Let’s finish this bag!  Chelsea can’t stand waiting for me to get done! 

Follow the pattern instructions for lining and pockets and insert lining into bag.

This tool is wonderful for pushing out the points of pockets. You can find it at Joanne Fabrics.

Time to add the Timtex!  Timtex is a little difficult to sew with but you can do it! 

If your Timtex has fold lines or is rolled, press it before you cut.  Put a pressing cloth over the Timetex and iron it flat.   Now cut to size according to pattern.

Insert Timtex into bottom of bag. Then insert  into each side of bag between lining and bag.  Pull up bag and lining to top of Timtex and pin in place.  

Open up free arm of sewing machine and put your needle in the needle down position. If your machine doesn’t have a free arm, stitch with the lining facing up. 

Place bag over free arm and machine stitch the three layers together.  Here’s a few tips for this part:

1. The Timtex is awkward because it’s stiff. Be patient and don’t worry about bending it as you sew.
2. Start stitching at one end of the bag and stitch as far as you can. Remember you can bend the Timtex and it will go back into shape.
3. When it becomes difficult to stitch, backstitch, cut the thread and remove the bag.  (The only difficult part is the side section.  You have to pull the bag around the free arm a bit.)  Remember, the Timtex doesn’t break.
4. Put the bag back in the machine and begin stitching again where you left off.
5. Repeat this process until you have gone around the entire bag. 
6. When you come to where you started stitching, backstitch and cut threads

Follow pattern for binding, button loop and button.

Sew on the ribbon and it’s almost done!

This is what your ribbon will look like when you attach it to the sides of your bag.  

And that’s it!  The Carry Me Bag is finished!  Chelsea’s so happy she has a little surprise for you tomorrow.  Are you ready?

Have a great day!

Hugs,

Anne & Chelsea

Let’s add the Craft-fuse interfacing…

Craft-fuse is wonderful, and it leaves any tote with a firm, but soft feel.   I’ve used it in the Carry Me Bag to give extra support to the sides, front and back. 

• Use a dry iron when pressing Craft-fuse to the lining.
• Check the front for wrinkles.  If you see any, lift the Craft-fuse and press again. 
• Turn over and press the lining from the front. Don’t touch any part of the shiny interfacing with your iron or it will stick. 

Tip: Check that the width of your bag front/back is 7 1/2” wide.  If not adjust as necessary by trimming any extra from the bottom strip. 

Sew the bag front and back to the gusset section following the pattern directions!  Tip:  DO NOT STRETCH the curve.  EASE  around the curve  slowly. 

Bag front stitched to one side of the gusset.   Repeat for the bag back and lining. 

Next I’ll show you how the Timtex fits into the bag! 

Back soon,

Hugs,

Anne