Pattern testing

Sara Lawson of Sewsweetness is the master of purse and bag patterns. She sent out a call for pattern testers. Of course, I signed up, I have enjoyed making her patterns and thought it would be fun to get in on the ground floor.P1140480Not an easy one, the Cumberland backpack. I decided to try the larger size. I tried to stay true to her requirements, but later in the process, I realized that I have the wrong mesh. This may have caused problems for me, since what she called for is lighter and thinner.P1140481I didn’t take a lot of in process photos. I will say right here, that I had a problem fitting the center band to the front and back. Of course I worked things out so those little pleats that aren’t supposed to be there – aren’t very noticeable.P1140483I can’t sing the praises of how Sara designs these bags. She really thinks of every detail and all the hardware makes the backpack look very professional.P1140526There are no interior shots, because my inside finishing is not the neatest.P1140527Except for the front pouch with it’s lovely inserted zipper.P1140524I know, as a home sewer, I shouldn’t expect the perfection of a mass produced product. I don’t, certainly not on my very first try. Most people will never notice the imprefections, I just mentioned them to Sara so she would know where I had problems. That is part of testing.P1140526All in all, a lovely backpack, but what to do with it? IMG_5486Give it to a very happy six-year-old.IMG_5484It still is a little big, but she will grow into it.13876202_10155132455722729_7593638263957416404_nThe next day she loaded it up with toys and went over to her friends house to play. I can’t think of a better compliment!  I love it when people use my gifts.

I don’t recommend this a first bag, but Sara has so many wonderful patterns. From easy to difficult. Go over to her blog and give one a try. If you are like me, you will rapidly advance to her more complicated patterns – she is that good of a teacher and her patterns are very well written. Pattern shop.

Leah

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

%d bloggers like this: