Finish it Friday - Bye Bye Love Bag

Yesterday I finished my first proper bag!  If you asked me within a half an hour of sewing the last seam if I'd make another I would have said not on your nelly.  Today though, I might be tempted.

This is the Bye Bye Love bag from Sara @ Sew Sweetness.  I got the pattern as a part of a 6 month bag of the month subscription.  (There will be another bag of the month offered on Sara's blog next January).  The variety of bag patterns given to us month by month was really good, from clutches to beach bags, but I've only made this one from January!  Yes I am a bit of slow coach.

Making bags is completely new to me and there were times I wished I had stuck with quilting but in the end, a bit of just get on with it, a few curses through gritted teeth and 2 seams unpicked with the seam ripper, I made it across the finish line!

What surprised me was the amount of interfacing every cut piece needed.  I used a lightweight stabiliser and some puffy fusible interfacing from Vilene, 3 yards of 3 different fabrics, hoops, magnetic clasps and 2 zips!  I did have to search a bit for the bag hardware bits and bobs and eventually bought them from Vibes and Scribes in Cork - where do you buy yours?  If you have any online recommendations I'd appreciate it!

My very first zipper.  It's not perfect but it opens and closes and I'm happy with it!

I really like the details of the bag tabs and the pleated front pockets.  If I was to make another (see I'm not sworn off bag making yet!) I'd change the pockets to the contrasting grey to not have so much floral!  The fabrics are from the Limerick Quilt Centre and I got them in the January sale, the lining was 50% off - score!

I chose a bright looking lining fabric to help me find things that end up at the bottom of the bag.  I hate looking into a black interior trying to find change or car keys!

The interior has 2 pockets with a seam dividing them in two - plenty of room for phone and wallet etc.

The instructions were brilliant with lots of photographs and even though this was my first time using zips I got them in with not too much difficulty.  The large zip going around the top of the bag was easier than it looks!

I think I will have to invest in wonder clips though as I stuck myself sewing the halves together quite a few times!

The only really tricky bit for me was to sew in the zipper tapered so the pieces came together at the side.  I know I'd do better next time.
The pleated pockets were much easier than they look and they are secured with the magnetic clasps.

The pattern is for sale outside of the 6 month club here if you are interested in making one for yourself.

So there you have it, one finished tote bag. I'll be using it for work, it fits my laptop perfectly. Just have to scotch guard it as the weather has turned awfully wet today!

Hope everyone has a happy Friday and a lovely weekend,  Linking up to Crazy Mom Quilts and