Project-Bag – Artquiltmaker Blog

Pandora Charisma #2 Finished

Finally! I finished the second Pandora Charisma. It was mostly done after Friday night’s stitching session, but I made the strap after the meeting on Saturday.

I am much happier with the way the zipper opens after stitching down the excess binding fabric. I have to review the pattern to see where I misread about binding. I think I may have mentioned I will try foldover elastic next time.

I also think this bag looks pretty professional. It isn’t perfect, but it is very good.

Pandora Charisma #2: finished - back — Pandora Charisma #2: finished – back

After taking some photos, I realized I needed some zipper pulls! I had a couple of Ruby Star color wheels so I added those, though not to the front pocket. I want that pocket to stay hidden.

I put the strap on the side and tried it out as a cross body bag, but thought I might try out the sling function as well. I plan to take this on a trip and the sling style might be a better way to wear it on a trip. I suppose it depends on whether I am wearing a backpack.

The good thing is I can change the strap at any moment. The same strap works for wearing it as a sling and as a crossbody bag.

The webbing I chose was very thick, thus comfortable when the bag is on the heavy side. The thickness made the sewing difficult, however, even with the Harry Potter foot.

The pattern includes three different methods for making the strap. I combined a couple of the options for no good reason other than I felt like it. I think I will still rivet the strap in a couple of places. I am not sure I 100% like this strap and may make another.

I also used a different template for the Strap Connector tabs. I used a different decorative version from Sew Sweetness. I used the Diamond vinyl to make the strap connector tab and am a little uncomfortable with the fact that edges are raw. Still, there will be no fraying, so I don’t what I am worried about.

The mesh pocket looks good and I hope it is useful.

In the photo, you can see the Ruby Star zipper pulls I mentioned. The metal is gold, not rainbow, but I think it is ok. I probably mentioned that I used various labels on this bag. Why not?

I notice that there are some places where items could fall out from the bottom. I guess that is why there are pockets.

On the opposite side from the mesh pocket is the vinyl pocket. One of the things about vinyl pockets is I can see the beautiful peonies in the Philip Jacobs Brocade Peony fabric I used.

In thinking about using this bag, I think the vinyl pocket is where my pens will be housed. I didn’t think about pens before. I may make a specific pen holder/pocket and attach it to the gusset, if I make this bag again.

The key leash is built in, so I won’t have to worry about switching a leash from bag to bag in order to keep my keys clipped to my handbag.

I made the bag pocket using the fatter gussets as someone else in the Sewfisticated group did, so that it opens wider.

Pandora Charisma #2: Vinyl and interior pockets — Pandora Charisma #2: Vinyl and interior

I added another vinyl pocket to the back section. It covers an interior zipper pocket. This vinyl pocket is shorter than the one described above. It might be a better candidate for pens. We’ll see.

Finally, I am really happy that the tablet/computer sleeve, because it fits my tablet. I didn’t think it would. The sleeve looks really small in the bag and my tablet just fits. It is almost like the bag was made for my tablet, which it wasn’t. The only thing I would do differently is put the tablet sleeve against the main part of the bag next time. The pattern has its placement against the outside of the bag / the back panel. I think the fabric would be less likely to rip with a heavy tablet housed there if it were swapped with the second vinyl pocket.

I am looking forward to using this bag. Yes, I plan to use it soon. I am contemplating not using it until after next year’s Fair, but I think that might be too long to let it just sit around.

Pandora Charisma #2 Continues

It hasn’t been very long since I worked on the newest Pandora Charisma, but it feels like an eternity. It was before the Great Wisconsin Quilt Show, which makes it feel like an eternity.

I really wanted a nice tidy finish before I left, but I wasn’t able to finish. I want it to be a bag that I will use so I didn’t want to do a rush job.

Pandora Charisma #2: working on the binding

I worked hard on the binding, which is probably the most difficult part of the bag, aside from the thickness of the layers. The thickness of the layers is not a problem for me now because of the Elna’s HP2 foot. I almost finished. I have to fix the binding and have finishing bits to add like making the adjustable strap, so I put it aside and went to Wisconsin.

