Swoon Amber Sewalong Day 1: Print, Cut, Interface

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Welcome to the Swoon Amber sewalong!

Amber is a fold-over crossbody bag complete with an adjustable shoulder strap and two hand handles to transform into a full tote.

She has two sizes: small (11" wide) and large (14" wide).

As the sewalong progresses, feel free to ask questions or post progress pictures on the fabulous Swoon Patterns Facebook Group! Or send me an email at alicatcompany (at) gmail (dot) com.

This sewalong will span 4 easy days. Let's get started!

First-purchase pattern.

Second- gather materials:

• 1/2 yard exterior fabric, 44” quilting weight (2/3 yard for Large Tote)
• 1 yard lining fabric, 44” quilting weight (1.5 yards for Large Tote)
• 3 yards 20” woven fusible interfacing (5 yards for Large Tote) (Pellon Shapeflex SF101)
• Three 14” all-purpose zippers (17” for Large Tote)
• One 7” all-purpose zipper
• One 1” strap slide (optional)
• Two 1” swivel clips
• Four 3/4” rectangle loops or 1” o-rings
• Two 3/4” d-rings
• Coordinating thread

In this sewalong, I am making the large version.

Print the pattern.  Make sure you print at 100% or "Actual Size".  Measure the test square.  It should be exactly 2".

Cut out the pattern pieces. Tape the necessary pattern pieces together, matching the letters-this applies to the bottom lining panel, the main back panel, and the large main front bottom piece .
* If you are using directional fabric, take extra care to cut each piece the correct direction. 

In addition to the pattern pieces, cut the following:

• Adjustable Strap: 4" x 25"-Cut 2 lining, 2 interfacing (for non-adjustable strap cut 4" x 40" of 1 lining and 1 interfacing)
• Handles: 3" x 14"-cut 2 lining, cut 2 interfacing
• Large Exterior pocket-12" x 10" for small tote (large tote: 15.5" x 14") -Cut 1 lining
• Small exterior pocket- 12" x 10" for small tote (large tote: 15.5" x 10")- Cut 1 lining
• Lining Pocket- 9"x 14" for both small and large sizes-Cut 1 lining

Fuse
1. Fuse TWO layers of the woven fusible interfacing to the exterior pieces, except the handles and strap pieces which only get one layer.


2.  Fuse ONE layer of interfacing to the lining pieces and 6 of the connector pieces.

3.  The three pocket pieces do not need interfacing.

Once done fusing, you should have something like this.

Come back tomorrow to start sewing!