Fear of Fabric

I started going to a gym again a couple of months ago. I have been making use of various bags for my clothing and realizing I really want something more suitable. So I figured I'd make my own duffel bag. I found a pattern and bought it, but shortly after learned from a friend that a place in Washington, The Rainshed, carries all kinds of waterproof and other specialty fabrics. My friend, who was visiting in Washington at the time, offered to pick up anything I'd like from The Rainshed. So I went online to take a look.

I found that they had a pattern for a duffel bag, too, using fabrics and other materials that could be bought from there. I decided to get everything from there, and compiled my list using their website. I emailed the store to find out if they could put together my order and have my friend pick it up and they said yes, so that's what I did.

I brought everything to my sewing class yesterday. I wasn't about to attempt this project on my own - mainly because I had never sewn with these fabrics before. It uses cordura, ripstop nylon, and mesh. It also calls for zipper tape and pulls that you put on yourself. So this is an adventure.

After I got it all cut out (I worried about the pins but found that my thin pins with plastic round heads are fine) I started to sew. I had purchased suitable needles and thread, too, from The Rainshed, not wanting to leave anything to chance. And what do you know - it sews! I could do it! At least so far. I needed some help getting the zipper pulls onto the zipper tape but I think I'll be able to do it in the future.

Below is what I accomplished yesterday:


It's the end pocket of the duffel bag. Under that flap is a zipper, and those black things are pieces of webbing that I seared with a cigarette lighter to seal, then sewed on. I am inordinately proud of it, mostly because I proved to myself that I could do this. The next challenge is the mesh. I am having some trouble imagining how I sew that together but the instructions are wonderfully detailed so I am hopeful.