Look what arrived in the mail yesterday! I'd begged my mom to sew me an Amy Butler
Weekender Travel Bag made from the gray
Tulip print in my new fabric line. I wanted the bag quite badly, but there was
no way I was going to attempt that job myself. I'd read it's a doozy, and Mum concurred. But of course she did a flawless job. Look at that perfectly matched pattern on the front pocket. Oh my goodness. I'm in love.
The lining is the yellow
Skiff print. She added three extra inches to the handles to make sure it would fit easily over the shoulder, which is perfect for me.
Now I just need to go somewhere.
Look what arrived in the mail yesterday! I'd begged my mom to sew me an Amy Butler Weekender Travel Bag made from the gray Tulip print in my new fabric line. I wanted the bag quite badly, but there was no way I was going to attempt that job myself. I'd read it's a doozy, and Mum concurred. But of course she did a flawless job. Look at that perfectly matched pattern on the front pocket. Oh my goodness. I'm in love.
The lining is the yellow Skiff print. She added three extra inches to the handles to make sure it would fit easily over the shoulder, which is perfect for me. 
Now I just need to go somewhere.
that bag is so cool! your mum is awesome.
ReplyDeleteGrandma G, you're a genious.
ReplyDeleteWow, now that is a skill to be seriously proud of! It looks beautiful in your fabric!!
ReplyDeletedoes your mom own a bags shop? because it looks like she did an impeccable job of sewing this one for you! woww!! :-)
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted a Weekender Bag. They do sound impossible to make. I commend your mom for her amazing work (and you for your gorgeous fabric)!
ReplyDeleteAngie, she used to sew some bags for my Etsy shop, but we closed it up. Now she sews for me. :) I'm a lucky girl.
ReplyDeleteomigosh...so lovely. would your mom make one for me??? Please???
ReplyDeleteYou could come visit us this weekend! ;)
ReplyDeleteMum
This is truly an amazing piece. Amazing craftsmanship!
ReplyDeleteMum, er, um, well, we hadn't planned to... um, now I feel guilty... you DID sew me a bag, after all!
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous bag! Your fabric looks stunning, and your mom has some killer sewing skills.
ReplyDeletewow, beautiful!
ReplyDeleteyour mum is an artist
It's awesome!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE my weekender bag. It was such a pain to make but seriously so worth it. Great work Grandma G. :) Oh and I love your little banter back and forth here in the comment section. You guys are both adorable.
ReplyDeleteIt's gorgeous! Would make a great camera bag, too. Grandma G, you should consider reopening the Etsy shop!
ReplyDeleteYour Mum and I have been texting back and forth throughout this whole process because I'm starting on the very same project with the other colorway. I'm glad she has forged ahead of me and I have excellent pointers from her as I start my own Weekender.
ReplyDeleteGood luck, Cindy! I can tell you it's SUPER sturdy and completely awesome when it's done. You'll love it.
ReplyDeleteGORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteMy first thought was a trip to MN!
ReplyDeletethat is the COOLEST thing ever! go mom!
ReplyDeleteBag looks awesome! Big thumbs up for your mum doing such a wonderful job!
ReplyDeleteThank you for all the lovely things you're saying, everyone! I hate to disappoint you, but it says right on the pattern that sewers are NOT allowed to sell the bags they make from it. (They can only GIVE them to their daughters or people they think VERY highly of!)
ReplyDeleteBesides, considering how many hours go into making it, not to mention the blood, sweat, and almost-tears, you couldn't afford what I'd charge! ;)
Thanks for bleeding only in the seam allowances and not on the front of my bag.
ReplyDelete(Shhhhh! You're welcome.) And you may NOT come here for the weekend! I'd have to go into a cleaning frenzy to catch up on everything I neglected while sewing that bag... and I'd rather sew something else instead. ;)
ReplyDeleteLove you anyway,
Mum
How nice of your mom! I made the bag and it was harder than I had anticipated. That was before she changed the pattern to make it slightly easier, too! It is a great bag, though and it is especially wonderful in your fabrics!
ReplyDeletewow, your mom is quite a sewist! that is the best example of the AB bag I've ever seen and your fabric looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteAww! I bought the pattern a few months ago and after looking it, I'm so scared! Any helpful hint or pointers Grandma G?
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfect bag! Your fabric is showcased beautifully!
ReplyDeletewow t is lovely, lucky you having a mom with such great sewing skills!
ReplyDeleteEm, what I did first was a Google search for the bag. There are lots of blogs with helpful tips.
ReplyDeleteMy best advice: Just dig in and get started. :) The instructions are very clear; just read them carefully and follow them to the letter. It WILL take a long time. One of the best pieces of advice I read was "take breaks" (I'm so good at that!)... if it gets frustrating, go do something else for a while. Just be sure to come back. ;)
Feel free to email me if you need help.
