Sunday, 21 April 2013

My Weekender bag

My weekender bag is finished and I am now going to show you LOTS of photos. I am really pleased with it.
My weekender

I have personalised it in a number of ways. Firstly I added a zippy pocket on the inside of one of the outer pockets. This secret pocket is just large enough for a passport or train tickets. The idea is that they are accessible, without having to delve into the bag and there is no chance that they would ever fall out.
Secret zippy pocket
Do you notice that I also added magnet snap fasteners to the outside pocket? In all my blog reading I noticed that some people had trouble with the outer pockets gaping, so I took no chances and added fasteners.
As you may have guessed, I like pockets. For me, they help divide and conquer all my bits that I seem to carry around. On the inside of the bag I added a big zippy pocket on one side and on the other side I added a divided open pocket. I simply cut out a third outer pocket and piped it before dividing it in the middle.
Inside of bag showing pockets 

I remembered to add my blog name label too!
My husband also made me a bottom from very thin plywood. I covered this and inserted it into the bottom of the bag for shape. I honestly don't know if it is really necessary but it made me happy! The final adaptation of the pattern was to add 6 little feet onto the bottom.

Just so that you see it in all it's glory, here are some more photos.
Inside of the weekender bag
Weekender bag from all four sides.
I can honestly say that the pattern isn't difficult and if you do the QAYG method there is no need to use any peltex or any other stiffener. I did use a lightweight vilene on all the inside fabric pieces as they were of a quilting cotton weight. This made the inner parts crisp without being stiff. My straps are 1 1/2" wide and I also used vilene on these pieces and then encased a cotton webbing within them to make them strong and sturdy. 

Can you tell that I am really delighted with this bag? I am now ready to go away for a weekend or perhaps a overnight weekday break!
Have a happy Sunday.
Di x


Posted by at

43 comments:

  1. Sarah21 April 2013 at 13:40

    wow Di that is really gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  2. heart of charnwood21 April 2013 at 13:49

    Woooooooooooooooooohooooooooooooooo! I love it, it's perfect, looking forward to giving it a stroke at our next meeting! :o)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Leanne21 April 2013 at 13:56

    It is beautiful! I love the extra pockets you added.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Clara {Clover and Violet}21 April 2013 at 14:01

    Your bag is gorgeous,I really like all the personalization you did to make it just perfect for you!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Canadian Abroad21 April 2013 at 14:14

    It is absolutely stunning. I so love your fabric choices!

    ReplyDelete
  6. mammafairy21 April 2013 at 14:20

    Superb!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Nicola21 April 2013 at 14:32

    That looks FAB-U-LOUS!!! This is absolutely my FAVOURITE Amy Butler Weekender bag that I've seen - and my word I've seen alot!! I'm waiting to go into hospital for a few days and need a holdall for all my stuff - and think I might NEED one of these bags to use while I'm there..... how long did this take you to make?? I've just GOT to make one - can you tell that I like your bag very very much!
    www.nicolaforemanquilts.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wendy21 April 2013 at 15:09

    it is just amazing! what? It's for ME? Thanks Di!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Judith, Belfast21 April 2013 at 15:20

    WOW! You've made a wonderful bag Di, and personalised it to make it truly yours! No wonder you are pleased with it! Jxo

    ReplyDelete
  10. Deborah21 April 2013 at 15:29

    What a super fabulous weekender bag!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Lis Harwood21 April 2013 at 15:30

    The bag is wonderful Di, isn't it lovely to have something that is perfect for what you want it to do. Get that weekend away booked and check the bag works properly!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Mrs Flying Blind...21 April 2013 at 15:48

    oh you nailed it!!! Totally brilliant, I love it xxx

    ReplyDelete
  13. Catherine21 April 2013 at 17:40

    Wow, wow, wow, it is fantastic! And what a great idea to get your hubby to make a bottom for it too. Hope to see it at the retreat

    ReplyDelete
  14. Diane-crewe21 April 2013 at 17:48

    it looks wonderful... hope you soon have somewhere to take it to xx

    ReplyDelete
  15. pennydog21 April 2013 at 18:03

    I'm totally stealing your pocket and magnetic snaps ideas. This looks so fab, it's something to aspire to with our half done ones!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Second Chance Tan21 April 2013 at 18:37