The biggest problem was when I tested the zippers that the binding was getting caught in the zippers. I thought about it while I was gone. I was disappointed and didn’t really want to take the binding off. For this pattern, the binding has been an issue for me. I thinking my quiltmaking binding background is the issue. I think I am making my binding too wide. Next time I make a Sewfisticated pattern, I plan to use foldover elastic. Alternatively, I will check the size of the binding the pattern requires more carefully.

Pandora Charisma #2 - main compartment — Pandora Charisma #2 – main compartment

I got back to it on Thursday night after a few days of being home. You can see the excess binding fabric in the photo, right. I decided to handstitch the excess binding to itself. That will cover any suboptimal stitching and make the excess fabric more contained. Not an ideal solution, but the excess won’t get caught in the zipper.

I hope to finish soon. I’d like to try using it and see how it works for me.

Even More Pandora Charisma #2 Progress

I spent the Labor Day weekend, when I wasn’t at Sew Day, working on the Pandora Charisma #2. I really wanted to finish it, but didn’t quite get there. The ripping that happened took time.

I sewed some of the panels together wrong. The panels are sewn back to back once they are all done. I sewed two of them to the ‘wrong’ sides. I thought it would be fine, but I found the final assembly to be really confusing. I couldn’t quite translate the panel in the instructions into the way I had sewn them during the final assembly. I ripped back all the stitching and sewed the correct panels to each other.

Since I was taking the panels apart anyway, I took the opportunity to fix one of the vinyl pockets. I thought the crookedness of the one on the left would bug me since it wasn’t quite extreme enough to be a design feature. I didn’t have any more of that turquoise foldover elastic, so I used some black, which looks good. Maybe better.

I did figure out why the binding of the last one was so difficult. I was supposed to sew both sides of the binding at one time. I just figured that out through a cryptic note I had written to myself.

Putting the binding on this way is difficult. My machine was able to handle it, but it doesn’t look great and I think it might be too big for the space – the binding isn’t filled. The completed binding seems to get in the way of the zipper also, though I have to wait and see since I need to do some trimming and clearing up of threads.

Another Mini One Handle Tote

I decided it was time to make another Mini One Handle Tote. I am sort of feeling at loose ends, despite all the projects on which I could make progress. This is a fast project, which is very satisfying to make.

I am behind in my efforts to make 20 or so of these by my own timetable. I haven’t wanted to work on them because I couldn’t find the template last time.

Nobody is harassing me to get these finished, BTW.

I went looking for my folder and have once again hidden it from myself. < insert eye roll emoji here >

WTH? Every time I go to make one I have lost the file. This is really unlike me. I was thinking that it was a good thing I wrote the tutorial, because otherwise I would have to figure out the whole process over again.

After making a new template and making this latest bag, I cleaned up my cutting table. In the process, I found the two other templates I have made.

Note the difference. The fat template is the first one that I made and the tote handle turned out slimmer. Not skinny, but slimmer. I couldn’t figure out why the handles were so fat in the two latest bags. Now I know. I had been thinking I would move the template more towards the middle to mitigate the fatness of the handle. Now I don’t need to, thought I might try it with the original template just to see the difference.

I got it in my mind that I used an index card to make the template, which is why the two templates on the left are mostly the same. I clearly didn’t use an index card for the original template.

In this version, I used Decor Bond, which I don’t think I will do again. I had a hard time pressing out the wrinkles. I’ll have to look back and see which interfacing I like best.

Now I have made a project file so the templates, at least, are stored in my normal manner.

Time for the Natalma

I had to put this project on the back burner while I made the Urban Sea backpack, but I am gathering supplies so I can get started.

I laid all of my choices out, so I could see what I had. I realized that I don’t have a long enough zipper. The ByAnnie 40″ is a bit short, so I’ll need to get some continuous zipper tape in a coordinating color.

