Draw String Sling

I just got back from a little getaway with my hubby of twenty-five years.  I had been sewing a lot of hours every day before I left and I have to admit the break did me well.  I also have to admit that when I knew the trip was coming to an end, I was ready to get home and start sewing again.  It has been seven days since I have sewn anything!!  Never fear though, I have a few new bags to show you.  I have recently tested two new bags and both have just been released.  I will show you one today and the other one tomorrow.

I was asked by Maria of  Mia Creates if I wanted to test a bag for a new designer, Gary Fletcher of Fashion Clique.  I agreed.  We ended up testing a bag that was different from the one we thought we would.  I was excited when I saw this bag because it is cute and not like any other bag I have done.  The name of the bag is the Draw String Sling and here is my version.

I guess I have been on a plaid run.  I thought it would be great for this bag.  I matched it with a maroon solid for the bottom of the bag, the base, the top binding, drawstring and the flower I added to the flap.  The flap is large on this bag and lends itself to embellishment of some kind (embroidery, special fabric, a flower or two).  I made this frayed flower from a very simple tutorial I found on Girl Inspired.  You can find the link here.

This bag is a quick, rather easy bag to make.  The most difficult part about it is attaching the base and if you take your time, you should have little trouble there.  The bag has no zippers or pockets (but you could easily add a pocket).

The pattern called for 3 layers of interfacing used on home dec fabric.  Since I was using quilting cotton weights of fabric, I chose to do a single layer of interfacing on the outside pieces and lining pieces and add an interlining of duck canvas like I do for tote bags.  This gives the bag some heft without stiffness.  I liked how it worked here.  I wanted the bag to be able to stand up on its own.
Here is a picture of it standing unstuffed as I was sewing.

I have been waiting to use this fabric for a lining.  If it wasn't so light colored, I might even consider it for the outside of a bag.  The inside of this bag is large.

This was a fun bag to make.  This is Gary at Fashion Clique's first bag of hopefully many more.  Go to this link to see the other tester bags and go here to get the pattern.  Gary is offering 10% off until October 20, 2014 with the code 10off.