These Aren't Your Grandpa's Flannel Shirts (Though They Could Be)...

Each year, my sister Rachel's workplace holds a fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Last year I donated a bag that I had made on a whim and didn't have any plans for (nor pictures of--it was a leopard print with brown trim in this style). This year I was told that one of my bags was being requested, which is fun and nice, right? Of course I said yes, but I was a little unsure of what to do. Most of the time, when I am asked to make a bag, I get some direction so I don't have to think too hard (heaven forbid, right?). I decided to just flick through some fabric sites for inspiration. I wanted it to be for fall/winter, but not bland (sewing is more fun when the fabrics aren't a snooze-fest). I like the way this came out so much that I really don't want to give it away.

A charm pack from Fat Quarter Shop, and some basics from Joann's...

I was a little iffy on the fabrics as I've never really used flannel other than for PJs, but wow! Absolutely great quality--it was softy but sturdy, and the colors were very vibrant. The corduroy was a pretty fine wale fabric, so they played well together as far as bulk and all that jazz is concerned.

Aren't the colors great? Bright but not a smack-you-in-the-face rainbow sort of bright. 

 I spent a good bit of time rearranging the squares for the front and back.

It's hard to tell from the photos but they are indeed delightfully lush flannels--it's hard to see the nap or the fuzz or whatever you call it--it should be easy to see as I've had to brush it so many times to get the corduroy fuzzies off (they're like glitter--I'll probably be finding them for weeks!).

I use plain cotton so often that I do forget how fun it can be to play with texture--these flannels were made to marry corduroy. And of course you get your obligatory hardware close-ups--those are my favorite.

 

The lining has the usual--slip pockets on one side and a zip on the other, mag snap for a closure.

Wanna hear something stupid I did with the lining? When I cut the red part I convinced myself that I should cut it a few inches longer and trim it, but I distinctly remember convincing myself not to do that as it was one seam and it wasn't going to be off, and certainly not enough to need extra to be sure. When I assembled everything, I thought "Do I need to trim the lining?" and then promptly reminded myself that I had not left it too long so I should carry on. As I was pressing the bag (final step, mind you) I could not fathom why the lining would not lie snugly within the exterior and was being baggy and long and stupid. So I measured, and there it was. I ripped open my sewn-shut gap, trimmed and resewed (thank goodness it was just the bottom of the lining so I didn't have to take everything apart). I was afraid what I had trimmed for the corners wasn't going to work where it had been trimmed back, but the cut was at the exact point that it needed to be and all was well.

Now it's all pressed, brushed, and ready for delivery.

If you'd like to give one a crack I've got the instructions over on the Sew Alongs page. And, for those of you who have asked very nicely reminded me, I'm working on getting the full set of instructions into a PDF file so you can follow along online or click and print/follow-in-one-place. I could have sworn I did that but apparently not. I'll let you know when it's up. If you do make one, add it to the Flickr pool (link in the sidebar)--I love seeing what you guys get up to with my tutorials :)

Happy, happy Monday to you! Surely if one says that enough it'll come true, yes? Maybe? Ugh, Mondays.

I'll be linking up to these parties:

Monday: CraftOManiac Monday, Making Monday Marvelous, Market Yourself Monday, Motivate Me Monday, Made By You Mondays, Making the World Cuter

Tuesdays: Take-a-Look Tuesday, Show Me What Ya Got, Homework

Wednesdays: Your Whims Wednesday, Creative Share Wednesday, We did it Wednesday, Sugar and Spice, Whatever Goes Wednesday

Thursdays: Hookin Up With House of Hepworths, Catch a Glimpse

Friday: Link Party Palooza, Frugal Friday, Show and Share Day, Weekend Bloggy Reading

Saturdays: Saturday Night Special, Show and Tell Saturdays, Positively Splendid

Sundays: Sunday Showcase, Think Pink Sunday,  Submarine Sunday