UPDATE: Woo Hoo!!! My bag got featured on Sew Mama Sew Flickr Feature for Bag Month!! I don’t think I could be prouder of my bag than now! 🙂 Go check out all the other wonderful bags for Bag Month here
So the Amy Butler Hawaii crafting fest begins with our first sewn object, the Weekender Bag. This pattern was my motivation for learning to sew. I loved this bag since I first saw it and was giddy the entire time I was putting it together. I felt like a proud mama when I finally got it done.
Fabric: Joann’s upholstery Fabric
Inspiration: Amy Butler Weekender Bag
Modifications: Added a sub par elastic pocket to the inside, used a separating zipper
Difficulty: 9
Enjoyment Factor:9
Sewing Time: Off and On for two weeks
The Good:
- The pattern is very well written and I was never lost during the process which resulted in a very professional looking finished bag. I love all the attention to detail despite the price I paid in blood…literally.
- The fabric! I loved this fabric and bought it quite a while ago when JoAnn’s had it on sale for the first time at 50% off. When I saw it again for 75% off, I bought two more yards. It is very durable despite its delicate look. I love the quilting on it. It just looks so fresh and so clean clean.
- The size of this bag is wonderful. When I saw the picture I thought that it might be a little small to handle a weekend worth of my stuff, but man can you really load this thing up. Not only did it hold a weekends worth of stuff
3 pairs of pants, three shirts, a pair of shoes and my toiletry bag with some room to spare
It also held my sewing machine with even more space for notions and accessories INSIDE, let along the outside pockets!!
The Bad:
- The cording! Although I love the way it looks, it was the most labor intensive detail I have sewn yet. I probably ripped enough seams to have made this bag three times over. It was like the Goldilocks rhythm set to the act of sewing. I sew…oops didn’t sew close enough…rip. Sew…oops sewed too close and over the cording….rip. Ahh, sew between where I was the first time and second time….just right!
- What is up with the closed bottom 30″ zipper!! This thing does not seem to exist as a common place item. I had to use a separating zipper in a cream color, then I sewed over the open end and made my opening a little smaller to make sure that it would never get to the point of separation. It works fine, but why make us jump the hurdle of finding this elusive 30″ zipper. This is where I wish the pattern gave alternatives. Next time I may use the dual zipper so that you can open it from either side because on one hand it is cool, on the other it comes in 30″!
- The layers on this bag are thick and murder on sewing pins. I had to throw away at least half the pins I had because they were so misshapen at the end of the project.
- The pins! Because of the layers they were like razor sharp daggers jutting out of the bag. Ouch, ouch, Sh*t, ouch, damn it, ouch was pretty much my mantra throughout the process. I got the scars to prove it!
- Although I LOVE the colors, I do realize that yellow is not the most practical and durable of colors when it comes to a travel bag. I will try to Scotch Guard it or something to help out the longevity a little
- The time involved in sewing this bag is just what one would have expected in such a wonderful bag but it is still hard to take in. I sewed this bag over a two week period. Each step taking longer due to the layers, daggers of death (pins), and the rip rip ripping of progress.
The Ugly:
- Although I didn’t show it I added a elastic pouch inside for holding my undergarments separate from the clothes. This was the first time I did this using the tutorial from here and it just didn’t come out right. It was just too loose in the end. It is starting to bother me a little since the rest of the bag came out so wonderfully. I will probably add some Velcro to achieve the effect I want.
55 comments
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July 14, 2007 at 9:51 pm
stitchywitch
I seriously covet that bag! I admire people who can sew so much. You did such a great job!
July 14, 2007 at 10:22 pm
Olyvia
I love your bag. I am a knitter that started sewing in May of this year. I have been drooling over this pattern. I definitely want to sew this bag. You and I have the same type of sewing machine. :o) Congrats on a job well done.
July 14, 2007 at 10:36 pm
Wanda
Seriously, such a sweet bag. I don’t sew, but seeing this type bag makes me wants to learn. Great job!
July 15, 2007 at 12:46 am
Rashida
Absolutely Fabulous! Beautifully done. ^_^
July 15, 2007 at 2:58 am
rachel
i made this bag myself. had the same problems you had, but i actually hated the pattern and having to make the pieces of that myself. in the end, it is a nice bag, but the layers. oh god, the layers. i’d love another, but i don’t think i have the stamina. haha. kudos to making it through.
