My first Sew Together Bag

I'm always very slow on the uptake, as these bags have been around for a while. My partner in the UK miniswap admired one of these bags on IG ( that someone had been gifted ), so I thought it was the perfect extra. I had also seen these fabulous tote bags in Tula Pinks' Elizabeth fabric. Initially, I thought I would make one of these but they involved piping ( the pattern uses ready- made piping, something I couldn't source in the UK) and I had already purchased the Sew Together bag pattern some time ago, so I combined the two, et voila:

 

Little did I know it would cause me such pain!. My sewing machine didn't like the thick layers of fabric and I broke 2 needles and ruined my 1/4 inch foot.

 

 

 

 

 I don't know if you can see it clearly but the needle drilled a new hole at the rear of my plastic 1/4 inch foot making it impossible to sew with anymore.

 

 

I put out a call on IG and Victoria @sewgoclimbing came to my aid and suggested a walking foot. Fortunately, that did the trick.

 

 

I used fabric from my stash for the inside ( didn't have enough Tula).

 

 

 

Before I started I did a bit of research and found The Quilt Barn's Sew a Long invaluable. I also chose to use longer zips and cut them off ( easier to sew) , though I think zip tabs is probably a good solution as well. I'm sure, as many others have found before me ( as I said I'm a little slow!!) the next one will be a lot easier. I've also ordered a new metal quarter inch foot! I've now sent off my UK miniswap but foolishly didn't take a photo of the contents. I just hope my partner likes it all.