What a beautiful fabric! And bag! Perfect for a spring weekend away. I've been lurking on your blog for a while, just thought I'd finally say hello :) Hello.
ReplyDeleteyour mom rocks! that bag looks amazing!!
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful! I have made this bag before. I am an experience seamstress and this pattern in challenging! She did a great job! I want one!
ReplyDeleteOh lordy!
ReplyDeleteAmy Butler + your fabric = sublime divine!
Lucky you to have such a clever mother - obviously runs in the family.
xx Felicity
what an awesome collaboration. the apple never falls far from the tree, does it?
ReplyDeleteThis apple would rather use a computer than a sewing machine, though. :)
ReplyDeletey'all are cracking me up. Live a colorful life mentioned that mum/grandma g has some pointers - will you share?? Love the bag. it's beautiful and you're so awesome grandma g@
ReplyDeleteIt looks awesome - how amazing is your mum?? The fabric is lovely too. I want one..
ReplyDeleteYour mom rocks! :D What an amazing job she's done!
ReplyDeleteHope you're having a fun week! :D
Miki.
Now THAT is a gorgeous bag! I LOVE it. LOVE. I've sewn many bags in my lifetime, some of them quite ridiculous, and they are harder than they look, especially if a person wants raw edges hidden away, all while working with interfacing. The fact that Grandma G ALSO centered and matched the print at the pockets AND the zipper testify to her amazingness and obvious devotion to her daughter, because those are details that only a er.. mother would love. Hurrah for Grandma G for a beautiful piece of work, and hurrah for Jess for making that delicious fabric! Bravo!
ReplyDeleteThat fabric is gorgeous and I love your bag. What an awesome mum!
ReplyDeleteyour mom is too too good! what skills. you can come to derby and see me!!x
ReplyDeleteWow, that is awesome! I love the bag! (and the fabric!!)
ReplyDeletethat is awesome. :)
ReplyDeleteI think I found a new love! Your fabric and this bag pattern go so perfectly together! I only wish I was a skilled sewer, or had someone who had enough time and love to make one for me :) *sigh* .... maybe one day!
ReplyDeleteDang, and I thought my mom was cool for her potato salad. Your mom rocks!
ReplyDeleteThat is the perfect bag for your fabric. I am too scared to attempt that pattern at my present skill level, but I can dream....
ReplyDeleteWOW! You are one lucky duck!
ReplyDeleteWOAH! you're mom is awesome, unfortch I can't show this to my mom or she'll feel terrible about her sewing skills - haha!
ReplyDeleteholy smokes, what a cool bag!!
ReplyDeleteHey, Michele... I don't make potato salad. I buy it! ;)
ReplyDeleteStunning...you are very lucky!
ReplyDeleteGorg! I want one super bad now!
ReplyDeleteNow I know where your creative talent comes from. I wish I could sew like that.
ReplyDeleteMy fabrics arrived from Marmalade Fabrics today! I've already suffered through one Amy Butler bag, so I won't be doing another (your mom did a stellar job!!), but I do have plans for a simpler bag this weekend.
ReplyDeleteHope you get to go somewhere.
that is so gorgeous! it's the fabric that really makes it!
ReplyDeleteSeriously, how lucky are you?
ReplyDeleteMuch love to the bag AND the fabric!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, your mom is incredible! What a great bag. Yep, definitely a good enough reason to schedule yourself a little weekend excursion. :)
ReplyDeleteOooooh it's amazing!!
ReplyDeleteAs if a bag you get to pick the fabric for yourself isn't cool enough, now you have one where you MADE the fabric!! She did an amazing job!
Guess that whole apple tree thing is going on in your family eh? ;)
Your mum rocks!
ReplyDeleteWow! That is the cutest bag! Your mom is making me wanna sew so bad. So is your fabric line. I LOVE it.
ReplyDeleteWOW - great work! Your mom is really talented!
ReplyDeleteStunning bag! I think your mum has great advice too when she says to take breaks in your work...I do that when I'm unsure of something and go back to it when I've got my head around it!
ReplyDeleteThat is a STUNNING bag - great! :-)
ReplyDeleteLucky you! Your bag is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteWow! congratulations to your mum! and lucky you!!
ReplyDeleteWow, that's fantastic. I LOVE your fabric. And the hab is great, I wouldn't know how to put in the piping.
ReplyDeleteEsther.
Great fabric. You're talented.
ReplyDeleteYour mom said what I was going to say....Go visit her! haha Just perfect. You are a lucky girl. Happy traveling.
ReplyDeleteYour mum rocks!!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou can put your overnighter things in there. Even if you sleep at home. Just tote it around the neighborhood first for bragging rights.
