Bye Bye Love Bag

On a roll here,as we are only three and a half weeks into the New Year,and I have already finished my second bag!

Most of the fabric used for this bag is DS Quilts from Joann's,I don't remember what line the bicycle fabric is,but it was also purchased at Joann's.

Making pleated pockets was easier than I thought it would be,however there were also a lot more steps than expected.  Attaching the rings was a bit of a challenge since mine were larger than the pattern called for.  I couldn't find the correct size so made do with what I had on hand.

Installing the zipper even went smoothly,of course that could have something to do with the fact that I used a separating zipper,and was able to take the front and back pieces apart and sew them,and then put them back together.  This photo is right before sewing up the sides and bottom of the bag.  It was a little difficult to sew up close to the zipper ends,but I did manage it with only a little puckering on one side.

The zippered pocked on the backside of the bag was a cake walk.

The inside is super roomy,there are supposed to be two pockets on each side,but I made them a tad smaller.  So my bag has three pockets per side.  I think with a couple more under my belt,I would be able to eliminate the little bit of pucker issue.  Practice,practice...

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)