Deja Vu? Almost

Everything was going along so well. I planned the look, the maximum size I would be happy with, the size of the slots, and the closure. Then I took off. Only had to cut once - ya! Realized that a flap would be better than a strap and solved the problem before it was to late - ya! Interface-free pockets are the perfect stiffness - ya!

Here comes the math. I started to put my needles in and realized that I counted wrong. By 5 circulars! 1, ya ok, it happens, but 5? Luckily I had room to double up a couple smaller ones and, really, when don't I have multiple projects sitting on needles?

Then I closed it. I forgot to put the snaps on! There's no way that I'm picking all those stitches. In this picture I'm using double sided tape to hold the flap shut. It works but it's probably not a permanent solution :)

I need an idea to close the flap that doesn't involve machine sewing, since I can only go through one layer on the body. It also needs to involve three spots (top, middle, bottom) to close the flap properly.

So far I've only come up with 3 options. 1) Three small black frog closures. I can sew them on by hand and they'll probably match. But, with shipping, they aren't cheap. 2) Green fabric loops on the flap side and buttons on the body side. Con: I would have to sew the green loops to the outside of the flap rather than enclosing them in a seam. It could look really sloppy. 3) Three Velcro circles. Ugly but it would do the trick and require the least amount of work.

I wish I had the ability to consider it a mistake, stick an elastic around the center and be done with it.

Things that make you go hmm

Pattern: Birdie Sling by Amy Butler
Fabric: Some sort of Japanese import, on the exterior, and bunnies on the interior.
Time: One night
Cost: Too much. Since it uses fusible fleece and interfacing and the pattern is pricey, it's not a cheap bag. Definitely get the components when Joann's has a 50% off sale.


This is my first Amy Butler pattern. It's a super easy pattern (although wordy) that makes a cute bag and would be just fine for beginners.

Like most patterns, yardage is grossly overestimated. The weird thing is that they cut the interfacing yardage really close. I found that 1 yard of each fabric was more than enough. The 1/2 yard of fusible fleece was the exact amount but the 3.5 yards of interfacing was a close call.

The bag is BIG, which I love, but a little too stiff for my liking because it's lined with fusible fleece. Next time I'll replace the fleece with interfacing. Also, this bag gapes a lot, do to the gussets, so it could definitely use a magnetic snap or zipper. I would also replace the inner pockets with a zippered pocket.

I've received some nice compliments about the bag, which leads me to believe it would be a nice gift for friends. It would probably make a really great beach tote too. Also, the large inner pocket, with the seam up the middle, makes for somewhat long, thin pockets that are perfect for straight needles. A few tweaks and this could be an awesome knitting bag.

One caution: If you're really tiny, this bag might be a little overwhelming on you.

All in all, I'm very happy with the finished object. Amy's patterns are very appealing, especially the Weekender. But, for such a simplistic pattern, I think that $13 is way too much money. I'll definitely make it again (if anything to get my money's worth out of the pattern :).

Did you notice the cabinet that the bag is hanging on? It's my new yarn holder. Not bad for $30! I love being able to look at all the yarn - it's like having my own yarn shop. fun fun! I'm working on making my craft corner organized enough to use it on a regular basis. Exciting stuff.