The teal cats fabric will go on the outside. I haven’t decided where the other fabrics will be placed, but I want the pink cats to be seen a lot, so they will be in a primary position.

Two Cosquillas

After writing the post the other day, I thought about how using different fabrics makes the pouches look so different.

Cosquilla - finished front — Cosquilla – finished front

Rose Cosquilla finished - front — Rose Cosquilla finished – front

Beth's Cosquilla: 3/4s view — Beth’s Cosquilla: 3/4s view

These have similarities to the yellow Cosquilla I made first.

One can definitely see the differences on the same pattern, whether quilt or bag, when looking online. I am sure I could make one bag pattern over and over and never make the same kind twice. Of course, I have done that with a few patterns, like the Hackney and the project bags.

Finished: Floral Reef Cosquilla

Hooray! I finished the newest Cosquilla.

I know I said I was sewing this pouch quickly. I really was and I actually finished it on August 13. However, I had a lot of other stuff to post. I put this pouch straight into use then I didn’t post about it.

I am pleased with the other two Cosquilla pouches, but I think this one is my best so far. I was very calm and not in a hurry when I sewed it. I took my time and I think this is the reward.

I wanted to highlight the seahorse, but it’s head is hidden by the zipper placket on the pocket. 🙁 I also wanted to cut off the snake, but it’s head is still visible. Oh well. At least it is a pink and purple snake.

Cosquilla - seahorse surprise — Cosquilla – seahorse surprise

The seahorse is a pleasing surprise when the pocket is opened.

I used two different kinds of vinyl on this pouch. As mentioned, I thought putting the Floral Reef vinyl over the busy Floral Reef print would mean that I couldn’t see either clearly.

I considered different fabrics to use for the binding. Overall, I think the Tula Pink purple (Aster??) Tiny Dots works very well. The purple doesn’t quite match the zipper. They work together well anyway.

I had some clear vinyl, so I used that over the pocket and the Floral Reef vinyl for the side main panel. I still think the motifs on the fabric and the motifs on the vinyl interfere a little with each other, but it isn’t too bad. I’ll have to think about that when I consider buying other printed vinyls.

Cosquilla #3 - handle — Cosquilla #3 – handle

I think I probably should have put some SF101/ProFuse on the handle, but the handle won’t get much use, so I think it is ok.

I am so pleased with the binding. I used the HP2 foot again and sewed slowly. It was a little short, so I added a straight of grain piece, which was a little problematic when sewing. Otherwise, machine sewing the binding worked very well. I am not embarrassed with how it looks.

I think this was a good fabric combination to use for this pouch. I wasn’t sure how I would use the fabric once it arrived. Seeing it in use when I need a handbag zipper will make me smile.

Additional Pandora Charisma #2

The Pandora Charisma #2 has been on my mind. I worked on it a little last week and realized I was at the assembly point. Nearly all of the pieces are ready to be assembled into a bag. The sewing of this version has been a lot easier than the first time. And much less anxiety provoking.

The next step was to get the zipper gusset done, but I was anxious about the layers. The outside is made with the same pleather/Diamond Vinyl as Pandora Charisma #1. I took a breath, cut the pieces I needed and made a start. I had the good sense to install a leather needle and the HP2 foot*. I don’t know what HP stands for in the Elna world, but maybe I should call it my Harry Potter foot since it is really magical. 😉

There were about 5 layers of the Diamond Vinyl through which to sew. Once I was setup, I went for it. My machine sewed through them all like a champ. Granted I sewed very slowly, but it worked!! I was thrilled.

I had to do a lot of ripping over the weekend. It was one of those “it’ll be fine” moments and I should have taken heed sooner. Live and learn!!

I was able to rivet crucial points at Sew Day, thanks to MaryC.

Now I am on to final assembly.

