Artquiltmaker Blog – Commentary about works in progress, design & creativity

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.

August UFO Challenge Update

Pandora Charisma - back, finished — Pandora Charisma – back, finished

Megan's Bone Enigma-front — Megan’s Bone Enigma-front

Paris Cell Phone Wallet - closed — Paris Cell Phone Wallet – closed

At the guild we started our seventh month of the UFO challenge. My list is thus far:

- - - 1. Serendipity Lady – did not finish, though I did work on it
      2. ~~Paris Cell Phone Wallet~~ –done
      3. ~~EPPic Case~~ – done
      4. Rose Petrillo Bag
      5. ~~Megan’s Bone Enigma~~–done – this month’s project, but I had to finish it to send it to a friend so it has been done for awhile.
      6. ~~Sheffield~~ – done
      7. ~~Sun hat~~
      8. Chickadee
      9. ~~Extra large project bag~~–done
      10. Joni Tote bag
      11. Catalan Storage Cube
      12. ~~Pandora Charisma~~ –done

Sun Hat - lining side — Sun Hat – lining side

This month #7 was pulled, which pleased me. I really needed to get that Sun Hat finished. I guess I feel that way for all of my UFOs.

I did finish my second version this month.

As I mentioned before I groan every month when the number is pulled. I actually didn’t groan this month. I was happy to work on the hat. More than just progress on my project? Progress on my attitude?

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.

Finished: Flower #7

I finished Flower #7! I finished the block faster than I thought I would. It only took me almost all day rather than all day. 😉

I am pleased with how it came out. I think my fabric choices are good.

So far, my group of blocks looks good. The blocks are very different from each other, but the fabrics tie them together.

On to Flower #8.

Flower #7

I was invited to a Sew Day with SueS. As mentioned, I am finding that these Flower blocks are a good way to pass the time and make progress. I don’t feel so sad making them when I am with others. I prepped by cutting out block #7.

I put green in all of the corners, but this is the first time I have used the gold at all, much less in the corners. Other blocks have green for all of the petal shapes in the corners. I am not sure if I should stick to all green in the corners. I guess, since I have cut this whole block out, that ship has sailed.

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.

Finished EPP Ball #14

I finished this one about a month ago, but didn’t post about it, so here we are now.

I organized the colors on this one a little differently. Since the pieces are sewn together in two halves, I used black as the center of one half and white as the center of the other half. The photo shows the center that uses black. I am pretty pleased with that strategy.

I have wanted to make a black and white ball for awhile. I have a good supply of 5 inch squares so it wasn’t difficult to select 12 charm squares that would work.

This is a great project to work on in the evenings.

Finished EPP Ball #14 - side 5 — Finished EPP Ball #14 – side 5

Quickly Sewing Cosquilla #3

After I decided on the binding, this piece really started to go together quickly. Sewing the same pattern almost one after another means I can improve.

On this Floral Reef Cosquilla, I did something a little different with the quilting. The Bottom Panel needs to be quilted. I basted it again using MistyFuse and quilted it with the same stitch. This time, however, I lengthened the stitch even further. I wanted the wave to be longer. I also did more quilting. Last time I quilted only three lines of quilting down the length of the bottom panel. This time I sewed more. I don’t’ think I really needed to, but it was worth a try.

Cosquilla in process - back — Cosquilla in process – back

Then it was on to sewing the whole thing together.

Despite the large expanse of vinyl, I decided to use the HP2 foot again. I LOVE this foot. I am hoping that the machine sewing of the whole binding will look better.

I was concerned about the color of the binding, but I think it looks good. The pouch is more purple than expected, but not in an unpleasant way.

Finished Sun Hat #2

In 2024, I started it with great hope as a quick project after spending a very hot day in the Portland Rose Garden. I did finish one version, which was, as we say at work, MVP. It was a free pattern that I am sure worked great for the designer, though it didn’t work for me.

For the second version I used the Bardot Bucket Hat pattern from Sew Hungry Hippie. I can wear it. It is really big, so I definitely can’t wear it in a windstorm!

I like the directions in the Bardot pattern better than the free pattern. I was able to make the pattern with no problems.

I used the same fabric for the lining as for the exterior. If I can figure out the sizing, I may make another one with two fabrics.

The pattern has two or three brim sizes. I used the medium brim, however it seems very large. On the third one (see below), I’ll try a different brim size.

I also used Pellon 926, which I found at the Granary. Actually, Carrie found it and I thought it would be good for this hat and I am very pleased with how it looks and feels. The hat is not too stiff.

I did start a third one using another size in the pattern. I don’t have enough of the flowery fabric for the lining, so I am contemplating coordinating fabrics.

Next Cosquilla

I was a little disappointed that the Rose Cosquilla was not large enough for all of my handbag zippers. I probably should have been upset that I had so many handbag zippers!

A month or so ago, my Floral Reef order came in. i wasn’t sure what to do with it, but after finishing the Rose Cosquilla I decided I would use the fabrics to make another Cosquilla for the rest of the handbag zippers.

The fabrics and vinyl are really cool, but also hard to use, especially since I didn’t buy a lot of any one of them. I think this will be a good use of them, though I may use a clear vinyl for the front pocket since the lining fabric shows through. The motifs on the vinyl, as you can see from the photo, right, interfere with the motifs on the fabric. I can’t really see either if I chose all Floral Reef.

Strap Test

I saw a short IG video on a method for making straps. The question persists: how do people think of these things? OR are the techniques known methods that sewing influencers (former tailors) are sending out into the world one by one? Inquiring minds…

Test strap technique - front — Test strap technique – front

I had a small piece of pleather leftover from the Pandora Charisma, so I tried it out. It was a thick piece and I had to choose between the HP2 foot and the Ultraglide foot when I wanted to use both.

I had yellow thread in the machine and decided to use that since I would be able to see the stitches.

First, I think the piece was too small. Lengthwise, it was probably fine as a test, but width-wise, I think it needed to be wider, maybe 3 inches cut?

Second, I am not sure this is the best use of this particular substrate. It was just too thick, though if I cut the strap wider, then it might work. I plan to try it again with a thinner vinyl. I am thinking of trying to match a lavender that I plan to use for the exterior of the Pandora Allure and I don’t want to use nylon webbing for the straps. I am liking cotton for straps, but want to use materials I have if I can.

Test strap technique - back — Test strap technique – back

The back looks ok, but I am not sure I want the back to look like this. I could embellish the back with a piece of ribbon, but I am not sure it would wear well.

Before I test on the lavender vinyl, I need to see how long of a piece I need for the straps in the Pandora Allure project. I don’t want to cut off 3 inches for a test only to find the roll is 3 inches short!

I can feel myself drifting towards starting the Pandora Allure when I really need to finish the second Pandora Charisma.

JulieZS on Everything But the Machine BagFriday, August 21, 2026
Oooh those are really lovely fabric choices. I'm glad you're using fabric you've been saving, and making one for yourself.…
Eleanor Jackson on Everything But the Machine BagFriday, August 21, 2026
Thank you for sharing. Yes with all you do for others, it is about time you use that special fabric…
JayeL on More Chickadee WorkThursday, August 20, 2026
It definitely is a good distraction to work a little on the various projects, even if they have been picked.…
JayeL on More Chickadee WorkThursday, August 20, 2026
Exactly! I plan to work on the other few projects as I never know which will be picked next.
JulieZS on More Chickadee WorkWednesday, August 19, 2026
Erin is right about the odds going up! Also, I think you can definitely work on any of the UFO…