I now have something to store my cameras and I'm happy wtih how this project turned out. I did have some frustrating moments, such as my Bernina decided to stop working and was in the shop for a month, but lucky me I still had my old Singer that worked perfectly fine. As for the project itself here are some tips below, which I hope prove helpful to you if you decide to make this project.
I'm not sure if all parachute buckles are all created equal because if so I did find one minor errata with the clasp tabs pattern. I created the clasp pattern (3-1/2 x 3-1/2) and sewed it ( using a1/4 in. seam allowance as stated in step 9 "refer back to step 6") three different times following the instructions. The clasp tabs came out each time about half inch too large, which wouldn't go through the 1 inch buckle opening. I purchased a larger parachute buckle, to accommodate the tabs, but when I received it by mail I looked at it and decided the larger size would overwhelm the front of the bag. This meant creating a new square for the clasp tabs with different dimensions. The new square measured 3 by 3 with a half inch seam allowance built in--this worked perfectly with the 1 inch parachute buckle opening.
The corduroy fabric shifted quite a lot especially when attempting to sew the contrast band around the bottom of the bag. Using pins to keep the fabrics from shifting and getting the alignment of the contrast fabric correct didn't help me very much. After attempting to sew the contrast band at the bottom several times without success I decided to use cotton basting thread to secure the band instead of pins. Cotton basting thread is so wonderful! It always seems to solve tricky problems in sewing. It may take some extra time , but the payoff is great! Everything stayed put and I was able to sew the topstitch quickly and without any further problems.
The instructions in the book called for pressing a certain amount of seam allowance before proceeding to the next step. Something that helps me out when any sewing instructions call for advance pressing is to run a basting seam for whatever amount of seam allowance they ask to be pressed. For example, If its 1/4 inch I will run a basting line this amount from the edge-- then use this as a guide to press in that amount. I find this easier than drawing a line with a ruler or using a ruler as I go along.
For this project one of several tools I used was a seam roll. I used the roll to help with the pressing of the corduroy fabric. I laid the fabric on top of the seam roll-- then used short bursts of steam on the seam allowance-- then finger pressed the seam allowance open. I used this pressing method because corduroy is a nap fabric that requires greater care than non-nap fabrics.
Although, the instructions said to use the sewing machine to apply the binding to the top portion of the bag I went ahead and hand sewed it in. I began with the machine, but it proved too awkward to sew--the bag was nearly complete--hardware and all attached and I began having problems. I decided it would easier to hand sew it in and this would actually save me time in the long run. Note: Before cutting out your fabric--double check that your pattern pieces are lined up correctly (i.e. wales paralel as stated in book )
One last tip-- I like keeping my sewing book(s) at eye level while I sew and I utilize my clear cookbook stand to help me out with this. I find this small but important technique so much better than having it lay flat on my table (there is a reason why music stands exist and this is my music stand). :)
Hopefully, these suggestions are helpful for all your sewing endeavours--happy sewing!
The corduroy fabric shifted quite a lot especially when attempting to sew the contrast band around the bottom of the bag. Using pins to keep the fabrics from shifting and getting the alignment of the contrast fabric correct didn't help me very much. After attempting to sew the contrast band at the bottom several times without success I decided to use cotton basting thread to secure the band instead of pins. Cotton basting thread is so wonderful! It always seems to solve tricky problems in sewing. It may take some extra time , but the payoff is great! Everything stayed put and I was able to sew the topstitch quickly and without any further problems.
The instructions in the book called for pressing a certain amount of seam allowance before proceeding to the next step. Something that helps me out when any sewing instructions call for advance pressing is to run a basting seam for whatever amount of seam allowance they ask to be pressed. For example, If its 1/4 inch I will run a basting line this amount from the edge-- then use this as a guide to press in that amount. I find this easier than drawing a line with a ruler or using a ruler as I go along.
For this project one of several tools I used was a seam roll. I used the roll to help with the pressing of the corduroy fabric. I laid the fabric on top of the seam roll-- then used short bursts of steam on the seam allowance-- then finger pressed the seam allowance open. I used this pressing method because corduroy is a nap fabric that requires greater care than non-nap fabrics.
Although, the instructions said to use the sewing machine to apply the binding to the top portion of the bag I went ahead and hand sewed it in. I began with the machine, but it proved too awkward to sew--the bag was nearly complete--hardware and all attached and I began having problems. I decided it would easier to hand sew it in and this would actually save me time in the long run. Note: Before cutting out your fabric--double check that your pattern pieces are lined up correctly (i.e. wales paralel as stated in book )
One last tip-- I like keeping my sewing book(s) at eye level while I sew and I utilize my clear cookbook stand to help me out with this. I find this small but important technique so much better than having it lay flat on my table (there is a reason why music stands exist and this is my music stand). :)
Hopefully, these suggestions are helpful for all your sewing endeavours--happy sewing!
