Zig Zag Bag

Rule number one in following any sewing pattern: read the directions thoroughly before you start.

Guess who didn't follow rule number one this week?

Despite a near catastrophe due to my failure to pay attention to the directions for the Zakka Style Sew-a-Long's Zig Zag Bag, I was able to turn out a fairly respectable product yesterday afternoon. Those of you who are familiar with the original will notice that the zig zags are actually bigger than they're supposed to be, but we won't talk about that... The bag looks deceptively simple, but there was a lot more work to it than I was expecting. This was my first time working with both linen and fusible batting...an interesting experience. My sewing machine wasn't crazy about either of them at first, but I learned how to make it work. All of the fabric is from JoAnn's this time -- Denyse Schmidt prints and grey linen for the outside, and an unknown grey and white houndstooth that I found in the remnant bin for the inside.

I already took the bag for a test drive last evening, and I'm a fan. It makes a great little book bag, which will definitely come in handy around here.

Linking up to Finish It Up Friday, Sew & Tell Friday, and Confessions of a Fabric Addict.