*N.B. “Suitable for the dual feed narrow system, the HP2 foot combines the advantages of a slim ¼” foot with dual feed capability. Providing high visibility, it is ideal for precisely sewing curves and topstitching. In addition, it guides simultaneously the top and bottom layers of fabric for perfect results when quilting and matching patterns. It must be used together with the HP needle plate.” from Elna site

More Pandora Charisma #2

Pandora Charisma back panel sleeve pocket

The last time I worked on the Pandora Charisma #2 was back in July. I have been itching to work on it again, but hadn’t quite gotten to it lately. That changed on Sunday. I came back from viewing the amazing dahlias in Golden Gate Park and got to work.

Having all the pieces and parts in one project bag really helped.

First I made the tablet sleeve. I kind of wanted to make it from vinyl, so I could see the lovely Brocade Peony print I used for the main panel. I decided vinyl would look great, but not provide any protection for my tablet. I hunted around and found some of the Tula Poms and used them for the padded sleeve. When I stick my items into the bag, I’ll be able to see the flowers.

I did use vinyl for the lining zipper pocket. I decided to put the pocket on at an angle, but it ended up just looking a little wonky. I wanted it to be more accessible and thought that putting it at angle would help. Perhaps I need to think that through a little more for next time.

Now I am ready to put the whole thing together. I think I might have skipped making the gusset, but can easily sew one. I am finding that having made the first one means making this one is more understandable.

Finished: Urban Sea Backpack

Urban Sea Backpack - front — Urban Sea Backpack – front

I finished the Urban Sea Backpack. As mentioned, it is for my Mom. It isn’t perfect, but, in general I am pleased with how it came out.

As is usual, I want to start another one right away. I am slightly daunted by the amount of cutting, which may drive me to figure out the Scan ‘n Cut.

The more I look at this project, the happier I am. There are some parts I would like to do better, but I was pleased to look at them with curiosity and an eye towards figuring how how I could do better. I didn’t look at them with shame or the need to explain.

Urban Sea backpack - interior right side out — Urban Sea backpack – interior right side out

Before I turned the piece right side out to finish it, I took a photo of the interior.I wanted to get a better view than the one I usually get by photographing down into the bag. This view gives me a better view of the details of the interior.

I am super pleased with the interior. I think it is the fabric. Disco Poms is a GREAT fabric. I may need to get more. I am glad I used it as it is super cheerful.

Urban Sea - front pocket — Urban Sea – front pocket

The front pocket was a bit of a Hail Mary. I am not super fond of the ByAnnie mesh. It is fine and a high quality product. My stuff just gets stuck in the mesh. I really want to find a mesh that has smaller holes like some lingerie bags. I am thinking of buying a lingerie bag, disassembling it and trying the fabric in a bag. The colors are fairly limited, so, for the moment, I am either substituting vinyl like in the Everything But the Machine bag or sticking to mesh and hoping for the best. One good thing about mesh is that you can see what is in your pocket.

Urban Sea - back with straps — Urban Sea – back with straps

People in the Sew Sweetness FB group commented on the straps. I am not sure they are anything special. I did follow the directions and think I would like to add more padding in the future.

My new machine, especially the HP foot really helped me make this bag. I am a lot more relaxed making bags-few tense shoulders and only a little yanking with tweezers, which is better for my body overall. I am much less worried about whether my machine can handle what I want to make.

Urban Sea Backpack in Progress

I finally was able to finish cutting out the Urban Sea Backpack. Whew! That was a lot of cutting.

You might notice that none of the pieces are square. I had to cut them all out with scissors except for the couple of pieces that shared a shape with the Chickadee backpack. Other than that the cutting process just took a long time. I had time to make sure the fabrics were oriented in the same direction across pieces and all the interfacings were correct.

If this cutting experience doesn’t drive me to continue learning to use the Scan ‘n Cut, I don’t know what will. 😉

Once all the pieces were cut, it took a few days for me to get to the project again. As is usual, I started sewing smaller pieces into larger. Once of the first sections was the side pocket and I was pretty excited about how it looked. I was amazed at how clever the pieces were. There is one small triangular piece used in this pocket. As I was cutting, I couldn’t figure out where it would go. It fits in this pocket to extend the curved zipper tab. Genius!