ReplyDeleteYour Mum must be so awesome and talented making you this! It's perfect, I sure wish I had one.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! It's wonderful having a mom who is awesome at sewing!
ReplyDeleteWOW! Beautiful work, even matching the print! I bought the weekender pattern years ago and haven't mustered up the courage to attempt it yet. But this might be the inspiration I needed!
ReplyDeleteOh, WOW! You guys are just SO nice! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
ReplyDeleteTo Amy, regarding pointers... please see my comment to Em above.
To Esther (Happy in red)... believe it or not, this was my first experience using piping! It's actually quite easy, and the instructions are very clear.
To Emily... if you have the pattern, go for it! You'll never know what you can do until you start! ;) You probably have the older version of the pattern, so check the Amy Butler site for updates to it before you begin. (The pattern that Jess linked to with the green bag on it is the newer version.)
Again, thanks, everyone! You've given me such yummy warm feelings inside!! :)
Beautiful!
ReplyDeletethat is amazing. i would of never thought it was "handmade" and even better, made with love by mom. it's absolutely gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteenjoy
lynda in ca
I've had that pattern and the coolest fabric to make it with sitting in my sewing room for...about 2 years. After reading all the horror stories, I know that it is way, way over my head and at this point I'm ready to pay someone to make it for me!
ReplyDeleteGrandma G, yours is STUNNING!! And Jessica your fabric is perfect for this!
I made that bag two summers ago and swore that 'never again'.
ReplyDeleteBut, this is so gorgeous, and if the instructions are updated - I may have to do it.
Your mom did a beautiful job! And the fabric is perfect.
Wow.
ReplyDeleteJust wow.
I'm mostly amazed at the pattern lining up - it's things like that where I say, "I do not have the skills or patience to even try" because if it was ever so slightly off it'd bug me to no end.
Well done, Grandma G!
Wow you are INCREDIBLY lucky. I don't know if you're aware, but that bag is infamous in sewing circles as the Pattern Most Likely To Break Your Soul. Honestly, go read through Pattern Review on it, that things is a beast (and we're talking advanced sewers, here!). Your mom is a saint to not only suffer through that bag, but then to give it away!!
ReplyDeleteOkay, this brought me out of lurkdom. That is an amazingly gorgeous bag, Grandma G is a rock star as a sewist and a mom. Love your blog, Jessica, thanks so much for all the ideas and inspiration!
ReplyDeleteUmm... can your mom make me one. I will pay for it!! I love it!
ReplyDeleteI am in serious envy over this lovely bag! I want one too :) Wish I had a mum who could sew this for me. I'm just going to have to get some mad ninja sewing skills to make one of these myself.
ReplyDeleteexcellent matching pocket patterness - "if a job's worth doing, it's worth doing well, so ask your mum"
ReplyDeleteThe Artful Bodger
WOW!! What a great mum, she deserves a great big hug. She's made me think seriously about making this bag. I guess you don't know what your skills are until you try something more challenging. Hope she continues to keep giving pointers. Thanks for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I've made a few Weekender Bags, and yes, it's a doozy. But now I want to make another one!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm just going to ditto what Lier said. Mega impressed over here!
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome Mom! My Mom can't sew a button, but that's OK I do it for her. Great job Mom!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous bag! The fabric is adorable!
ReplyDeleteWow this is beautiful! Your mum is amazing! With a bag like that, I'd be hittin' the road this weekend. Green with envy! (loving that liner fabric)
ReplyDeleteOh my - it is lovely!
ReplyDeleteYou are a VERY lucky girl!!!! I love that pattern but no way would I dare attempt it.
ReplyDeleteYou've got one sweet mom! I hope you give her something extra special for makin' you that. Lovely, lovely bag!
ReplyDeleteShe did, Susan... she gave me some of her extra-special fabric! ;)
ReplyDeletethat is so beautiful! lucky you and way to go grandma g! :)
ReplyDeleteI seriously can't stop looking at the picture! Ahhh so beautiful... the fabric and the bag. Good work ladies!
ReplyDeleteHi Jessica, I'm a big fan of your designs and fabrics, I follow your blog silently but I just love the things you do. Hope you'll keep creating amazing things as you use to do! :)
ReplyDeleteWebshop???
ReplyDeleteHi Prisca! Thanks. Mona, well—been there, done that. It actually doesn't make any money and adds a lot of hassle, so there probably won't be a shop in the foreseeable future. Thanks for the compliment of suggesting it, though!
ReplyDeleteWow! That is gorgeous! I want one.
ReplyDeleteunbelievable. could you please sell that on etsy or dawanda???
