Heading in the right direction
This week I started a new sewing project – Noodlehead’s Compass Bag. This pattern comes in two different sizes as well as two different exterior pocket designs. It’s one of the reason’s I love Noodlehead’s patterns. Anna often includes different options and sizes. That way you can make a bag that’s more perfect for you. A couple of years ago I made the small Compass Bag so this time I decided to make the large.
So far I’ve completed the exterior of the bag and have chosen to make the pockets with flaps (View B). I figured I made the small version with the open pockets (View A) so why not try the alternative option. The fabric I’m using for the exterior is ‘Stitch Stem’ from the Cloud9 collection ‘Threads’ by Eloise Renouf. Eloise is one of the regular designers for Cloud9 and you can quite often find her fabric at your local Spotlight store or fabric.com. I love her designs so I have quite a few of her fabrics in my collection.
The construction of this bag is quite different to most bag pattens. Usually you have two main panels for the main body of the bag where as this pattern has four. The order of construction is also a bit different from the norm as you sew the side seams first. So make sure you read all the instructions before you start!
I think the most challenging parts so far is the sewing of the strap tabs/d-ring holders to the side of the bag. It’s a lot of layers to sew through. Make sure you adjust your thread tension and change your needle size accordingly. Also top stitching the last centre seam is a bit tricky as you are essentially trying to top stitch in a tube.
Very excited that I’ve started this project. Now I can’t wait for it to be finished! What projects are you working on at the moment? I’d love to hear from you!
