The bag!

I finished the bag today, the one I started Tuesday in class. I was a little frustrated at the end of that class because I was having such a hard time understanding the directions. They are dense. More than one step is shown with just one illustration and sometimes I couldn't figure out what step one was. Finally, though, I worked my way through each one, using as much common sense as anything else.

The bag laying flat (with something in it). It can be worn this way.

Or it can be worn folded, like above.

And inside, lining!

I learned two things in particular in making this bag:

* It is important for this type project to be especially careful about cutting and sewing seams accurately. The parts need to match up and be straight.

* Burda patterns are seriously condensed. I chose a pattern that was labeled "easy" but I was reminded that this designation means easy for an experienced tailor. It isn't that it was really terribly difficult for me but it was a real challenge just interpreting the directions and getting things straight. As it happens, I didn't get everything straight. I could never sell that at a crafts fair.

It is a success to me if I learn from it, and I really did. I also believe I will use this bag. It's a good size for a wallet, cell phone, and camera, so that will be especially handy when I don't have pockets.