Hanging Out in Bagland

I finally settled on a sewing project. I can’t seem to get out of Bagland, so I have decided to make the Kandou Patterns Retro Sling Bag. This one has been on my list for a while. I’ve watched the OklaRoots YT video about five times already.

I’m making mine out of a rich red waxed canvas with a black bonded nylon lining. I have not seen bonded nylon used for a lining anywhere, but I think it will work well. Hardware will be antique gold.

Yesterday, I cut out all the pieces:

And I got as far as making the zipper opening on the back piece:

(Yes, my work area is kind of messy.)

I will sew as much as I can using the industrial Necchi, then switch to the Juki 1541. The Necchi does a good job sewing waxed canvas but it doesn’t like bulky seams. This waxed canvas is from Sailrite. I like it a lot. Sailrite has really upped its game over the past year and is carrying a wider range of tools and materials. They also have a YouTube channel with some really good tutorials.

I made another embroidery project incorporating some of Marianne’s suggestions, with definite improvements. I also subscribed to OESD’s YouTube channel. They have some good videos explaining the use of many of their stabilizers. I’m still experimenting with needle types and sizes. And the Bernina embroidery book has been helpful. I just have to remember that I cannot become an expert overnight. (Part of my brain is saying, “Why not?”)

Garment sewing has been postponed until the weather changes—which it looks like it will, soon—but I did copy and alter my StyleArc Linda pants pattern into a pair of wide-leg culottes or gauchos or whatever they are calling them these days. I have been taking a good look at my closet and what I’ve been wearing and I feel like those would be useful for the fall and winter.

********

Garden cleanup has to happen this weekend. We may get a frost Monday morning, and all the regional forecasters are predicting the arrival of a strong storm system at the end of September. Next week’s schedule is jam packed, so I want to get as much done now as possible. The husband is working Saturday morning but has promised to help me dig potatoes in the afternoon. Once the garden is put to bed and the canning is done, I can sew with abandon. Yay, winter!