Duffle Bag: Unveiled

Here's my first project that I'm unveiling! I know it's been a little over a week since I teased you with my fabric purchases but this was well worth the wait! I bought a pattern from Simplicity and then modified it, and modified it some more. In fact, I modified it so much, I wonder if it is even fair to tell you that it started as a bought pattern.

The pattern was terribly confusing. It was called an easy pattern which is acually laughable. Once you understand what they are talking about, it's easy. So here is the finished duffle bag.

I love it so much, I made a second one. I accidentally bought enough fabric to make 2.5 duffle bags.

I went to JoAnn's to get more belting and the one store was sold out. They have no plans of re-stocking it. So I went to another and it too was sold out. I'm told a store 40 minutes from my house has it in stock. <Sigh>. The second duffle bag has less exciting belting.

Here's the outside pockets that were an addition.

My confession: I have no idea how to quilt so the fabric I bought was pre-quilted. I cheated and don't feel bad about it. While more expensive, I had a coupon which made this cost me all of $20. Cheap!

Also the original pattern called for you to make the handles from fabric. After talking to another girl in JoAnns (who worked there) she recommended the belting. It saves you some major dough.

It also said to make contrasting fabric stripes. I skipped that step. Love it made of one fabric. I'd like to sell these things. I wonder if I can or if that breaks some kind of copyright law? I've modified more than a few things. It's like a semi-original.

Linking to: Sew Cute Tuesday and Running with Glitter

Kiss the Cook Apron

When the weather is nice (apparently not today) my husband grills outside. I love summer because there are less dishes to clean up when he grills and grilled food is often healthier than winter food. So in honor of the spring and summer, I decided to make my husband a manly grillin' apron.

I bought a Simplicity pattern to help me with the basics. I bought Simplicity 5154. I made some changes to the pattern because I wanted something a little different.

1. When I cut the pattern, I made it 6" longer so it would cover my hubby's legs
2. Instead of making the ties out of fabric, I took the easy way out. I bought belting! Cheaper and much easier
3. The belting I put around the neck, I made it about 1" longer, since my hubby likes everything loose
4. Finally, I had leftover insul-bright. Why waste it? I made the two pockets lined with insul-bright. Great for keeping beer cold and in a pinch they can be used as pot holders!

So I finished the apron around 2pm and decided to see if the beer would fit in the pocket. My husband came home at 6 and the beer was still cold! I'm thrilled with the results. More apron madness is on its way from Mrs S.