September 4, 2014

Bigger On The Inside Drawstring Backpack






Wow, I guess it must seem like Dog Under My Desk week at shades of BOLD, but sometimes when I buy patterns, I buy more that one from an independent designer.  Like I told you a few days ago, I used the $25 gift certificate I won from the bag of the month club to buy two patterns from Erin at Dog Under My Desk.  The bag I just completed was the Bigger On The Inside Drawstring Backpack.  You can find the pattern here

 
 
This, casual style backpack uses the drawstrings as the backpack straps.  It measures 14" tall, 
12" wide and 5" deep.  I thought this was a fun bag to make and I love the results.  This bag is made from quilting cotton as main fabric and as lining.  The pattern gives you the option of interfacing both the outside fabric and the lining fabric or just the outside fabric.  I wanted some extra body so I interfaced both with Pellon SF 101.  This bag stands up by itself when it is closed and...
 


 
 
when it is open.  Even when empty.
 


 


 
The backpack has a good sized base to stand on and to let you pack more in it....



 



But can still be folded flat.




And, just look at the inside.  It is huge and deep.  There is the big zipper pocket on the outside and a slip pocket with a pen pocket on the inside.







This will be the first of many.  The only thing I don't like is the amount of interfacing it takes.  I may make it without the interfacing on the lining next time to see how different it is.

9 comments:

  1. That's one of the few of Erin's patterns that I don't have, simply because I don't really have a use for the bag. Yours looks great, and like it would indeed be fun to make. What if you used home decor weight fabric instead of interfacing quilting cotton? Or wouldn't that work well with the straps?

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    1. That is one of the suggestions from her but sometimes I just like quilting cotton better. I like that it folds down flat and wanted it to have body but not bulk. And the fabric choices are so much better. The straps could be made from the lining fabric if you used home dec.

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  2. That was fast Marilyn! You just posted the fabrics and now the bag is done. I love your colors. It looks like a great pattern. I like the drawstring top.

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    1. Thanks, Daryl. It is a pretty fast sew after you cut it and fuse the interfacing. I can't wait to make more.

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  3. That's a gorgeous bag Marilyn. Nice and simple but very useful. I like how the straps are attached at the bottom rather than tied with a knot and your choice of fabrics are beautiful.

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    1. Thanks, Maria. I enjoyed making this one so I cut out a second one last night.

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  4. It looks great! I knew you will get hooked. It's easy to do and great results! That oval bottom makes it so big! This is the one pattern I tested for Erin. I made several after that but kept one for myself. The front pocket is very convenient too.

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    1. You were right. The results are great and it is a pretty quick and easy sew. Next one is cut out but I went fabric shoppihg today so haven't started it yet but the interfacing has been fused and the straps folded and pressed.

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  5. I love the fabric you have chosen for the inside of the bag, compliments the exterior fabric beautifully. Gives it that 'designer' feel.

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