Swoon Dorothy Sewalong Day 4: Finish!

Last day! All that is left is putting everything together.

Take the zipper top and the exterior bottom panel.

Pin short sides together-move the lining top panel out of the way.

Swoon Dorothy Sewalong day 3: Handles and Main Zipper

As promised, to day is easy and fast. 

We will sew the handles on the exterior main panel and construct the main zipper.

Handles

Take an exterior main panel and one handle piece.

Position the handle ends 2" from the side and 

the bottom of the handle end 2.25" from the top.

Pin in place.

Make sure your handle isn't twisted.

Swoon Dorothy Sewalong Day 2: Prep Work

Day 2 ladies!

We will work on all the prep stuff which includes the handles, exterior zipper, making the pockets and basting the piping.

Do NOT be scared of the piping.  I'm not sure why it seems intimidating.
It is the easiest way to add serious pizazz to your work.

 Grab your interfaced handles.  Ignore that my interfacing is short.  sigh. It's not worth explaining.

Swoon Dorothy Sewalong Day 1: Print, Cut, Stabilize

Welcome to the Swoon Dorothy Sewalong! I am so glad you are here!

Let's get started.

You can find the pattern here (affiliate link): Dorothy Day Tripper

Materials:

1 yard exterior fabric, quilting or home decor weight
1.5 yard interior fabric, quilting weight
2 packages of pre-made piping
3 yards Pellon Craft-fuse 808 or mid-weight fusible interfacing of choice
1 yard fusible fleece (Pellon Thermolam)
1/2 yd light-med interfacing (you can use Craft-fuse)
24″ all-purpose zipper (22" zipper will work as well)
2 9" zippers
Coordinating thread

We will be making a few changes to the pattern.  I am changing the handle style (it will still be shoulder bag length) so that we can install a zipper pocket on the exterior.

If you do not want to make those changes, then you will only need 1 9" zipper for the interior pocket. 

Cut out all your fabric and stabilizer according to the pattern pieces but  

DO NOT CUT THE HANDLES!

I love Swoon Sewing Patterns!

I have recently pattern tested two bag patterns for Swoon Sewing Patterns.  I must say, these patterns are awesome!  Really, really great design.  

As an anti-diaper bag mama, I prefer a larger bag to carry all the kid stuff.  i have fallen madly in love with my Eleanor Slouchy Hobo.  You can see my pictures for it here.  Personally, I like cross body bags because when you pick up kids, put them down, pick up items they have throw out of the grocery cart, I don't want my bag falling off my shoulder and all the contents spilling out on the floor.  You know what I'm talking about; so embarrassing!  Well, the Eleanor's strap is the perfect length for cross body, so it will never fall off that shoulder while shopping.  It's also large enough for diapers, wipes, and sippy cups but not so big you feel like a pack mule.  The Eleanor is so comfortable laying on your hip or along your back for when you must carry your infant and toddler at the same time.  

Again, you know what I'm talking about!

The Dottie is a great bag when you are out and about when you don't have to carry items for 4.  You can see my pictures here.  It's also a great bag for a little girl to carry around her necessities.  And by necessities I mean Barbies, stickers, and princess hair ties.  

Yes, I am getting to the point now.  After these two bags, I decided I absolutely positively MUST have the Dorothy Day Tripper bag pattern. 

So here she is, my Dorothy. I really love it!  Great should strap length, nice and roomy interior without being bulky.  This would be the best carry-on bag for a flight.  You could fit a knitting project in this thing!