WooHoo Boys and Girls! The summer travel season is upon us! (Well, it is if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere ;-D)
In preparation, I’ve been doing a little sewing and made a new travel bag.
After 12 or 13 years of faithful service, my long-time jumbo carry-on bag was starting to look a little frayed and worn, so, I decided to make a new one. I stuck with the same general pattern as the original (the ancient Simplicity 9779) and made some modifications. The travel fabric is a linen print from Rifle Paper Co. that I had in my etsy shop at one time and the polka dots are Moda’s Linen Mochi dots, also now sold out.
For the back of the bag, I used the same travel print, but I didn’t have a large enough piece of the panels that I wanted, so I ended up fussy-cutting little scenes of the fabric and sewing a patchwork panel. I also added a little sleeve to slip over the handle of my suitcase (and for size perspective, that’s my carryon in the picture, not a full size suitcase LOL). My old bag didn’t have that sleeve and I had many occasions of rushing through the airport having to make frequent stops to rescue my big bag that had slipped off of the suitcase. Hopefully, this sleeve will solve that problem.
Another modification to the original bag was to add this zipper gusset. (For the lining, I used the Amalfi Herb Garden print in mint by Rifle Paper Co.) My original bag just had a loop and button closure, but the button just couldn’t stand up to the pressure of all the junk important items I cram into my bag, so it popped off several times. I’m hoping a zipper won’t rip out LOL. (Of course, I could just not stuff my bag so full, but where’s the fun in that?)
I also changed up the handles from the original pattern and used leather handles this time. The fabric handles of the original bag frayed out after just a few years of use. Hopefully, those four little points of attachment will be able to handle the weight of the bag ;-0. And, in a nod to the jumbo monogram on the original bag, I included a tiny little one on this bag. That way everyone will know it’s mine LOL.
This big bag will be making her inaugural trip on Friday and I’m SO excited! (I’m going to a few places and one of them is on the bag — can you guess LOL? Wait — here’s another hint — I’ll be seeing at least three long-time blogger friends on my trip ;-) ) Btw, if you’re going to be in need of any Liberty or Christmas (Christmas-in-July-sewing!) or other fabric from my little etsy shop, you have until Thursday, July 19th to get your order in, before I’m closed for several weeks. TheManOfTheHouse will still be here, but I’m pretty sure you DON’T want him cutting your fabric LOL!!!
XOXO,
Anna
oh how nice to fly off somewhere and with a nice new bag – it really turned out great – I’m guessing London? is there a prize LOL
Beautiful bag, and what a good idea to put that sleeve on there! Rolling luggage and bags into and out of hospitals for many years taught me what a good idea this would have been. Unfortunately I never thought of it.
If I guess where you’re going do I win the bag??? I love it and the sleeve and the zipper is genius! All , can say is you’d better padlock it to your carryon. Trying to figure out how to “modify” that monogram. At least if I run out of room in my bag, you’ll have room to carry my junk?. I’m actually surprised you didn’t figure out how to put wheels on it cuz you’re just that good??
:applauds you fervently!
is your carryon bag ‘Away’? b/c that’s my luggage! can’t wait to hear about your travels! bob voyage annabanana we miss you already!
safe journey, sweet Anna!!!
What a great looking bag and I love the sleeve you put on the back….I have so often had the same problem with my bag sliding off the suitcase. You know, I tried the change in my account that everyone is suggesting that sends comments on my blog to my email, and it still is not working. But now I am getting emails for several of the people I follow whenever they post. This is all so aggravating.
I Adore this bag it looks like you purchased it at a high end store :) Have a fun and safe trip. xoxo Jewels
Good job on the bag and it looks like a good size. I’m impressed by the way you did the zipper. The sleeve to go over the handle of your rolling suitcase is a genius addition. I bought a bag that has a sleeve like that and it makes it so much easier to carry and gives my shoulder a rest.
This bag is gorgeous, I love the fabric you have used. Happy travelling. x
You will have people stopping you in the airports asking where you got that bag with the sleeve. It’s genius! Are you having a give-away??? (hint hint) You’ll be going into business mass producing them soon.
You are going to be in London! If only I had known ?
I love your bag. If you are leaving soon for London, bring summer clothes. The weather has been beautiful but lots of hotels and shops don’t have air conditioning. And if you ride the tube be prepared for heat. Have a great trip with your new bag.
Sweet bag, and I like your additions. I’m guessing you’re going to London Town! Eat an almond pastry for me and wave at the Queen! Sending love.
~Jody
A very nice bag; I think the sleeve to stay on your suitcase will serve you well!!
Lovely bag and a wonderful choice of fabric. Enjoy your trip! Cheers!