Ouch!

It is with this project that I have run a needle through my finger for the first time. I've pricked myself a million times. But this time the needle on the machine went right through the skin on my pinkie's knuckle. Now that's it's done I could use a day at the beach, which is exactly where I hope this bag will be used.


On with what I learned...

1. Never put your pinkie finger that close to the needle.
2. Duck cloth is both extremely easy to work with and exasperatingly hard to work with.
3. The pattern is Vogue 7653 and it has unnecessary steps that make for some weird finishing.
a) Were I to make this pattern, again, I would turn the outer edges in a half inch an sew together rather than leave a raw edge to be covered by bias tape.
b) I would make the inside "flap" style pocket longer and give it a zipper.
c) I would make the side panels out of the same fabric as the lining (the duck cloth was a little stiff for side panels).
4. Fancy cuts to showcase fabric patterns are really hard when you are working with blades of grass and bias cuts.
5. White denim thread is hard to come by. Order online next time?

Where I strayed from the pattern...

1. I didn't use any interfacing this time. I am glad I did this. The duck cloth was plenty sturdy without having another layer of interfacing.
2. I did cut two panels for the bottom and made a sleeve in which I inserted the plastic placemat bottom (These plastic placemats are a dream).
3. Rather than 1 1/2 inch bias tape I made 2 inch bias tape (actually I made both sizes). The 1 1/2 inch was just two narrow for me to work with.

Resources...
1. Vogue 7653, variation D
2. Duck cloth from JoAnn's
3. Lining and contrast fabric, "Freer" from Laurie Smith exclusively for Hancock Fabrics.