If you've been reading the last few posts, you know that I've spent the better part of the week working on a LARGE item for my baby and newborn swap. I'm happy to say - it's finished!

Thankfully, the rest of the bag was put together without any real problems. Since the brocade was heavily interfaced, sewing it didn't give me many issues (although it did appear to 'shrink' if I ironed it too much) and I think using this material makes the bag very striking. Since it's not a mid-weight fabric the bag doesn't hold it's shape as well as the one in the book, but my partner loves red and black brocade so I don't think she'll mind that it's not nearly as boxy.

Overall, I like the design of the Everything Bag. It's well thought out and is different than anything else that I've seen. However, this is not a bag for beginners! It definitely helps having some purse\bag making experience behind you before attempting this project. Will I be making this one again? Probably not, I'm leaning more toward the "Modern Diaper Bag" now that I have this one behind me (you can see a great version at sewer-sewist).

Some tips if you plan on making the Everything Bag for yourself:

1) Cut precisely, double check your measurements.

2) To achieve a look like the photograph in the book, try, as much as possible, to follow the recommended materials list. This includes using a mid-weight fabric and fusible Peltex (if you can't find fusible, then baste the layers together).

3) Reading the directions before you work on your bag. If you have difficulty with a step, try a mock up with some scrap material or baste as you go. This may save you some frustration if you need to rip out stitching!