July 15, 2007 at 3:18 am
emilyknits
the bag is amazing! well done you! *//(‘;’)\\*
July 15, 2007 at 3:31 am
joanna butchart
well now i have got to make it and your detailed explanation is just fantastic. I invent new words when i am trying to fit zips (they are not my strong point) I am worried that my sewing machine may not be up to sewing through the layers though. Did you find this a problem? I have lots of orders for people to complete but then i think i will definitely make it for myself. Well done for attempting the inside compartment.
July 15, 2007 at 7:34 am
Debora
This bag is gorgeous! You really did a great job on it. It looks store bought. You should be very proud of your sewing skills.
July 15, 2007 at 7:38 am
Kim
It is beautiful!! I’m seriously gonna have to scout out that pattern. Thanks for the informative play-by-play. I’m glad I’m not the only one who pokes myself with pins so hard I end up bleeding all over my project…. 🙂
July 15, 2007 at 9:09 am
Baptists For Brownback Comment-Moderator, Grace
Since retiring I have took up the art of sewing again, though nothing nearly as elaborate as what you have accomplished. You are to be admired for your painstakingly immaculate work.
July 15, 2007 at 9:33 am
Kim
Now that is a bag! Fabulous and well made. Kudos!
July 15, 2007 at 10:21 am
sulafaye
Seriously, you did a fabulous job! Love the fabric, and the contrast you used for the cording. Oh, the cording! You know as good as the pattern is, you always think that there will be clever ways to avoid that kind of pain. There’s not.
Your bag is absolutely beautiful, and your observations about everything were right on! Congratulations.
July 15, 2007 at 12:18 pm
whitknits
That is a beautiful bag! I’m bookmarking this post for inspiration and information when the time comes for me to sew up that bag (it’s on the list, but I need to learn to sew first!).
July 15, 2007 at 1:47 pm
karine
Another beautiful project. Where do you find such beautiful fabrics?
July 15, 2007 at 3:17 pm
Dena
Great bag! This pattern has been sitting on the desk in my sewing room taunting me for months. I’m afraid….It’s great to read posts from those who have made this bag. I’ll bookmark it for reference if I can get my self to actually make it. I know about the pin prick mantra…you know it’s ugly when your husband pops his head in to make sure you’re ok. 🙂 Great post!
July 15, 2007 at 4:36 pm
Sue
Fantastic bag! I loved reading your trials and error with making it too. My fabric is still sitting gathering dust whilst I build up the courage to cut into it. Thanks for the tips about the cording too, a part I am sure I will do the same with too. I love the quilted look of the fabric too, adds to the detail.
July 15, 2007 at 4:53 pm
southerngirlmusings
Way to go and I love how you share the details of your experiences so we are not left just being envious of your gorgeous bag. 🙂 I am sure the bag will be gorgeous in the Hawaiian sun and I can’t wait to see the other items, especially the hat.
July 15, 2007 at 5:58 pm
margaux
I love your bag! And thank you for your detailed experience!! I will so bookmark this when I make it. Again, so beautiful!
July 16, 2007 at 6:04 am
dailystitches
It’s beautiful. The cording really adds a professional touch. Thanks for the detailed review.
July 16, 2007 at 6:30 am
Ashley
That is awesome. I rally want to make this bag, but I’m afraid to–I’d give up after the second time I ripped out the cording! Way to persevere.
July 16, 2007 at 6:32 am
parikha
I love it!! So gorgeous–how come my Joann’s never has fabric that nice?! I’ve been eyeing this pattern for a while, but I just assumed it was too complicated for me; now I’m reconsidering it…
July 16, 2007 at 9:45 am
urbanknitrix
This bag is gorgeous. Because of you I am thinking about taking a sewing class, your crafts: quilting, knitting and now sewing are just gorgeous!!!
July 16, 2007 at 10:03 am
may
SWEET!!! It makes me sad that I have a great sewing machine that sits under my desk collecting dust. Great job!
