New Pattern Zip Around Duffle and Adjustable Strap Video

NOTE: When you purchase this pattern, you get links to the videos. You have to copy paste those links to a browser page - enter the link on the URL line. If you try to enter the link when you are already in YouTube, it doesn't work. I do not know why they made it that way. The links work, you have to paste them directly to the URL space - that is the place on the computer screen that tells you where you are online.

The zip around duffle pattern has been brewing in the back of my mind for a few years. It came together beautifully, and I am so glad I took the time to write it the way I did. There are 16 little videos that accompany this pattern. You have seen a few of them if you watch my facebook page. Look inside the bag. Here are the inside pockets you have been wanting.

As you can see, it opens up completely with a zip around. The pattern begins with a video tour of the bag that walks you through the steps we take to make it. That is something I want to do for all of my patterns moving forward. I think sometimes reading a whole pattern before you begin can be overwhelming, but a video walk thru is more approachable.

Here is the video for the padded, adjustable strap to use with this bag (or any bag)

The attachment for the strap is very important and can be problematic for those of us sewing on home sewing machines and wanting our bags to be durable. In this pattern, I have developed an attachment method that distributes the weight of the bag, allowing you to use the long strap without any noticeable pull on the fabric.

As you can see, it is a big bag. Customers frequently ask me for even bigger bags, but this is the max I think it is reasonable to carry. I am amazed that airlines allow this size as a carry-on. It is 20 inches wide by 14 inches tall by 9 inches deep. I am using a smaller version as my yoga bag at the moment and I love it. I will be putting that one out too.

Customer Success Show-Off Time

Ellen sent me this lovely photo of the duffle she made from my sewing pattern, and I wanted to show it off here for several reasons. First, I have not made any in tiny prints and I wanted to show you how darling that can be. Also to let you know it is perfectly fine to use whatever batting you like for these. When you use the thinner batting, it does not stand up on its own empty, but it will when you fill it up. I think it makes storing the bag easier too. The other thing is the straps. Notice she didn't use jute webbing. I thought maybe she had found a 4" wide twill tape, but it is actually 2 side by side pieces of 2" twill tape. She butted them against one another and zigzagged them together.  I like to dry clean my duffles because I like the jute handles.  For those of you wanting a washable duffle, I recommend using this 2" wide twill tape - prewashed of course. I would buy 8-9 yards of it to make sure I had enough after shrinking. Ellen just started a blog too, here she is, the crafty geek.

Another customer show-off that turned up in my Etsy feedback as an appreciation photo (I love those) for my luggage tags pattern. Here is what she said:

Thank you! This pattern is great; actually I liked it so much I incorporated the tags into my wedding invitations. Highly recommend this pattern!

I thought it was very clever how she made the paper long enough to easily pull out of the tag. Lovely photo too.