Pattern Test Drive - The Gathered Sling by Jen Fox Studios

I actually made this sample a month or two ago so I thought it was high time that I blogged about it. The pattern is The Gathered Sling Bag from a new pattern designer that we are stocking called Jen Fox Studios. This bag is designed with the beginner sewist in mind so it is a fairly simple pattern without curves or zippers. The finished bag is a good size at approximately 29cm (11-1/2") wide x 23cm (9") High (excluding the strap) x 8cm (3") deep. You can fit your wallet, phone, keys and a few other items inside without it getting too full. 

The hardest part of sewing a bag is choosing the fabric but I am quite happy with the combination of the tropical flamingo fabric with the fern green contrast. You could also make the bag out of one fabric if you desired.

Don't you think the greens and pinks on the striped lining match the outer fabrics so well? I always use a lightish fabric for the lining of my bags as there is nothing worse than not being able to find your keys in a black lining. I have only sewn in one lining pocket but the pattern gives instructions for two.

Interfacing and Hardware

The pattern has minimal hardware in the form of a magnetic catch, I've used a 14mm one but I think you could use whatever size you have available without too much trouble. The strap included with the pattern is a simple shoulder strap. If you wanted you could also jazz it up with the use of o-rings, oblong rings or make it an adjustable cross-body strap with a tri-glide. 

Both the outside and lining of the bag are interfaced and I have used our Medium Weight Woven Fusible Interfacing. The combination of the interfacing and the gathers give the finished bag enough structure to stand up on its own without being too stiff.

If you would like to recreate this bag here are the materials that have been used:

♥ Gathered Sling Bag Pattern

♥ 35cm (3/8yd) Premium Solid Fern by Northcott

♥ 60cm (5/8yd) Rousseau Flamingo Aqua by Benartex

♥ 60cm (5/8yd) Growing Green Stripe by Alexander Henry

♥ 30cm (1/3yd) Muslin (I just used leftovers of the lining fabric but you could use calico or any fabric as it is only used as the supporting fabric for the gathers so you won't see it.)

♥ 90cm (1yd) Medium Weight Woven Fusible Interfacing

♥ Magnetic Catch 14mm Silver

♥ Matching Thread Rasant 0247 (5526) Green

- Ky

What's New At Voodoo Rabbit Fabric - June 22

Who doesn't love dinosaurs? We are always on the lookout for a new dinosaur print and this week the latest one from Benartex Fabrics has arrived. Featuring all of your favourite dinosaurs, it is available in either bright or khaki. It is a perfect fabric for a pair of overalls, book bags or even kindy sheets for your little one. 

We were at an industry trade show the other week and stumbled across a new range of bag patterns from an American designer called Jen Fox. Each pattern has it's own unique design feature whether it be pockets, gathering, patched piecing or even basketweave. Most are suited for advanced beginners/intermediate sewists. The gathered bag is aimed at beginners who would like to get started in bag making.

Top Row

10,000BC Dino-mite Khaki by Benartex

10,000BC Dino-mite White by Benartex

Middle Row

Basketweave Bag Pattern by Jen Fox Studios

Vintage Scrapbook Paris Ephemera Collage Cream by Benartex

Gathered Sling Bag Pattern by Jen Fox Studios

Bottom Row

Zippy Bag Pattern by Jen Fox Studios

Sunburst Sling Bag Pattern by Jen Fox Studios

Pocket Tote Bag Pattern by Jen Fox Studios

Yesterday we announced our brand new Voodoo Toy Club and the response has been incredible. Spaces are limited and are already half filled!

When you subscribe, you will receive 1 toy kit (Funky Friends Factory pattern by Pauline McArthur + fabric) per month for 6 months. Starting in July, you can make a toy a month & be set for Christmas! Our signature Voodoo Bunny is our gift to you as an added bonus if you stay subscribed for the full 6 months.

Click here for full details and sign up

- Ky and Cloud