bag pattern from Sara at Sew Sweetness.  This is the first pattern of hers that I have sewn a bag from.  Let me just say that it was such a great pattern,even for me!  Usually I struggle with patterns,not so with this one!

The instructions were so easy to follow,and there were plenty of photos as well.  At the end of each set of instructions,she has included helpful hints or tips!  There are pockets on both the front and back of the bag,which you can customize to whatever size you want.  For one pocket I just divided it in equal parts,the other has three separate spaces.  The last being only about an inch and a half wide because,I hate having to dig around for a pen!

I am not going to  tell you that this bag was a piece of cake to sew,attaching the bottom of the exterior of the bag with all the bulk of the fabric,interfacing,and the Soft and Stable,make it a bit of a challenge. However it is very doable,if you just follow the directions and sew slowly.  I just pinned the heck out of  it,which guaranteed slow sewing,because of stopping to remove pins.

My favorite part of this bag are the extra large grommets!  They were super easy to install,and just make the bag!  Although you can not really tell from the photos,the exterior of the bag is quilted :)

My goal for this month was three bags,that is obviously not going to happen :(  When the garden is ready to be harvested,it will not wait for sewing...since we enjoy the results of preserving all the goodness for winter,I am okay with not meeting my goals this month...sewing can wait.

Speaking of preserving,I hope to have a canning/preserving basics post up by mid ~ week.

Linking up at these parties this week:

Sew Many Ways (Sew darn Crafty Linky Party)

The Chicken Chick (Clever Chicks Blog Hop)

Stitch by Stitch: (Anything Goes Monday)