Burdastyle's Overnight bag

I came across this great FREE pattern on the burdastyle website and had to try it out.  And since I have been basically in a travel status since November 2nd, I figured it was a fitting project. 

burdastyle's version

I used a fun print I found in the upholstery section of Joann.  I was chatting with a woman who was also staring at the roles and roles of fabric and we were sharing opinions as we tried to make a decision.  I told her I was trying to step out of my comfort zone a bit and was purposely choosing something I normally would not gravitate toward.  As for my selection, I would actually recommend a heavier weight fabric than I used... so go for something the weight of denim.  I did use vinyl for the corners though and loved how that added extra durability and textural interest.

The pattern name is Overnight bag 12/2010 #142 (pretty creative name, huh???) and you can download it on Burdastyle.

You will need a 60 inch wide fabric to make the bag as designed.  My fabric was only 56" so, it is a little less deep than originally intended.  That slight modification was fine with me but I should have shortened the straps accordingly.  I might double back some of the top of the strap and sew it to itself to shorten it.  First I want to use it a few times though before I make any changes.

Other special materials required webbing or some other durable twill fabric to create your straps, piping, hardware for the tag, and a heavy duty zipper.  I used some of the vinyl to make a luggage tag too.

 I would classify this as an advanced beginner project.  You have to draw out your pattern and the corners are a bit tricky.  The techniques were just a bit new for me, but if you read the instructions slowly, the actual construction is not hard.

The corners are what really make this bag.

I love the look of this bag and how it is so functional.  Other fabric great fabric choices would be denim, heavy weight upholstery, and leather. It has a very boxy shape and I am sure I could stuff a lot in here.

Do you have "homemade" luggage?

If you are interested in hearing more from us, there are a couple ways for you to keep in touch!

Alaskan winter sparkle

I am coming off my break from the blog to participate in the winter season Project Run and Play.  Is it any surprise that I could not stay away from this event?

 The first week theme is Winter Wonderland which fit perfect with what I had already planned and had cut out for my girls' Christmas outfits.  I was inspired by the dark, cold Alaska winters and used colors that fit the twilight, snowy winter they have been enjoying.

A cropped version of our Christmas Eve family photo

I blogged about my older daughter's outfit over at Sew Cool for the Tween Scene, so you can go check it out there.

Isa's dress is made of all stretch velvet.  The colors are an ice blue, navy, and black.  The dress is the Anywhere Dress by Go-To Patterns.  I color blocked the dress with the light and dark blue, highlighting the change with sparkly silver lace.

I chose to make leggings because it is too cold in Alaska for dresses and tights.  But the thick velvet leggings are warmer and will slip into the snow pants easily.

Of course, I could not leave the outfit simple and elegant for the holidays.  I went over the top by making a vintage pinafore out of a black flocked organza.  The pattern is McCalls 7427.  The only modification I made was to make the skirt double layered and I added more of the lace.  Gathering all that organza was actually quite a pain and I had to use the navy velvet as the waist piece to hide the seams.  But I thought that turned out pretty good as it tied it into the navy on her dress.

"up mama"

I took these pictures on New Years Eve as we visited museums in Tacoma, Washington.  I had a break from my Army school in Georgia and met them in Washington so we all can spend time together and visit our extended family.  I spent much of the time carrying Isa and did not mind a bit.

If you are interested in hearing more from us, there are a couple ways for you to keep in touch!