A few months back when I was planning out all of the projects for the rollout of Jack and the Beanstalk, I decided this line needed a bag. I drew a few different versions of a bag design: a purse for a night out on the town, a messenger bag, and finally a diaper clutch, which I decided to make. When I started creating the actual mock-ups to figure out the pattern, I ran into a couple of problems, mostly with the zippers. So… disregard the clutch as today’s rollout item. I’ll have to finish the pattern in the months to come (stay tuned). Instead I made the Ditty Bag.
The Ditty Bag
But…I am happy to present the bag I did make, the Ditty Bag by Annie. This is the second bag I’ve made from Annie’s website, her patterns rock! I loved working on the Ditty Bag from start to finish. It took me less than a day to make since the pattern steps and small list of materials make it easy to create. You basically need 3 fat quarters (I bought mine from Bernina Sewing and Design my LQS local quilt shop), soft & stable, and a zipper — simple right?
I made a small and large bag, which only left me wanting to make more. I think this big one will be perfect as a makeup bag. The thing that I liked most about making this bag was installing the zipper. Since “by Annie” sells zippers by the yard I bought one and used it. It is exactly that, one zipper that is 4 yards long with 16 zipper pulls. Using it makes installing the zipper simple. I learned that you’re able to sew down one side while the other end of the zipper can be pinned down. After that you can break the zipper apart and work on a flat surface again. I think that’s the key to making it easy. I adore the way it looks and think it really shows off my Jack and the Beanstalk fabric very well.
If you’re interested in buying any of this fabric, you can go to my Etsy or Spoonflower shop, and soon Bernina Sewing Design, my LQS. This is the fifth project of May’s rollout series. To see more, go to Project #1, Project # 2, Project #3, or Project #4. Thanks!!
The Comments
Kati
Hi Elisabeth, lovely blog. I am a representative for ByAnnie.com. I love how your bags turned out. The apple green zipper really makes the colors pop. I liked your photos, too. Very professional. We will be sharing this blog on Facebook so others can read it.
Just one note of clarification. Our zippers by the yard are 4 yards of zipper tape, not one. They also come with 16 pulls with every pack. 🙂 Thanks again for blogging about your experience with Annie’s patterns.
Elisabeth DeMoo
> KatiThank you very much! Sorry about the misprint, I just updated the post.
Amy DeCesare
So pretty and useful!! I love the photo with the bag inside the bag!
Elisabeth DeMoo
> Amy DeCesareThanks!! That means so much to me.
Bruno Bassanetti
This was a very creative and well crafted project. I truly like your style. Great colors. I like the contrast of the bright tones. The design on the fabric is fun and whimsical. That’s always a plus. That green zipper was the cherry on the cake. Thanks for sharing. I enjoy deeply looking at your work Elisabeth. You are very talented.
BB