I love that bag! I can't wait to see it done!

Very pretty, and it matches your blog colors perfectly.

That is going to look fab! *shudder* preshrinking always makes me nervous!

That bag is great and I love the fabric. As for the plastic template stuff, you don't want it too stiff or it will be uncomfortable to carry over your shoulder. I suspect that is fine. If you are overly concerned you could use a double layer of it or also use some fusible interfacing on the bag's bottom to help out the template plastic. Alternately, you could get a thin plexi at Home Depot or that like that is stiffer than the template plastic. Just remember you'll be adding more weight to the bag if you use heaviner options in the bottom.

Good luck!

Cool, I'm making the same bag, but with the green-white lotus fabric. I've read the pattern a few times and she mentions to wash the fabric before you sew it up. As I understand it, the false bottom is not attached to the bottom of the bag but can be removed (so you can wash your bag), so if the template plastic still seems to floppy after you're done, you can change it easily. I expected it to be stiffer as well but I'll give it a try. Otherwise I'll check out our local plastics store for something more suitable.

I really love that bag. I've been eyeing it for a while, but I'm not brave enough to attempt it! I'm sure yours will be so beautiful!

The bag will be beautiful! We learn as we go with knitting and can get to the point where the educated guesses work!

I have found that the plastic "fabric" used for yarn cross stitch work really well, for the bottom of the bag. Usually found in the kids craft sections. Easy to cut and sturdy, but not like a huge piece of plastic.

I think that interfacing is the most important part of bag sewing, (the sides and such) if you take the time to wrestle all the layers now, you will be so much happier....

Can't wait to see more of this bag, It is taking major will power to not order the pattern RIGHT.NOW!

oh, yummy! That's delightful fabric, and a wonderful pattern. You ARE certainly tempting to uncover the old Singer............
I really must retire........

That weekender bag is going to be great. If you think it might be difficult for you, then I know I'm out - and that makes me feel a wee bit better. Except now, I'll just be jealous of your bag. I like your fabric selections. You do a great job at combining colors and prints - cool!

I can't help with your sewing question, but the fabric is adorable! I hope you figure out your questions so we can see your finished bag!

I bet you'll be surprised at how the quilting template plastic adds just the right thing to the bottom of the bag. It'll be stiff'ish with a little flex after it's covered with fabric. IF it's still too floppy after you're done, go get something else that's more rigid but I bet you'll be happy with how it turns out!

Well it sure will be a pretty bag when your done, I just love the design and the colors.

to be completely honest, i would NOT put that fabric in the washing machine. i have never had luck with washing heavy duty cotton. it ALWAYS comes out warped and i end up crying because no amount of ironing gets it back in shape. my suggestion is to sew the bag, scotch guard it, and then only clean it with a damp cloth.

it's going to be a beautiful bag!!

The fabrics are beautiful, and I can't wait to see how your bag turns out. I'm sure that it will be lovely.

That's going to be gorgeous. I really need to get a sewing machine one of these days.

If it weren't for the fact that I have absolutely no sewing interest at all and don't own a sewing machine, I might just buy the blue fabric on principle alone. I love it! That bag will just be gorgeous when finished. I await your finishin this pattern. Best of luck to you.
Oh, hey, we will be in Cheyenne the following weekend (22nd) for a lacrosse game for my stepson. anything there I should see, a lys perhaps?

I've been a lurker for a while now, but just wanted to say HI because I'm from Cheyenne -- now living in Michigan. I graduated from East High School a million years ago (and UW, too!). Anyway, I love reading your blog -- and I really love the bag! :-)

I love the fabric. However I think I have discovered why I don't sew...I'm scared to cut the fabric. Odd, eh?

I don't really know anything about sewing or quilting, but that Amy Butler fabric is to die for! That bag will be fab!

oh i totally want to make the weekender... but i am also afraid of my skills. please let me know how you like the fabrics. i'm thinking of ordering some. still undecided for my bag project!

Sorry for the delay in getting over here, Steph - I didn't forget about you! ;) My my, what a gorgeous bag! and that fabric is really stunning. I have to get my sewing machine out again for this month's festivities. No matter how many bags I already have, there is *always* room for more ;)

Best wishes,
Lolly

I love these AB prints. I'm glad that she's come out with a few newer designs. This is the second time that I have seen this bag and the second time that I have been sorely tempted to drag out my sewing machine.