Hi Bag Makers

I have just finished sewing the intermediate skill level Flight Bag from the pattern in Nicole Mallalieu’s great book  ” The Better Bag Maker”, and I wanted to share with you my experience of putting it all together so it fits and works as well as looking fabulous.

This is the third of Nicole’s patterns that I have used and they have all been successful.

You do have to follow the guidance notes carefully, as the projects can force you to switch pages and sections quite a bit, but its worth it!

I spent a lot of time altering the template pattern in this project and ended up with the necessary rectangles, I did wonder however,  why I could not have just drawn the shapes and added the points? But it was good practice in pattern drawing I guess.

Nicole also suggests using pins clamps and fabric glue to hold the layers together, I found it easier and more exact to tack or baste the parts together, especially at the 8 corners where the bulk occurs.  Also next time I will cut all the inter facings and supporting fabrics that 1/2 inch smaller to cut out the bulk.  I would have found it impossible to sew on a domestic machine partly because I was using linen type fabrics and fusible foam with stiff upholstery interfacing.

From drafting the pattern to the final press this bag took me almost 3 days, but take your time it is worth it I hope you agree.

I am going to make myself one now, this one may already have a flight to go on!