July 16, 2007 at 10:30 am
Skylar
You did an amazing job on this Mo! Glad I got to see it in person!
July 16, 2007 at 10:39 am
kathy
Great job. I love this pattern too, your fabrics were the perfect choice. The quilted texture gives the bag a very luxurious look.
July 16, 2007 at 2:21 pm
Zoe
I have been wanting to make this one FOREVER!! I love this bag. Seeing yours makes me want to make one . . . humm, too bad that I leave for town in 2 weeks. Just not enough time! Next time . . .
Yours ROCKS!!!
July 17, 2007 at 5:26 pm
Here Comes the Sun « The Lint Knitter
[…] in Amy Butler Blue Sky Sunhat, Sewing Thank you gals for all the wonderful compliments on my Weekender Bag. For all those waiting for the courage to begin, I say just go for it! Once you do you will not […]
July 18, 2007 at 7:44 pm
kelp!
It turned out awesome! The prequilted fabric is so pretty and makes the bag look so professional. I had no idea how huge the bag ends up – it towers over your sewing machine!
July 19, 2007 at 8:38 am
Sew,Mama,Sew! Blog » Blog Archive » Flickr Feature ~ Bag Month
[…] from the Amy Butler Weekender Travel Bag pattern, and Monique has a great discussion on her blog, The Lint Knitter, about the good, the bad and the ugly of her bag construction (very fun and informative!). Enjoy […]
July 19, 2007 at 1:20 pm
craftapple
I saw your bag over at SMS. Beautiful! You obviously have the zipper thing down. One day maybe I’ll get to add one to my Groovy Bag! :o)
I have this pattern and have wondered how long it might take. Clearly it’s for when my young ones are older and I have more time to dedicate to it.
July 19, 2007 at 9:16 pm
Theresa ♥
That bag is gorgeous!!!!
July 23, 2007 at 6:19 am
movinghands
Beautiful bag, and looks like it was worth every minute, considering how much you will use it. All of the details look so professional.
July 26, 2007 at 4:07 pm
shirley
Oh my goodness, that bag is too gorgeous!! I love everything about it, it’s *perfect*.
August 1, 2007 at 2:34 pm
Amy
Another admirer, this bag is awesome! My favorite of all the bags featured on S.M.S. : )
August 9, 2007 at 8:16 pm
The Lint Knitter
[…] also came back to the wonderful news that I won third place for my Weekender Bag on the Sew Mama Sew Bag Month Contest for the ‘Other’ Category!!! I was flabbergasted […]
October 23, 2007 at 11:05 pm
Amy Strikes Again… « The Lint Knitter
[…] carry all is definitely high on the must sew list as well. Maybe I will make it to match my Weekender since I have more of that fabric stashed away. I can’t wait for November 1st because that […]
June 9, 2008 at 9:56 pm
Dawn
I love your bag. It is gorgeous! Thank you so much for putting your thoughts and tips down on your blog for others to learn from! I took your idea about a zipper that opens from both ends! Great suggestion.
I’m making one in a few weeks and I had the same problem finding a zipper. However, I found this site: http://www.zippersource.com. It let me custom order a 30″ zipper that opens from either direction and is closed end (non-separating). I think it takes two weeks to get here. I’ll have to remember to come back and let you know if things didn’t go well with it so no one else tries them.
*One word of warning, I had my cart with one brass tooth zipper in it all the way to where I put in the credit card info, then I priced the zipper in plastic in a different browser window just in case I wanted to change my mind (but I didn’t) ..I hit “buy” and the system magically bought BOTH zippers. So don’t do that!! Thought that might help some people out who are also on the hunt for the elusive 30″ zipper. =)
June 10, 2008 at 6:28 am
Dawn
Just a quick note about the accidental purchase of the extra zipper– I filled out their contact form last night and first thing this morning they wrote to say they would correct it immediately and refund the extra zipper and its shipping. Hooray!
August 25, 2008 at 8:50 pm
| dawntastic
[…] saw on another person’s blog that they used a 2-way zipper on their weekender bag. That is an option you can order (I chose it). […]
February 21, 2009 at 6:01 am
Weekend, bag but no traveling | Things to Make and Do
[…] I used fusible tape to close up my bias strips like suggested here, it worked like a charm and I had one less seam to worry about. For more tips on the Weekender check here, here, here and here. […]
March 20, 2009 at 6:57 pm
lalli
Hi, just came around your site when I was searching the net for weekender bags. You did an awesome job on this bag!!
