Sling-time

Okay, Birdie Sling number four is finished (see one, two, and three here). I'm very happy with it and learned a valuable lesson: because so many pieces in this pattern require interfacing, the cutting-out and prep phase takes almost longer than the sewing. So, when I had a few minutes I'd run up to my sewing room and cut out the handles or apply fusible fleece to the lining. That way, when it came time to put it all together I could get it done in an evening. Again, I really enjoyed making this pattern; the pieces go together smoothly and nothing is overly or unnecessarily complicated. And while I worry about seeming like a one-trick pony, I keep making this bag over and over because it's useful, comfortable to carry, and elicits lots of compliments.

The bag is for my eldest daughter, who chose the fabrics at Home Ec when she was visiting in early July. The main part of the bag is from the Echino line of Kokka fabric, designed by Etsuko Furuya—a slightly heavier weight linen-cotton blend that has a nice bit of stability to it. The interior is a wonderful, retro-look (it hung in lots of kitchen windows when I was a child) cotton from the Robert Kaufman Hot Couturier line. And the fabric she chose for the handle really pulls it all together—fabulous dots from Laura Gunn's Lantern Bloom collection for Michael Miller.
I was going to wait to post this until I'd mailed off Maggie's Birdie Sling, but she's in the middle of moving and so I thought I'd wait until she was ensconced in the new place to send it . It's a big week for her—not only did she become a homeowner, today is her birthday.

Happy Birthday, sweetie—love you lots! The bag will be in the mail soon.