Purse Palooza – Pattern Review – Noodlehead Cargo Duffel

This post is part of Purse Palooza 2015. For full details and contest rules, check here.
Today’s post is from Cristy of Love You Sew.

Hello fellow bag-addicts, I am Cristy from Love You Sew. I’m a newbie blogger and lover of all things handcrafted. You can find me on Instagram @loveyousew_ with more of my sewing and tidbits of my amazing family.

It is such an honor to be a part of Pursepalooza and show you my version of Noodlehead’s Cargo Duffle. Lately, I have been stepping up my personal efforts for a me-made wardrobe and it certainly includes accessories! I want to make as many of my own bags as I can. This fall, one of the big trends is plaid and I wanted to make a large fashionable bag with it. However, I also wanted classic style to allow this bag to stand the test of time….so cue in soft buttery leather…

PATTERN:

The Cargo Duffle is a FREE pattern and can be downloaded on Robert Kaufman‘s website. The instructions are a short 5 pages, but don’t let that deceive you. The bag will take some time, especially with sewing through several layers of fabric. But the results are SO worth the effort. There are great pictures and well-written instructions by Noodlehead. If you still get a bit confused, you can head over to Anna’s site for some additional pictures and supplemental directions as well.

FABRIC:

• Exterior: Robert Kaufman Mammoth Flannel in Americana – Since i was working with patterned fabric, I increased the yardage to 1.5 yds to account for pockets, top gusset and straps cut on the bias.
• Accent and Bottom gusset: Upcycled leather jacket
• Interior – Premier Prints Deer Silhouette Home Dec fabric in Navy

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL:

• Top-stitch thread
• Size 16 Leather and Heavy Duty needles
• (2) 1.5″ Antique Brass D-Rings and (2) 1.5″ Swivel Clasps
• (4) Antique Brass Purse Feet
• Parka Polyester Zipper

MODIFICATIONS:

I made quite a few modifications to this pattern especially with the use of leather:

• Pocket flap – Omitted lining and interfacing; Reduced cut by 1/2″ to leave the edges raw
• Used Top-stitch thread for a more professional look
• Pieced the leather for the bottom gusset in order to have the correct size
• Add raw cut leather on top of flannel strap
• Omitted quilting on accent and bottom gusset

Added a cross-body strap for more versatility

• Pieced the leather for a 1.5″ x 38″ strap and added Swivel Clasps
• Added D-Rings when attaching the bottom and top gussets together
• Use Leather size 16 needle and top-stitch thread to sew strap – TIP: Keep all scraps to test tension and move slowly.

Added Purse Feet

• With the soft leather, I wanted to protect the bottom and the hardware certainly adds style and interest
• TIP: Pierce through the leather and batting, then lay canvas on top. But keep in mind the hardware clearance for quilting.

Used parka zipper

• If I could’ve found a brass zipper in brown, I would’ve used it!
• Converted it to a dual-center opening with this tutorial from Thread Riding Hood.

Other TIPS:

• Be aware of direction when cutting if using a patterned canvas like I did
• Add pocket hardware before attaching the gusset. It’s easier as a flat separate piece than trying to fold back the entire bag.

REVIEW:

I love the Cargo Duffle! It’s a great size for hauling a bunch of kid stuff (like I will be doing) but makes for a nice carry-on. The softer side constructions are perfect for my design. I’ve seen other tutorials which use foam interfacing for more structure, but my plaid and leather combo needed a more relaxed feel – and this bag fit the bill! I’m SO happy to have this new bag for the season 🙂

Thanks for following along and reading my post for Pursepalooza 2015! If you have any questions, you can reach me at [email protected] or tag me on IG @iloveyousew_.