I have been reading a lot of blogs who posted their experiences, and goodness I can just only admire people who have the talent to finish this bag.
I better keep myself away from buying this pattern till I gather up enough courage. 🙂
July 30, 2009 at 9:46 am
Amy
Your bag looks awesome! As soon as I find the pattern places that I misplaced (oops!) I’m going to start mine, but I’m having trouble finding a 30″ nonseparating (closed bottom) zipper also. How do you feel about having to go with a separating one? Would you recommend it? Any new revelations on the zipper since you made the bag?
July 30, 2009 at 12:12 pm
Monique
Hi Amy,
Actually the zipper on my weekender is still working exceptionally well. Still, if given another chance I would go with the 30″ dual zipper as it is more readily available and will allow for greater access. But really either of these would work.
Hope that helps, and good luck on the bag
Monique
July 30, 2009 at 9:48 am
Amy
@Dawn – thanks for the zipper tip – should have read closer. I’ll check out that site, but any other zipper tips are welcome!
July 31, 2009 at 11:52 am
Amy
Hi, Monique –
Thanks for the tip. I wound up ordering a super nifty zipper from the website mentioned above – spendy, but I’m sure it will be worth it. Now I just have to find the false bottom and bottom panel pattern pieces – I cut the darn thing out ages ago and now they’ve gone missing! 😦 Thanks again!
August 25, 2009 at 6:39 pm
Alivicwil » Blog Archive » ambitious, much?
[…] ouch, damn it, ouch was pretty much my mantra throughout the process. I got the scars to prove it! The Lint Knitter The bag was pretty excruciating to make. I had read the warnings on other blogs and pattern […]
August 25, 2009 at 6:47 pm
alivicwil
I hope you don’t mind, but I linked to this post of yours in my post about wanting to make this bag.
http://www.alivicwil.com/?p=42
Let me know if you have an issue with me using your words, and I’ll remove it.
Thanks!
(I love the fabric you’ve used here, btw!)
September 30, 2009 at 2:11 pm
My stash bustin scrap Amy Butler Pattern weekend « Sewing For Life!
[…] here, here and here….good […]
November 15, 2009 at 10:36 pm
4 Weekender Bags in 4 weeks « made by bird
[…] https://knitlint.wordpress.com/2007/07/14/finished-object-amy-butler-weekender-bag/ […]
March 20, 2010 at 8:06 am
Next Project… Amy Butler’s Weekender Bag | aliciavr6.com
[…] Nice blog writeup about making this bag here. […]
August 12, 2010 at 5:30 am
alicia
Finally got all the supplies for this and will be starting soon. I am very much a beginner with a very cheap sewing machine so this should be interesting. For those who want to find the right zipper, http://www.customzips.com. I just got my 30″ heavy duty closed bottom RED zipper yesterday and it’s perfect. Probably a little pricy at $9 though. But nice to be able to pick any color and have it custom made. They also have the two-way luggage zippers.
November 26, 2011 at 8:08 am
Travel Handmade [Carry On Bags] | The Sewing Summit
[…] this bag, don’t forget to check out the pattern updates, and read up a few tips, tips, tips, […]
May 2, 2012 at 7:02 am
*Finished!* My first Weekender bag is done! « Brass and Lace
[…] http://craftoholic.blogspot.com/2006/05/my-weekender-bag.html https://knitlint.wordpress.com/2007/07/14/finished-object-amy-butler-weekender-bag/ http://allbuttonedup.typepad.com/all_buttoned_up/2006/08/the_weekender_i.html […]
June 28, 2012 at 1:22 pm
sewfrench
Googling to see if anyone has used this bag to carry a sewing machine and this pops up! Great review!
After using, would you change anything?
loritfrench@comcast.net
April 30, 2013 at 12:45 pm
Starting — Amy Butler — Weekender Travel Bag : Jumapili's Blue Mind
[…] Finished Object — Amy Butler Weekender Bag […]