I cut out and prepped not one, but two Amy Butler Weekender bags back in May. After I finished the first one for Jessica at remnants:fiber[culture] I needed a break. I also needed to figure out a strategy for working with the gold lame I bought from Fabricker. If you look at that stuff wrong, the edges start to fray.
In addition to the gold magnetic snaps and purse feet I bought, I scavenged a belt to use for toggles and rings. I had hoped that a gold zipper would materialize somewhere in my travels, but no such luck. I went with a black separating zipper instead. I added zebra piping (I used ribbon to make it), black vinyl details, and black and gold metal zippers to make the black zipper fit in.
So, how did I sew this thing? (other than very carefully). In addition to the tips from before…
- I interfaced ALL the lame. It was heavier weight than the stuff you usually see in stores, but it’s still squirrely. I was a little scared that I would melt it with the iron, but the test proved successful.
- I used a roller foot on the vinyl. I also reinforced the area around the gold rings with twill tape to save the vinyl from wear.
- I put the Peltex® #70 by Pellon® on the main panels when I stitched the handles on.
- I added MORE pockets. I added 2 zippers on the front pocket panel and a hidden zipper behind the piping on the back pocket panel. There is also a shorter pocket attached to the side pocket.
- I serged about a quarter inch off the lining before I sewed it together. It was fraying like mad after I cut it. I wasn’t sure about this print with the lame at first, but it’s starting to grow on me.
The good news is that this bag took less time to construct. I stretched the project over two days. Here’s the slideshow…
This bag is pretty wild. I plan on bringing in to Market in October, but this bag really needs a trip to Vegas or New Orleans.