It is not a flat pocket, it has some dimension, which will make it more useful.

Urban Sea -front pocket in process, closed

Once a number of those sections were complete, I could start focusing on combining the smaller pieces into sections of the backpack. First, I made the front pocket, which required zipper tabs, a zipper and other bits and pieces.

I am pleased with my fussy cutting, too.

The sideways capital I piece at the top was another piece I couldn’t imagine using, but it was amazingly perfect. I really can’t imagine how Sara figures these bags out.

Urban Sea -Inside front pocket installed

I thought it would be hard to add the inside of this pocket to the piece, but, essentially, I sewed the front pocket on top of the inside. Don’t try this at home without the pattern! Again, it worked perfectly.

At the moment, I am adding the top pocket/flap to the piece above.

It’s a new adventure! It’s also an adventure that I am enjoying. I sometimes feel frustrated when making bags, but so far I haven’t felt like that with this bag.

Finished: Everything But the Machine Bag

I finished the EBTM bag on Saturday at the special Everything But the Machine Sew Day. Mine was one of the seven that were finished.

As mentioned, I wasn’t sure about this bag, but as I worked on it, it grew on me. I was glad I chose good fabric.

I think I might replace my fabulous Tupperware boxes, companions since I started quiltmaking, with this bag. We’ll see. Making the switch will be hard. I am used to my various storage containers.

The bag has a handle as well as a suitcase sleeve — called a Trolley pocket in the pattern. I know a lot of people know what trolleys are, which I do, too. We don’t use that term in my area. We use wagon, streetcar and cable car for the various versions.

I am pleased with the fabric I chose as well. I wasn’t sure about the grey poppies, but they tone down the pink a bit.

Everything But the Machine bag on rolling case

Several people omitted the suitcase sleeve, but I put it on as there is a chance that I would hook it on my rolling sewing machine case. I made sure to check that the sleeve was big enough.

Everything But the Machine bag suitcase sleeve

I kind of like the pocket even if I don’t slide the bag over a suitcase handle.

The pocket has an internal zipper pocket, as you can see. The pocket used an interesting double tube construction, which I would love to play with a little more. I also like the internal zipper pocket, though it might be a pocket where items go to hide.

Everything But the Machine bag vinyl slip pocket

Under the suitcase sleeve is another slip pocket. I used vinyl for the slip pocket. It has a bit of fabric on the top for binding. It was very easy to make. That section, however, was tricky to sew, because of the thickness. I had my travel machine, too, rather than my new machine, which probably could have handled the thickness with no problem.

I used MaryC’s method for the handles, which is to make a short handle that doesn’t move, can’t be adjusted or unclipped. I did take the opportunity to rivet the handle to the bag. Riveting is still fun!

I realized later that I forgot to sew a label on it. It isn’t too late. I can do it by hand.

I had a lot of various troubles with the pattern, so having Mary lead us in making this was great.

Everything But the Machine Bag

MaryC came to the last Sew Day with a new bag, the Everything But the Machine bag.

Those in her sewing gang were also industriously working on their own versions. Many others were interested so the guild is planning a Sew Day where everyone works on their own versions of these. I didn’t really want to make one, but as a good guild citizen (President), I signed up.

At first I thought I would make one for my mom, but she said very firmly last time I visited that she didn’t need any more bags (this was before the backpack conversation). I thought about others for whom I could make one and came up blank.

The week before the Sew Day was shaping up to be busy. It was a lot of ‘fun’ busy, but still busy and I was concerned I wouldn’t get the pieces cut out. I couldn’t get them cut out if I hadn’t picked fabric.

As the day got closer, I really needed to decide on fabric. I finally decided I would use some really nice fabric, some fabric I loved or that I had been ‘saving’. I also thought I would use some fun zipper pulls and make it for me. Someone else might like it, but I also thought of ways that I could use the bag. I think I realized that I often don’t make bags for myself, because I don’t know how I will use them.

