The Weekender...

Sewing up a Weekender is a right of passage I think.
It's a bitch.
The directions are wayyy to wordy.
The cost of interfacing is insane.
You get a workout sewing the damn thing together.


But.

In the end, you get a really awesome bag piece of luggage.


And really, it's not hard to do, it's just a pain.
My next one though, I think will be easier with a few adjustments.

Note-I didn't add any pockets inside. I don't like pockets in my bags. I tend to fill my bags with other bags...

I was planning on not following the directions and skipping the Peltex.
Halfway through though, I changed my mind.

I had sitting in my closet some fusible Peltex.
So after I sewed on my pipping which was super easy with no Peltex in the way, I cut out two fusible piece and ironed them on!


Super easy and now my bag had the exact body I wanted.


Though, I should have waited until the bag was completely sewed together...
Which I will do next time.

I also quilted mine.
Which I would totally do again.


I was worried it was going to look like an old 80's patchwork vest or something, but I think it actually looks cool.


Both Michelle and Jill have some good tips for what they would do differently.

Here are mine: Keep in mind these are things that worked for me. I have a strong love affair with Heat and Bond and use it a lot! Also, my bag is made of duck cloth with already has quite a bit of body to it.

-Use Heat and Bond inside the handles instead of Peltex
-Use Heat and Bond for making the pipping
-Make the handles 58 inches (easily fits over my shoulder)
-Quilt all piece except bottom and zipper top
-Use Heat and Bond to fuse the side pocket front and back together
-Do the same for the large outside pockets
-Put pipping on the little side pockets-but pull out some of the cording and cut so you don't sew over it! (Thanks Megan!)
-After the bag is put together add the fusible Peltex
-Only use 2 layers of the fusible woven on the zipper pieces
-Have Jill cut me a piece of Masonite for my bottom-then sew in the lining-no false bottom needed.
 

When she's done, I'll do a proper photo shot and take her some where fun. I just wanted to get this out there for those of you who had ask!

Have fun and don't be scared, worried or intimidated! It's just a damn bag...