    Yippppeeeee this is amaze-balls (to pinch one of Moira's sayings) I love it, but I know you will love it far far more, because of the time and effort that has gone into it. There's nothing for it but to book lots of weekends away this summer! xxx

    ReplyDelete
  17. Annabella21 April 2013 at 19:24

    Absolutely gorgeous and look at those birds and the lovely stripey bottom and the extra pockets!! You have done a-mazingly!! Bravo.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Strawberry Patch21 April 2013 at 19:27

    It is amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Sarah21 April 2013 at 19:46

    You deserve to be really pleased with this bag - it is really glorious! Your personalisation touches are brilliant. I love lots of pockets too and think your secret passport pocket is a genius idea! I hope you now have lots of exciting weekend trips planned to make great use of your terrific bag!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Pippa Parsons21 April 2013 at 20:08

    Wow its fab and love all the extra pockets

    ReplyDelete
  21. Pippa Parsons21 April 2013 at 20:08

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Isisjem21 April 2013 at 21:12

    Your bag is a triumph. I can see why you're so pleased with it!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Archie The Wonder Dog21 April 2013 at 21:17

    It's absolutely fantastic! I love the idea of the magnetic clasps on the outer pockets and the secret pocket (as well as the base insert and the feet) - this is my favourite weekender bag!!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Anonymous21 April 2013 at 21:22

    No wonder you're pleased, it looks gorgeous! I love the fabrics you used, and with all those pockets it's brilliant!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Lynz21 April 2013 at 21:44

    Oh, my! It's just amazing! Well done you - I'd be using it at every opportunity.

    ReplyDelete
  26. verykerryberry21 April 2013 at 22:04

    Wonderful! I love the citrus and black

    ReplyDelete
  27. moira21 April 2013 at 22:27

    to.die.for. well done sweetie x

    ReplyDelete
  28. legato195821 April 2013 at 22:30

    STUNNING weekender bag! I love the fabrics you chose and how you featured them... can you tell us some of them?
    And I am going to use the extra zippers and snaps like you did!
    This is one of my favorite weekenders!!

    Susie

    ReplyDelete
  29. Elisabeth22 April 2013 at 07:48

    Absolutely gorgeous. Can't wait to see it in real life at FQR :-)

    ReplyDelete
  30. Lynne (Lily's Quilts)22 April 2013 at 08:32

    SOOOOOOOOOO perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Lynne (Lily's Quilts)22 April 2013 at 10:10

    And PS Im so excited you're in the EMMQG too!!!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Kelly22 April 2013 at 13:01

    Absolutely love this, you did a brilliant job on it!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Tina22 April 2013 at 17:08

    Wow! Fantastic! That American out beautifully!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tina22 April 2013 at 18:54

      Stupid auto correct! *came out beautifully*!

      Delete
  34. Wendy22 April 2013 at 20:07

    that is a fab bag, I was inspired so much I bought the pattern. If I need help can I come round???

    ReplyDelete
  35. Alyce @ Blossom Heart Quilts23 April 2013 at 01:26

    It's beautiful!! I love the calm colour palette, and fabulous pockets!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Indianna23 April 2013 at 13:28

    I echo everyone else....it's superb...fantastic...wow.
    Think I need to buy the pattern and see if I can get one made before the FQR. What is the lovely bird fabric?

    ReplyDelete
  37. Trudi23 April 2013 at 21:39

    I am so fired up to finish mine now :). Intrigued as to how your lining plan went?

    ReplyDelete
  38. Fiona @ Poppy Makes24 April 2013 at 00:16

    I really really LOVE this bag Do! It's just beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Rafael's Mum25 April 2013 at 16:21

    Stunning! Wish I had one!! Love all the extra's you put in.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Rafael's Mum25 April 2013 at 16:21

    Stunning! Wish I had one!! Love all the extra's you put in.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Karen25 April 2013 at 22:17

    Wow your bag is amazing! Great job :o)

    ReplyDelete
  42. Jenny-Narcoleptic in a cupboards mum28 April 2013 at 22:29

    I LOVE your bag, and fabric choice too.
    Wonderful! x

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)