Other: Too Cool For School Satchel (Lisa Lam A Bag For All Reasons) - Type:Accessories
Review submitted in Handbag Contest Contest  | | Viewed 239 times
| | Review rated Very Helpful by 6 people | | Reviewed by: | westmoon | 
 | About westmoon | | UNITED KINGDOM | | Member since: 9/7/11 | | Reviews written: 20 | | Sewing skills:Advanced Beginner | | Favored by: 4 people | | patterns reviewed: 20 | | Bio: more... |
| | Posted on: | 1/27/13 7:59 AM | | Last Updated: | 1/27/13 8:28 AM | | Project Photo: |  | | Pattern Photo: | More Info provided by westmoon | | Pattern Rating: | Highly Recommend | | | | Fabric: | Cotton Duck [See other projects in this fabric] | | Related Links | Click on  to add a link |
| Pattern Description: This bag was made using the "Too Cool For School Satchel" pattern by Lisa Lam, taken from her second bag-making book A Bag For All Reasons. The author describes it as follows:
"The design is based on the traditional leather satchel used by English schoolchildren and professors alike. There is something so romantic about old-fashioned school uniform with cute caps and smart blazers -- this style of satchel is a key part of this look"
The bag is a simple rectangular satchel with a large main pocket and a smaller front pocket. It has a long cross-body adjustable strap.
I'm a huge fan of this shape of bag and although I would like a nice leather one as well, I thought I would give making a fabric version a try. I've seen bags in this shape in Modcloth and other fashion sites recently as well. I call my bag the Sea-Farer's Satchel because the colours and the overlapping stripes put me in mind of the ocean.
Pattern Sizing: I made the pattern in the original size. Since all the pieces are very simple shapes it could very easily be made smaller or larger to suit. The main pocket of my bag is about 33cm wide and 22cm tall.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, I think so, although I think the one in the book is a larger version. Either that or the model is tiny, one of the two.
Were the instructions easy to follow? They are very detailed. I have to admit I barely used them though as the bag construction is fairly straightforward really. A beginner or someone who has made very few bags before would have no problem following them, although some of the sewing of the gussets might be a little tricky for someone with less experience.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I love the shape and style of the bag and I also really like the size. I started out a bit dubious, thinking it would be too small, but it turned out larger than I expected, somehow. I was also doubtful about the seam construction. You sew the lining and exterior together of each main panel together, and then attach it, seams facing out, to a similarly constructed gusset. I thought this might look awkward -- a sandwich full of seams -- and considered changing the construction and binding the seams instead. However, I really like the way it turned out and I don't think the end result is at all bag.
The main thing I disliked was the use of sliders to close the bag. I am no fan of them on bags I carry because I find them a nuisance to do and undo all the time. I made some small modifications and substituted a twist lock. I also didn't use the suggested strap shape, only because I forgot to trace the shape and then couldn't be bothered at that point!
Fabric Used: An asymmetric stripe home decor weight fabric in white, duck egg, navy and orange. I cut my fabric so not too much of the orange was in my bag, just a couple of contrasting stripes in the gusset. The bag is lined in the same fabric as the exterior, mainly because of the exposed side seams.
This bag is interfaced like you wouldn't believe. I had to alter the interfacing a little based on what was available and not too ridiculously expensive. Lisa Lam recommends heavy interfacing and an ultra-heavy double-sided interfacing that you use to fuse together the lining and exterior when they are sewn. I couldn't locate the ultra-heavy double-sided, so I used a layer of ultra heavy fusible on lining and body pieces, and then used an inexpensive medium weight double-sided fusible to bind my exterior and lining pieces together. The gusset is just lined with heavy weight. Despite the changes, I am really pleased with the outcome -- the main pieces are flexible enough to e.g. fold over for the flap, but strong enough that the bag stands upright unaided and holds its rectangular shape. Anyone making the bag though should be prepared to leave plenty of time for interfacing.
As far as hardware is concerned, I used rectangular silver sliders and rings for my adjustable strap. I also used, for the first time ever, a twist lock fastening. The one I used is in the Mulberry style, a large oval shape. I think it looks great, but installation was pretty painful as it required cutting several holes into the finished bag flap and a lot of fray check. The straps are riveted rather than sewn to the bag.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: The main alteration was to make use of the twist lock. In order to close the bag and have it cover the front pocket nicely, I needed to make the top piece about 6cm longer in total. Since it's basically a giant rectangle this was totally unproblematic.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Definitely, on both counts. I like this bag a lot and am very pleased with it. I think most moderately experienced bag-makers would find it easy to make and beginners would be fine so long with a little extra time and effort. It's not really a "first bag ever" bag though, just because of sewing the gussets onto the very rigid main panel.
Conclusion: A bag I am really pleased with!
More photos on my blog!
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7 Comments
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Fantastic very versatile bag. I would love to use one
1/27/13 10:21 AM
This bag is beautiful and like Quickie, I would love one, too! I was hoping you would show the little surprise orange stripes on the gusset at the blog photos--and you did! I really like the twist lock versus slider closures you decided to use. Everything about your bag is perfect.
1/27/13 12:43 PM
I love your version of this bag. Wow! The details are amazing.
2/15/13 5:46 AM
I love how the pattern on the fabric worked out on the front of this. Great looking bag!
2/15/13 10:33 PM
Great work!
2/21/13 1:30 PM
So pretty!
3/1/13 11:43 AM
Love your bag, made with home dec weight fabric, in a great print. Thanks for all of the tips -- I will read your review again when/if I make this bag -- since I already have the book.
5/3/13 4:39 PM