I can quit any time. No really. I just need one more of these. Or two. Or twelve. For all the vacations I don't take right now. But the law graduate is studying hard for the bar, and applying for jobs, so I just might, in the near future, get to go somewhere! But seriously, who doesn't love the cuteness of these patchwork Weekender bags, even if I do only stay home and gaze adoringly at them? Okay, as promised, here are my tips and tricks and links and love for the Amy Butler Weekender bag, even if I'm not such a fan of the designer. 1. Cut it all out in one sitting, if you can. Everything. Interfacing. Handles. Piping. It's the worst part of the whole thing, I promise. When that's done, have some chocolate and go to bed. I don't care if it's in the middle of the day. Go to bed. You've earned it. Also, cut your fusible fleece 1/2" smaller all around (trust me, you don't want that extra bulk in your seams!). 2. Related to #1: You will need the following for a patchwork bag just like mine: 274 2.5" squares - that's less than 2 charm packs worth! One jelly roll will make 2 bags! Canvas duck cloth - you will be cutting out two main panels, two pocket panels and two end pockets Fusible fleece - cut the same as the duck cloth, but 1/2" small all around Fabric for handles, piping, top zipper panels, and bottom panel (unless you want to piece this part too, which I didn't, so you're on your own there) Fabric for lining, false bottom, inside zippy pockets Cording Lots and lots of needles More chocolate. And Dr. Pepper for me. 3. Heat n Bond. 3/8" wide X 10 yards. Just do it. You can even get it at Walmart. It makes the whole piping process that much easier. And you'll have enough for two bags! 4. Zippers - zipit is my favorite shop for zippers. Great prices. Great colors. Fast shipping. I get the 30" long double pull zippers for my Weekenders. 5. I cut my handles a bit longer than Amy tells you to. Mine are 5" wide by 60" long. I like it to fit over my shoulder. 6. The patchwork pieces: the main panels are 8X9, the large pockets are 5X9, and the small pockets are 4X5. Remember, these are 2.5" squares. 6. The quilting: Set your stitch length to 3.5ish. I like the look of this one. UPDATE: I've started using Isacord Polyester thread for my quilting, topstitching, and then when I piece the outer bag. Skipped stitches were plaguing me, and I tried EVERYTHING! Needle changes, hammering the thickness (no joke!). This was the only thing that worked. 7. Piping foot. I got my set off e-bay, because my machine needs high shank feet. I love this little box o' piping and zipper feet. Figure out what you need and get it. The closer you can get, the tighter your seam next to the piping. 8. Here's me, making the piping using the Heat n Bond. Gorgeous stuff, that Heat n Bond. 8. If you haven't heard this before GO SLOW! Take your time. I go around the whole bag a few times, just in case I skip a stitch or something. It's okay. 9. Okay, I'm going to disagree with Amy on her pattern. She has you sew the lining with a 1" seam allowance (the outer bag is 1/2"). Trouble is, it doesn't fit very well. Just a smidge too small. I've found 3/4" is a pretty happy medium. Just my two cents. 9. Inside zippy pockets: this is my favorite tutorial for these. 10. I topstitch my lining to the outer bag at the zipper seam. I still handstitch the lining to the outer bag and the seams (the piping covers it all up), but I like the sturdiness I get from doing that bit of machine stitching. 11. After that, I handstitch the lining at the inside seams underneath the piping so it really doesn't show. Get comfy, pick some favorite TV shows (Bobby Flay's Throwdown, and some Pioneer Woman for me!). I tried desperately to get a picture, but darn it, my stitching was just so great, you couldn't see it through the camera! :) 12. Last of all: your false bottom piece. If you're lucky like me, and you've got a husband with bizarre hobbies, this stuff is out in the garage and you just need to find a razor blade (yeah right) and cut your piece. If not, pick some up at Joann's, or even Home Depot. It's the pretty thick, sturdy template plastic. It really helps the bag hold it's shape. Linking up at Crazy Mom Quilts, and Confessions of a Fabric Addict. And probably Fabric Tuesday next week. Because I'm pretty much in love with this bag. Now I just need a vacation. Does a camping trip 45 minutes away count? Cross this little lady off the 2QFAL list. Because I can refer to a bag as a little lady if I want to. Also, a public service announcement. If you read my blog, and leave me comments, I will reply to you. Even if it's just a "Hey thanks, have a great weekend," I will respond. UNLESS you are a no-reply blogger and don't leave an e-mail. And it makes me so sad that I can't reply to you! So if you haven't heard from me, EVER, guess what! You're a no-reply blogger and I can't send you a message. And you can't win any prizes, which is awful! So check it out, and fix it!