Sewing for the Summit: Jane Market Bag!

I’ve been working on several projects for the Sewing Summit, which is RAPIDLY APPROACHING. Less than two weeks! Thankfully, I’m getting stuff done and I’m not stressing about the things that will have to wait. Mostly I’m so excited about hanging out with new friends and doing what I do best on vacation — EATING.

I wanted to make a bag I could carry around during the Summit to hold all of my amazing swag, plus whatever projects I happen to be working on during our free time. And snacks. I didn’t have the time to create anything supah fancy, so I went with Posie Rosy Little Thing’s awesome (and simple!) Jane Market Bag:

Great, isn’t it? The whole thing is made out of Bella by Lotta Jansdotter (cannot.get.enough.of.it).

My photo doesn’t really show the scale, but it’s a nice size — perfect for carrying around at the Summit. There are two large pockets, one on each side, and it’s lined in TINY BIRDS.

The pattern was really easy to follow, but I made a couple of simple modifications. First, I lined it with Pellon’s fusible fleece, and I quilted the exterior pieces with random straight lines before assembling it. I wanted it to be a little sturdier than doing it without lining. I lined the straps with medium-weight interfacing. I also pin-tucked the bottom of the bag edges, instead of just the sides, to give it more structure. I’ll also cut a piece of cardboard to put in the bottom, just as an extra layer of sturdiness. Mostly I sturidified the whole thing.

I love this bag, and I think the pattern is totally doable for a confident beginner. I’ll only make a couple of modifications when I make it again (and surely I’ll make it again!). I’ll make the straps a little longer so it fits more easily over my shoulder, and I’ll probably top-stitch the top edge — just personal preference. It’ll match the sides and bottom that way.

So…what are you working on for Sewing Summit?

(PS: I am SO very excited for the photography class at the Summit. Because let’s be real — my photography skillz at this point aren’t anywhere close to as mad as I’d like them to be.)