It’s always fun when I have a new pattern to sew up a couple for friends or family. Enter this gray Sandhill Sling. My friend Emily was excited about using this style of bag and I offered to make her one. For me, it’s always more fun to sew something for someone! It makes for a much more enjoyable sew to know that in the end I get to mail it to my friend and then they get to enjoy using it! I think that’s why I couldn’t stick with sewing for craft fairs for long. I like knowing exactly who is receiving it in the end.

View B

The Canvas

So I had grabbed some of this gray canvas from a closeout sale and paired it with this gorgeous striped  fabric for the lining. I know, I love using this stripe for linings, I’m not going to stop either. ha! The thing is, this cut of canvas was one I hadn’t worked with before.

It came as a closeout from a production sewing shop. I didn’t know much about the fabric, but I think there was some really wacky sizing on it (the stuff that makes it stiff/easily sewable, etc.) because it really threw a fit for me. Every time I ironed it it would wrinkle more. And sewing with it was oddly stretchy even though it was 100% cotton I believe. So weird! Anyway, all that to say was that it made for a less than pleasurable sewing experience overall. I should have just pre-washed it, that might have solved all my problems, but — hindsight.

Strap Detail (fabric strap option)

It was fun to make the strap fabric this time around. The fabric strap is an option in the pattern if you’re interested, you can find the details there. I like the texture of multiple lines of topstitching.

Back view

I did get a thrill from recording videos while making it, I’m glad I didn’t have the sound on because there were some choice words cast about at times. I ended up stay-stitching the gusset pieces after such a struggle, that did the trick! Well enough to get the job done anyway. So maybe consider that an extra tip if you struggle with attaching a gusset (to any bag really), give stay-stitching a try.

Interior

I’m very excited about seeing everything you guys make! And your enthusiasm for the Sandhill has been so fun for me. Seeing what you make (usually on Instagram) is always so thrilling, you guys inspire me! There’s always some clever and fun mods you make and really is such a joy to witness.

I did restock *most* of the zipper kits and zippers as well as the snap kits for this project. The supply chain is disrupted due to COVI, but I am expecting to receive more zippers (even one more color!) to add to the shop in the next couple of weeks.

Pattern: Sandhill Sling (View B)
Fabric: un-named gray canvas, lining is Ticking Stripe (Indigo) from Fancy Tiger Crafts
Zipper is this Gray double pull from my shop, Antique Brass Hardware kit (also in my shop), and the metal snap size 24 kit and waxed cord pulls are available as well

Hope you are staying healthy and safe!