The Sling Along Bag

*The Sling Along Bag

FABRIC & Exterior—1/2 yard (with enough left over to make ample ) Contrast—1/2 yard —7/8 yard *Craft Fuse—1/8 yard x 20" wide *Fusible Fleece- 1/4 yard x 46" wide *Soft & Stable—one 10" X 36" piece Directional fabric and changes from suggested layout may require more yardage.

HARDWARE One 10" closed bottom One 22" purse zipper (closed at both ends w/two zipper heads) *One sew-in magnetic snaps *One 1" wide plastic side release buckle (metal is a heavier but acceptable option) *Three 1" wide D-rings *One 1 ½" wide slide buckle *One 1 ½" wide swivel snap hook 50" of 1 ½" wide (for ) 12" of 1" wide nylon webbing (for clip links) I could not find 1 ½” webbing for the strap (called the wrapper) so I substituted 4 layers of fusible woven (each 50” x 1 ½”) for the webbing.

NOTIONS & TOOLS A very clean pair of pliers for flattening thick seams. I will also bring mine to use. A scrap of fabric about 2” square to fold and slide under the for across thick seams. *Erasable fabric marker * (The clips come in handy for some of the thicker fabric sections) *Ruler * * ripper * and pre-wound to match your fabrics *Needle for hand sewing *Pencil and paper for notes *Your favorite sewing supplies

MACHINE & ACCESSORIES * in good working order with power cord and foot control *Size 14 sewing machine needles (bring extra) *Straight foot (the narrower the better), zipper foot, and your favorite foot for top stitching NOTE: Walking feet are not suitable for this project.

* Available for purchase from Sewing Center of Santa Fe

BEFORE THE FIRST CLASS  Take a look at the map of the bag on the first page of the instruction sheet. This shows where every piece goes. You may want to make a copy on plain white paper and color the pieces to get a better picture of where the exterior and contrasting fabrics fit together. If you change the suggested fabric layout, a small piece of fabric and tape it to the piece so you don't forget the change before you get a chance to cut it out.  is a fun element to add to your project. Sew the embroidery first, then cut out the pattern pieces.

Lay out and take a look at all the pattern pieces. There are a few things to note.  There is NO #10 pattern piece.  The pattern numbers were omitted on #5 (Wall) and #8 (Expander). Please write the numbers on these two pattern pieces.  Cut all notches away from the seams or mark them with a non-erasable fabric marker.  Many of the pieces have multiple fabric requirements. I like to highlight each type of fabric on the paper pattern with a different color, exterior fabric in yellow, lining in green, etc. Now it is easy see all the pieces to and cut for each type of fabric.  Important cutting instructions are listed on some pattern pieces: fold placement, direction if using one-way designs, darts, etc. I also highlight these so I don't forget.  #16 (Lower Back) and #17 (Upper Back) have special cutting instructions. You may bring these to class to cut. The instructions can be confusing.  Keep all the cut fabric pieces together with the corresponding paper pattern piece.

Fusing Do not fuse anything to #11 (Niche top), #15 (Bag) or #12 (Wrapper -strap) at this time. Do fuse the remaining interfacing and fleece to all other of the corresponding exterior, contrast and lining pieces before class.

Binding I cut my own 38” . I cut mine on the straight and it worked just fine. You can certainly cut your binding on the bias if you prefer. I used a 1 1/4” width. It was a little tight to work with. I would cut a 1 3/8” to 1 1/2” width next time.

Bring leftover fabric, fleece, foam and interfacing with you to class.

If you have questions, feel free to call me: 970-731-2926. I work most days so leave a message and I will return call in the evening.