I’m organizing a sew along (more details to come soon) for 2 of the Two Peas in a Pod Designs sewing patterns, and I received the patterns in the mail yesterday. I couldn’t wait to get started on the Ava Bag so I could field questions on it, and here it is! It’s very easy (about a 3 hour project…but the first hour was spent cutting and fusing my fabrics), and really cute!
Fabric – This pattern takes 1/2 yard for the exterior panels, 1/2 yard for the interior, 1/4 yard for the exterior front pocket, and 1/4 yard for the straps. I had my heart set on using a Japanese import that I’d been hanging on to for awhile, but I didn’t have anything to coordinate with it, so I just used the same fabric for the exterior panels and the exterior pocket and just broke them up a bit by using a yellow cording at the top of the pocket. I had 1/2 yard of the Japanese import, which was plenty for this. I am also a big fan of stiff bags, so instead of the fusible fleece that the pattern calls for, I used Peltex and a layer of fusible woven interfacing for the exterior instead.
Pattern Pieces – This is a paper pattern, and there was actually only one pattern piece to cut out. This piece was used for cutting both the main panels and the pocket panels. The only other thing to cut out were the straps, which were rectangular measurements. Really very easy!
Illustrations/Instructions – These were to-the-point instructions with color photos for the steps. I think the instructions were well-written, although I feel that they assume that the user has some form of past bag-making experience. Don’t get me wrong, this is easy enough for a beginner!
When it is time to insert your magnetic snap, the designer has a great tutorial on her website. In the instructions, it doesn’t designate where exactly to put the snaps, so I waited until I had assembled the entire thing (since you are leaving an opening in the lining for turning the bag right side out, I was able to stick my hand through and assemble the snaps at the very end) to check the placement of the snaps for the place that I would prefer (which ended up being centered, and 1/2″ down).
Conclusion – I really enjoyed making this bag, and would definitely make another very soon! I am sorry that I didn’t use two coordinating fabrics for the exterior, as I think it would have really made the bag pop, but when you’re working on a small monthly sewing budget, sometimes you just have to use what you have. 🙂 As I said previously, this would be a super project for a beginner. The design is so cute, though, anyone should be pleased to make it!
P.S. I’m linking up to Sew Modern Monday and Fabric Tuesday!
Shock and surprise…I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!
I’m excited about this one! Is it pretty roomy inside? It looks like it would be. Any interior pockets?
Great job matching up the print for the exterior pocket! Little details like that are things I usually over-look.
Ooh I love how this print looks sewn up into a bag! I have a bunch of this in 2 colourways and I have been saving it up for the perfect project.
Ooh, I don’t know…that print is really awesome, I like it how it is!
This is so cute, Sara.
A perfect mother’s day gift – sign me up for the sew along!
I will definitely be participating in the bag sew along! I love sewing bags.
Oh, this one is just lovely! Love the design of it. Can you get the patterns in PDF or do you have to buy the paper pattern?
This is so lovely, what a great little bag! Great fabrics, too 🙂
Great bag!
what a cute bag… love the shape especially!
Great bag Sara! Love that import fabric! Thanks for linking up to {Sew} Modern Monday!
Love the shape of the bag! I really like all of the pockets – think I might have to try that one!
That print is just fantastic – and works so perfectly with the shape of the bag!
What a fun little bag! Love the colors!
This bag turned out great, Sara! The print is fab!
You really make a fantastic bag!! 🙂 Have a good weekend!
Lovely bag!!
This is so adorable! I love that you used the same fabric on the exterior.
How lovely! I was thinking about buying this pattern. Now that I have read your review I am definitely getting it. Thank you!
Very cute bag! I love the yellow and blue!
I was making this bag the same day as you! I love mine – I only did 1/2 the fusible fleece though (only on the outside pieces). Made it a bit less bulky.
Love the polka dot strap. Just makes finished this off so nicely.
Found you through the linkup at Lily’s Quilts. I love your bag…such fun!!
That is a great bag – love the style and fabric!
love the bag…
This bag is gorgeous, lovely shape and the fabric is gorgeous. The spotty strap works brilliantly too. I have a case of bag envy!
I will definitely be participating in the bag sew along! I love sewing bags.
Are you glad you used the Peltex? Would you change the interfacing if you made it again? (Working on one now :))