ReplyDeleteOh my ...now I want that bag , in the same fabric ! Haha :D Just a question; How much lining fabric did you use? Since you didn't use it for the piping of handles
ReplyDeleteCaroline... you'll need 1-1/4 yards, because the top/end panel is all one long piece (= about 42"). You'll have a lot of fabric left, though.
ReplyDeleteSo AWESOME! I've been dreaming for a couple years of making that bag for myself. I love it.
ReplyDeleteoh my goodness! It's gorgeous! i'm in the middle of cutting the million pieces for it and afraid already because I didn't use home-dec and I think some of my pieces will be too short!!
ReplyDeleteAh thanks, so 1 1/4 yards for inside at 54", so how much would you recommend for piping and handles? (Sorry for all the questions!)
ReplyDeleteCaroline... you'll need at least 48" for the straps (I lengthened them to 51"). If you use 54" or wider fabric, you can cut them on the crosswise grain (I did... not sure if that's the correct thing to do or not, but that's the only way I could do it with what I had), so a yard (of 54" fabric) is plenty for the straps and bias strips for the piping.
ReplyDeleteThanks very much for the info! Its half-term holidays so fingers crossed I can get started on it !
ReplyDeleteWhere did you find this pattern? I love it! Good job!
ReplyDeleteWait...never mind! I figured it out! It's early!
ReplyDeleteUr mom is supercool...she did an amazing job
ReplyDeleteWish I knew someone with those skills! I'd love one of those bags, but I know i'm not ready to tackle that pattern yet. :)
ReplyDeletewoooow it does look reaaaaaaaaally wonderful!!! congrats to your mum: lucky you!!!
ReplyDeleteoh man, is this the only reason you're coming?
ReplyDeleteOK, your mom is amazing!
ReplyDeleteWow! Your mom really has some amazing sewing skills! The bag is lovely. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat job Mom!!
ReplyDeleteThe bag is gorgeous!
She did a beautiful job!
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful !!
ReplyDeleteYour mom sounds just awesome and this bag is gorgeous! Love Amy Butler's designs.
ReplyDeletep.s. you have a beautiful blog.
Wow, that stunning. Your mom is really talented!
ReplyDeletehow lucky are you?! I need to get my sewing machine out and start using it! So many great projects I want to complete. This bag is one!
ReplyDeleteOh, I love it! Your fabric is absolutely perfect for that bag. Yay!
ReplyDeleteOMG I Love it! I'm gonna try and persuade my mom to make one... Tough job, but maybe if I offer her cookies... What say you, Grandma G, would it help?
ReplyDeleteAnd Jess, do let us know where you've taken it first!
Malin... maybe a trip to the Virgin Islands might be more appropriate. Or, if that's not good enough, how about a box of Outside Oslo fabrics for her very own use? ;)
ReplyDeleteI'd pay for that bag. If you ever want to sell it, I'll buy it.
ReplyDeleteNope, I'm treasuring it forever. But that's a great compliment to the sewer. :)
ReplyDeleteNice! Grandma G knows her way around a sewing machine!! ^_-
ReplyDeleteWould your mom want to make another one to sell? I love you fabric and have purchased some at Crafty Planet in Minneapolis.
ReplyDeleteSorry, Dara, but because of the pattern's copyright, no one is allowed to sell bags made from that pattern. I guess you'll just have to sew one yourself... or get your mum to sew one for you. ;)
ReplyDeletei just discovered your fabric, and when i saw it, my first thought was "this would be PERFECT for the weekender bag!" i'm not ready to start the bag yet, but when i do, this is the fabric i'll use! except i was thinking of the wildflowers print in the same colorway. i really, really love this line!
ReplyDeleteKelly, thanks! You'll love the finished bag. I'm crazy about it. The weight of the fabric and scale of the print is perfect for this bag.
ReplyDeleteI still keep coming back to this bag and it makes my heart sing!!!
ReplyDeleteMe too! I get lots of use out of it, and it's holding up beautifully. I always feel so proud and happy carrying it!
ReplyDeleteAre we allowed to say "holy Sh*t!" Cuz that is just crazy amazing!
ReplyDeleteYes, as long as you use the asterisk in the middle. :)
ReplyDeleteQuestion... I bought the same pattern and only now had time to open it and make one for myself. When I began going through the package I realized there are some pattern pieces missing. The bottom, straps... All I got was two sheets; one with directions and one with the main parts patterns. Is this right?
ReplyDeleteHi Gennai, I haven't made this myself or seen the pattern, so I couldn't say. You could contact the place you purchased it from to ask.
ReplyDeleteGennai... that is correct. The pattern instructions tell you what size to cut the remaining pieces.
ReplyDeleteYou have your work cut out for you, but take your time and it'll be worth your efforts! Good luck!