It’s in the Bag Blog Hop

First off, I am so grateful for the generosity of By Annie and Island Batik. They provided all the elements to complete this project, everything from hardware to zippers. Luscious fabric and wonderfully helpful pattern instructions contributed as well. The Add-on Videos were also essential. Everything led to a successful project completion! I cannot say enough about the Island Batik Winged Things collection. Designer Katie Colleran selected such dreamy colors, and I love any winged things (except mosquitoes:)!

At the beginning of 2023, the Island Batik Ambassadors were asked to select a bag pattern we would like to make. I selected the Round Trip Duffle since I definitely needed a new bag to go to the gym, I like my gym bags to be roomy because I walk in the lazy river when I go. I need room for towels and a cover up, my suit, and flip flops plus all that health and beauty products including a blow dryer!

When the package arrived with the project elements, I was so impressed with the quality of the hardware, zippers, and the Soft & Stable. It has been a long time since I followed a pattern to make anything so why did I choose a project that was so large I wondered when I started to read the instructions. The Add-on videos (available with pattern purchase) were so helpful though that I spent quite a while viewing more videos available at byannie.com including how to make the straps, zipper construction and working with mesh. The hardware came in plastic containers to keep from scratching. The fusible interfacing was so soft. I work with fusible quite a lot in my fabric collages, the By Annie fusible interfacing was top quality!

The double-sided zipper construction made it easy to sew in. The zipper tape is wide so not only is it easy to fit under the presser foot without rolling up it also made finishing easy. Who can resist a purple zipper! I know these zippers will last with strong pulls and the double slide will let me open the bag from either end. I used two of these great zippers, one for the bag opening and one for the mesh pocket.

I did a few modifications to the pattern:

I moved the constructed front and back pockets 1.5 inches up from the bottom edge thus avoiding bulky seams along the bottom of the bag.
I used a French seam of coordinating facing fabric to sew the side piece and the zipper together.
I wanted shorter handles, so I added a key hook to the outer side of the bag from the left-over sewn handle.
Because I am a pattern and batik freak, I used 7 different Island Batik fabrics.
Fancy stitching was used on the pockets
When it came to the final steps of stitching the bag together, I realized that the Side/Bottom Panel was short by 3 inches (?) I had already attached the Zipper Panel and that section was fine, so I cut the Side/Bottom Panel in the center across the width. I then added a quilted 3,5-inch panel width wise which worked really well as it added extra strength to the bottom of the bag. The 3.5-inch panel side seams were finished with facing so I did another French seam to attach. Looks Great!
I did purchase the mesh to help keep my gym things organized and acrylic bag bottom insert/stabilizer which will keep the bag in great shape.
Once the time came to sew the main elements together I switched to a Schmetz 100/16 Chrome Denim needle and a 12 wt. thread, so glad I did!

Overall, I surprised myself with the patience and care I took with this project. Usually, I am a full speed ahead quilter, but I made sure to read all the instructions first and watched the Add-on videos before I even started cutting fabric! I learned so much about bag construction and gained confidence in zipper insertion! Thanks again Island Batik and By Annie!

I had fun with my photo shoot at my gym, Macomb Township Parks and Recreation. Such a wonderful addition to our community in Macomb Township, Michigan.