I did want to finish cutting out the 1,000 pieces for the Urban Sea backpack, but once I did that, I looked through my fabrics and started cutting. I actually was able to cut everything out very quickly. When you are able to use a rotary cutter and ruler, the cutting goes quickly!

I am using Pristine Poppy from the old, old, old Notting Hill collection by Joel Dewberry. I made the Oxbow Tote out of another colorway from that line. Both lining and exterior are the same print in different colorways. I am using some of the zipper tape I bought by the yard at Sewlarium.

I still have to interface the pieces, but am pretty much ready to go.

New Backpack Challenge

After writing yesterday, I talked to my mom who was on her way to the ER again (she’s fine!) with a plastic bag to carry her stuff!!! I was horrified, but before I could speak, she said she was going to get a backpack for her stuff. Before I could think, I said I would make her a backpack.

I am not sure if I mentioned when writing about the Chickadee that I have never made a backpack before, at least one with real straps and buckles. The closest is the Flagler Backpack and the Scrap Lab Backpack. Neither of these are as structured or as complicated as the Chickadee.

I knew the Chickadee was in progress, obviously. That is for the Pink Project and I don’t know when it will be finished, so I decided to make the new backpack pattern from Sew Sweetness called the Urban Sea Backpack. I showed my mom and told her the size (finished Size: 12 inches long x 15 inches tall x 7 inches deep (30.5cm x 38cm x 18cm)) and she said that the Urban Sea would be perfect. So, now I am making another backpack. 😉

The next surprise was the fabric. I have used paint tube fabric for my mom for a long time. She really admired the bubble fabric in blues and pinks that Sara used on her test version. I showed her a picture of the Philip Jacobs Voluptuous fabric as a joke and she loved it! I might as well use it. I don’t have anything else slated for that fabric. I am going to pair it with the Disco Poms from Tula Pink. Same thing. I might as well use it.

The first step was to tape all of the pattern pieces together. I haven’t found any that are rectangular!!! I love the look of this backpack, so I don’t mind.

I was thrilled to find that the acrylic template for the Chickadee Backpack strap is the same exact piece as the straps in the the Urban Sea Backpack. Sara doesn’t sell acrylic templates any more, so this was awesome! I can use that template to cut out the several pieces (exterior, lining, foam, etc) I need for this backpack.

I spent about 4 hours on Sunday cutting out pieces for this project. I almost finished all the cutting, but that much standing was tiring after also standing a lot on Saturday. Even though I want to get to sewing, I am trying to be very Zen about the cutting as I found that each part of the process has its benefits.

More Chickadee Work

The Chickadee Backpack still has not been chosen as part of the UFO challenge, but I decided to work on it again. I worked on it a little last month so I could get a head start. I kind of wanted it to be chosen for the UFO challenge for August, but no dice. Maybe next month?

All the pieces are cut out and I ready to sew. I haven’t decided if I will start sewing yet. I would like to stick with the letter of the ‘law’ in the UFO project. I could cut out some of the other projects or continuing cutting them out as the case may be.

JayeL on Various Piecing SundayWednesday, September 23, 2026
It is so great to share your love of quiltmaking with your neighbors!
Eleanor Jackson on Various Piecing SundayWednesday, September 23, 2026
WOW, Jaye.. It is wonderful that you are doing so much with leftovers. I have a new neighbor and they…
Sherri D on Another Remembrance of September 11Saturday, September 12, 2026
Thank you for sharing your works for 9/11. I still remember when you first finished them and showed them. Very…
Eleanor Jackson on Another Remembrance of September 11Friday, September 11, 2026
Good morning, Jaye. Yes, a horrific day in history, was 911. I was getting ready to teach first grade. So…
Eleanor Jackson on Most Recent BAM BOMWednesday, September 9, 2026
Very cool! Thanks for sharing this. BTW I completed by Birds in the Air! So far it is the best…

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