I was lucky to have been able to have been a pattern tester for Boyd St. Bowling Bag which the talented Janelle at
www.emmalinebags.blogspot.ca made up.
I had so much fun sewing this pattern, the instruction were very clear and straight forward. Also she is great about including lots of pictures of the various steps.
I always like to use different types of fabrics when I sew bags, I'm never one to stick to 100% cotton. So the choice of fabric is a big thing for me. I usually sew on my industrial walking foot machines. I can sew just about anything with it. I can sew cottons, and then go onto sewing canvas and leather just by changing out the needles. When I saw this pattern I knew I had to use Textilene and leather, two of my favorite fabrics to sew with.
I had no problems with the pattern instructions at all while sewing this. Everything went together right the way they were suppose to. I'm very happy with how my bag turned out. The only snag I ran into was trying to take a shortcut while making the straps and tabs. I always use rubber cement, but thought I would try to use wonder under. Needless to say with the upholster weight leather I used you really need to use rubber cement and a mallet. Once I went back and glued and beat the leather with a mallet everything turned out great.
This is such a great pattern to try and I have learned a few new tricks about keeping my lining fitting properly, and staying at the bottom of the bag. Also a chance to add some feet to the bottom of the bag. I will have to make more bags using feet.
Look for Janelle PDF pattern as it is available now at thru her website.