I’ve sewn the Mother Load and lived to tell the tale.
No, that’s not a typo; it’s a reference to a bag pattern by Seams & Dreams. I first learned about it at Quilt Market last fall, when I accosted some poor unsuspecting soul to compliment her fabulous, roomy bag. She was happy to share the name and I, in turn, passed it on to Sarah, who ordered it for the shop.
This is most definitely the bag for the gal who needs to carry everything wherever she goes. Now that I think about it, it’s likely the perfect bag for my BFF, who appears to live out of her purse. The photo just doesn’t give you an adequate sense of scale, so let me try to explain. The bag on the left, the Extra Large, is standing up thanks to to the two throw pillows from my couch that I shoved in there — and there’s room to spare. The other day I went to the shop with the Large bag (on the right) and fit two quilt tops, the Sleep-Away quilt, some fabric and a Funked-Out Peasant Blouse. Room to spare in that one, too.
The pattern construction seemed a little odd when I first read through the directions, yet it came together quite smoothly and easily. There’s a good amount of topstitching near the top of the bag and I wish I’d thought to trim the fusible fleece about an inch down from the top to reduce some of the bulk up there.
I’ve gotta tell ya, the positive comments on these bags have just blown me away. I think some of it is the bold fabric choices. The Large bag was made with a fat quarter stack from Robert Kaufman that I picked at Market. Total impulse buy that made zero sense for me because a fat quarter is really not much fabric for a girl who sews mostly children’s clothing. The Extra Large was a wrap skirt in a previous life. No, really! One of the moms at Miss L’s preschool sent it home in our school bag one day. She’d done a closet purge and thought I might be able to repurpose it. I toyed with the idea of turning it into pants for the Bunny but I think I’ll get a lot more enjoyment out of it’s new form.
23 January, 12:45 am
Mary I don’t typically post comments (I’m weird that way) but I have to say how much I love those bags!!!! I’m a live-out-of-your bag girl so they speak to me I guess. I think you’re right about the fabric. They’re just cheerful/happy.
Beautiful work as always. I love reading your blog.
Happy Thursday
23 January, 6:14 am
Oh, I am Lovin this one! Darn you Mary, now that’s yet another pattern I need to add to my wish list!
Dawns last blog post..Ooooh Baby, It’s Cold outside!!!
23 January, 6:39 am
Where can I find a Funked-out Peasant Blouse pattern?
Sarahs last blog post..Alternative Forms of Excercise – Roller Skating
23 January, 8:20 am
I LOVE the large bag! Not that I need a bag that big but the colors speak to me. LOL
dangitAnges last blog post..Her twisted little sense of humor strikes again
23 January, 9:22 am
Ooh, fun! They’re just so colorful. And since I’m one of those ones who loves huge bags (have to have my book with me at all times, in case I get 30 seconds to read it, you know
), I just might have to look into these.
Beckys last blog post..Sometimes I just don’t want to sew.
23 January, 12:03 pm
WOW! What awesome bags! And I love that refurbishing a skirt could be so fun and functional! Go girl! Enjoy the happiness they give you!
23 January, 3:20 pm
these bags are awesome! love, love lovin’ them.
JaimeMs last blog post..Could it be??? A giveaway???
23 January, 3:52 pm
They are gorgeous! I love the colors.
Ulas last blog post..By Hand
23 January, 4:04 pm
Those bags are great!
23 January, 5:59 pm
Wow two throw pillows in there?? That is a really big bag!
23 January, 7:38 pm
Love everything about these bags!!
sherees last blog post..December 2008 in Review
23 January, 8:00 pm
I like the biggest bag the best! And I think you are right, the bold patterns help with people liking them. Love the color mix! Just gorgeous
Christis last blog post..Creating………Kinda
23 January, 10:35 pm
Fun fun! I have a ginormous bag that I shlep to work and people are always laughing at me…but, I need to be able to fit a lot of things in it at times…of course, if it was a cute shape like yours I may not get so much drama…
sadiras last blog post..I’ve Taken To Hittin’ the Bottle…
24 January, 4:38 am
I LOVE these bags!!! This would be great for hauling around all the stuff for the kids.
After searching through all their patterns I finally found it (their sort tools weren’t helpful) the direct link to the pattern is hear if people can’t visit the local shop you mentioned. Plus the picture shows just how big they are! http://www.quilterswarehouse.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=SND412
Kymys last blog post..Happy B-day Blog!
24 January, 5:07 am
As always, your creations are totally gorgeous Mary! The colours are fantastic!
Marlyas last blog post..Etsy
24 January, 10:13 am
Lovely bags…now on my wish list.
24 January, 4:01 pm
Awesome bags…got to get that on my wish list as well.
Melissa Duzans last blog post..Craftin’ Time
25 January, 5:27 pm
Did you get my e-mail about the Funked-out Peasant Blouse pattern?
Sarahs last blog post..Alternative Forms of Excercise – Roller Skating
26 January, 1:50 am
I’m a tiny purse kind of woman myself, but love large bags as shopping bags!
Those purses are gorgeous, and so bright and cheerful and springtime-y!
Devilish Southern Belles last blog post..I do love a good deal