I am SO excited to share my newest bag that I am so in love with. That sounds like I’m exaggerating, but I am so thrilled with how it turned out, which is way better than I imagined.
This is the new Freya Tote and Laura Pouch from Sewlala. I had the opportunity to test the pattern, and it was released yesterday! Is it not the cutest?? The Laura Pouch is sold separately as well, but the combo is where it’s at.
I originally wasn’t going to do the side ties, but then I saw a couple of testers who added them, and I couldn’t resist. They kind of look like little flower petals, and the lining popping out makes me so happy! Especially because when I was getting ready to cut the canvas fabric for the outside, I didn’t even realize that I had a lining fabric that matched, and I was planning to go to the store to buy one.
Then I decided to at least check first to see if anything I had would work…and lo and behold, this Indian cotton fabric stopped me in my tracks, and I had to ask every person in my family if it really matched and that I wasn’t just desperate.
I was so happy to not have to buy more fabric (or leave my house, if we’re being honest). Another fabulous reason that I didn’t have to leave my house was because some sewing friends told me about an online Portuguese fabric shop that has a really good selection of bag making supplies called Verde Lima. I ordered two different types of webbing and the cording for the side ties, and it was here in two days! Definitely ordering from them in the future.
The webbing that I ended up using was the thin strap that is 50% cotton / 50% polyester. It was just thick enough to still be nice and sturdy for the straps. I did order the 100% cotton strap, but it was maybe too thick, and it seemed like it would have been more of a pain to fold over the seams (not impossible, just more difficult). I also bought the 4mm cotton cord for the drawstrings on the sides. Everything that I ordered was great quality.
The fabrics I used are, unfortunately, not available. The cotton canvas that I used for the outer fabric is from my friend Pauline‘s de-stash a couple of years ago. The Indian cotton is from Les Coupons de Saint Pierre in France, and it’s no longer in stock. They do have other Indian cottons available; the only downside is that you have to buy a full 3 meters. I was planning to make a top with my fabric, so having 3 meters meant that I could spare some for the lining of this bag! Maybe later there will be a matching outfit moment.
As a pattern tester and still kind of a beginner to bag-making, I made a few notes about places I got stuck and things that would be helpful to add to the pattern. So, I made sure to send that feedback to Anna to be sure that other beginner sewists could tackle this pattern easily. The pattern is rated ‘confident beginner,’ and I agree! The instructions and illustrations are very clear and informative.
The only spot I struggled was when I was inserting the drawstrings. (So, if you don’t add them, then you won’t have a problem.) The tunnel was so small that I found it almost impossible, but I don’t have any tools that would have made it easier.
So, what I did was only sew the top line of stitching, then I inserted both drawstrings through the buttonholes and butted them up as close to the stitched line as possible and pinned really well. Then I sewed the bottom line of stitching making sure not to snag the drawstrings. This seemed a little bit amateur, but it worked! After I was finished, I pulled the strings back and forth to make sure they weren’t snagged by the stitches.
I don’t think I had ever sewn a standard zipper pouch until I made the Laura Pouch. That might seem weird, but I just never felt the need to. It was really fun making a matching Laura to go with my Freya, though. It came together so quickly, and I can honestly say that both were really enjoyable to sew!
The construction of this bag is so clever, and maybe it’s just because I’m new to bag making, so I haven’t noticed a lot of bags that use webbing/trim to finish the seams, but I love it! I also made the small size, but the large size looks like it would be great for the beach or vacations.
You can get the Freya and Laura pattern for 20% off this week to celebrate the launch of the pattern. As Cookie Monster would say, “What’s stopping you?”
My “sharing joy” for this post is sewing related, probably because I’ve been sewing so much lately. But also, over the past year, my sewing space has gotten so cluttered and chaotic. So, over the past week I’ve been doing a little Spring cleaning. I organized different sections and finally put patterns away that have just been on the floor for…months probably. I’ve also sewn through a few fabrics and that has cleared some space too.
So now that I can finally see and find everything, it feels so much nicer and less overwhelming to be creating in this space again. Doing a little refresh renewed my appreciation for this hobby and how much creativity and joy it adds to life.
What has brought you joy lately? It certainly doesn’t need to be sewing related. I’d love to know if you want to share. xoxo
