Project Bag Testing

I've seen several different project bags for knitters and crocheters and wanted to try something new. Like any design, the first one is always the hardest. I made some notes and got busy.

I cut out my bag panels and interfacing. 

Then, I fused the interfacing and pressed all the various bits. 

I almost failed to attach the bag handle before sewing the bag outer to the bag lining pieces and the drawstring channel. 

I used some inspiration from the It's a Cinch Bag pattern from Patterns for Pirates. I liked how the drawstring channel was attached making for a very nicely finished bag and not too much bulk when the bag is pulled closed. You can see my Cinch Bag in this post from May 2019. Maybe I should have started with cutting sizes closer to that pattern for this bag. That might have gotten me closer to what I want.

It seems I have created a super-sized bag. This is not at all what I was aiming for. Some people might say this is a failure but it isn't. I learned several things. 

• the cutting of outer and lining fabric is perfect
• the cutting of the interfacing and how well that interfacing works for this project is perfect
• the drawstring is fine, but I think a cord instead of a fabric drawstring will work better for this bag
• I'm super pleased with the drawstring lock color and that I decided to use one
• the bag wrist strap seemed weird, but it worked out great
• overall, the construction is spot-on
• it is just too darn big. I need to size down the bag a bit so it isn't so big you could put an entire sweater inside
• designing is hard, but worth it

I'm always a little sad when someone shares their project and says "what a waste of fabric". I cannot express to you how much creativity is NOT a waste. Did you learn something? I know I learn something with most projects. Sometimes I learn that I did something wrong. Often more things went right. Learning, practicing, and getting better at what you do is never a waste of time or materials. 

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):
Creative Grids 6.5" x 24.5" Rectangle

Creative Grids 4.5" x 12.5" Rectangle
Fiskars Rotary Cutter
Fiskars Self Healing Rotary Cutting Mat
BLACK+DECKER Classic Steam Iron
Grabbit Magnetic Pin Cushion
Fiskars 8-inch scissors
Juki TL-2010Q
Clover Bodkin
Bias Tape Maker
Heat'n Bond Non-Woven Lightweight Fusible Interfacing

Pellon SF101 Woven Fusible Interfacing