I’m ready to go when you are…
The last few weeks I’ve been showing you some of the clothing patterns I’ve been trying out. Well this week you’ll be glad to know that I’ve got a new bag to show off instead! Although there isn’t a lot of use for a new bag at the moment as soon as things start to get better I’m ready to go. Say hello to my Explore and Venture Backpack by Art Gallery Fabrics.
Art Gallery Fabrics is a company that designs and producers quality quilting fabric for sewing/quilting stores. They have a website that is well worth taking a look at, particularly if quilting is your thing. You can’t actually purchase directly from their site as they only sell wholesale. But they have a range of digital lookbooks filled with inspiration as well as information on where fabrics can be purchased. They also have a range of patterns that they sell as well as a huge range of free projects. There’s bound to be something that will take your interest!
The Explore And Venture Backpack is one of the free projects that Art Gallery Fabrics offer. It’s actually the first project of theirs that I’ve made and there are a few things worth mentioning if you want to make one for yourself. Firstly, I wouldn’t suggest trying this pattern if you are an absolute beginner to sewing bags. Not so much because it’s a complicated bag to sew but because the instructions are fairly minimal. The project designer appears to assume a certain amount of bag sewing knowledge and experience. Some steps could definitely be explained in more detail (particularly for the zipper tab construction) and a few more illustrations might help. Even though this is the first project I’ve tried from Art Gallery, it looks like a bit of a theme with their free projects.
A few other notes to mention about the Explore and Venture Backpack that might come in handy if you want to make your own. The method given in the instructions for making the straps and handle is the pull through method. I always find this to be a very time consuming way to make straps. So I would highly recommend making your straps by the folding and top stitching method instead. I think it’s much easier to make straps this way but everyone is different. Another thing to note is there are a few discrepancies between the measurements given at the start and those supplied throughout the pattern. The big one is the amount of fabric to use for your straps. I think the one given at the start is incorrect – as it makes very small straps.
I think the thing that we all have to keep in mind is that patterns and tutorials all take time to put together. And it’s always very generous for the designers to make them available to us for free. So it’s not uncommon to find small errors from time to time with measurements or instructions. It certainly shouldn’t put you off making the project. It’s also a great way to get a feel for the designer and how they create and write their patterns. Plus you can try out different projects to find out what you love sewing the most. Maybe you want to give quilting a go, or bag making? You can explore these areas without having to spend a lot of money. Yay – for free patterns! The best thing to do is to read all the instructions first before you start and before you cut your fabric.
Overall I do like the Explore and Venture Backpack. It’s not overly complicated to put together and quite a quick project to complete. There’s probably not enough pockets for me (ie no pockets and you know my love for pockets!). But it’s a great size for taking out and about with you. And I just love the shape of the body and the position of straps. It’s also got a zip closure to keep all your goodies secure. All good qualities to have in a backpack. I’ll definitely be trying out another of Art Gallery’s sewing patterns in the future. They’ve got such a large and varied range. But in the mean time I’m all good to go (when we can go) with my Explore and Venture Backpack!
