I have read about Annies Soft and Stable and seen patterns recommend it, but never been willing to pay out for it. But in the end temptation won over. I am so glad it did! I was delighted to receive my package for the US (considerable cheaper despite the postage 1 yard £25 UK, £9.50 US)
Just in the nick of time,
Do you remember this California Sunshine Bag? It has become my everyday bag, perfect for work and home alike. Sadly the former linen skirt has not stood up to the test of time.
The original bag was made using Decovil as the interfacing. It’s strong, sturdy, holds it’s shape well, but it’s a bugger to sew… It is cheaper than Annies Soft & Stable (in the UK at least) and easier to get hold of.
I have made a new bag, with a burgundy remnant I had in my stash – it looks hard wearing:) This time I used Annies Soft and Stable – WOW, what a dream to sew in comparison.
It is much thicker, but compresses along the stitching line. As it needs basting in you cannot trim to the seam allowance, I was a little concerned if my machine would tolerate the thickness of layers.
It is very flexible, and therefore happily eases round curves.
Perhaps surprisingly my least favourite part of making a bag is stitching all the components together, will the lining and body of the bag match up? Did I accurately sew the seam allowance on both? I used the walking foot for this part, and my sewing machine coped, sewing through all thickness’s:)
I have to admit I am a complete Annies Soft and Stable convert, I suspect an order to the US will become a regular occurrence:) Thanks Anna for the advice, and the great pattern🙂
Last but by no means least, here’s today’s helper – he decided he was far more interesting to photograph (I think he may be right!)
I hope you have had a productive week:) As usual I am linking up to Handmade Monday.
chris
Sunday 3rd of May 2015
Where did you buy the Soft & stable from in the USA? I bought some from Quilt Direct in Devon at a reasonable price but it is still expensive.
Vicky
Sunday 3rd of May 2015
Hi, I do purchase from the USA. I combine with fuisble fleece. With a reasonable size order, despite postage I save quite a bit - I have ordered from http://www.supermart.com/ I have found them helpful via email re international postage:)
Lucy Blossom
Tuesday 20th of May 2014
Your bag is absolutely beautiful, I love your colour choices.
Frazzled Mum
Monday 19th of May 2014
I love your bag, it looks so professional and very stylish with the colours you've chosen. I suspect it's all down to your very cute helper! Sounds like a great product.
Free Spirit Designs
Monday 19th of May 2014
Hehe, love your little helper!
The bag looks fab. Its always a bit nerve wracking sewing thick fabrics on a machine isn't it, i'm glad yours managed okay this time! :)
[email protected]
Monday 19th of May 2014
I want your bag!!! can I come round and steal it please? I'm pretty sure my sewing skills aren't up to scratch for this one....gorgeous.