Vessel Luisa Bag
I’ve got a lot going on in my sewing room lately, and I like that! It feels busy in a beautifully productive kind of way. I have two quilts in progress, a few gifts and plans for two new projects in the fabric-gathering stage!
Even so, I do like to keep my workspace tidy. I work best when just one project is out on my worktable at a time, so that I don’t get distracted. It was time to finish something up.
Here’s that finished bag for Aria. I hope she likes it!
I sewed this project with the SOTAK Handmade Luisa Crossbody Bag pattern, which is labeled an “advanced” pattern. I was a little nervous to see that, since I don’t think of myself as an advanced bag-maker. However, there was no single step that required mad skills. There were, granted, lots of steps and it really helped that my Juki TL2010Q sewing machine is strong enough to sew through multiple layers of thicker fabrics. At any rate, it was a success for me and I do recommend the pattern!
This pattern includes three zippers and two additional back pockets. Phew. The front zipper pocket is hidden under a flap, which looks so professional. I also like that the top zipper, which opens and closes the purse, is set at a lower level than the top edge of the purse. Such a clean finish!
The inside zipper pocket was installed in a way I’ve never encountered before, but following SOTAK’s pattern with clear step-by-step directions brought me through without any trouble.
And what about the waxed canvas? I’m glad I took the plunge with it. In fact, this was a great application for it. The finished waxed canvas strap feels strong and sturdy, like leather. A waxed canvas bottom is water-resistant and stain resistant. No wonder bag-makers are going crazy for this fabric. The distressing came naturally, lol. I didn’t have to do anything special to give it an evenly distressed appearance.
Bonus points - my finished Luisa bag stands up all on its own, even when holding something heavy!
Big thanks to Winter Creek Cloth for providing the fabrics: Vessel Hills canvas bag outer, Zen Chic script canvas bag lining and waxed canvas.
