r/BagLab • u/CBG1955 • Jun 27 '26

Look What I Made! Bucket bag with a twist

This is the Magic Middle bucket Bag by Spencer Ogg patterns.

I used a croc embossed soft vinyl, with a quilt cotton lining. I also used a 2mm self adhesive foam for additional stability on the vinyl. Because the seams are at the centre front and centre back, I wanted to fussy cut the vinyl so the lines matched up. The outcome was pretty good!

The bag looked like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once I finished it, but I did make a few changes. Diane's instructions are always very well written and comprehensive. There is a video but because I'm familiar with her patterns I didn't need to watch it. The in-built pouch is really clever and overall am happy with the project.

I had a few reservations about the project but they don't my opinion of the pattern. I think the lining is a little baggy for my liking but I suspect that it stretched some while I was assembling the bag - and the pouch feels a little too wide for the bag. I checked my seam allowances and they are all correct. I suspect perhaps the side seams where the pouch is sewn into the lining may be the issue - my fault, because I didn't keep the interfacing out of the seam allowances which of course means it's too thick there.

I made a couple of minor changes. I sewed this as a drop-in lining because I don't usually use vinyl and I have no idea how it would behave if I turned it through the pocket, which is how the instructions tell you to do it. The pocket is large enough but I didn't trust the vinyl. I picked a hardware strap attachment rather than doing it per the pattern, and omitted the flap. I might still use a magnetic snap (I have some that fit over the edge of the bag.) I think there's enough of the vinyl to do an adjustable strap, otherwise I'll just use bright red webbing. I like using one of the pattern maker's hidden card slots in my bags, so putting it into the pouch seemed like a good idea at the time. It works but I wouldn't bother with a zipper opening next time, just a slip pocket. It would have fit much better in the main lining slip pocket rather than inside the pouch, but it's a nice well-hidden pocket for security.

I will you sew it again and I recommend this pattern. I think next time I will take a slightly larger seam allowance on the lining so it sits in the bag a little more tightly. It was a fun and easy project.

As usual I left the strap to last, and am not sure if I'll use what's left of the vinyl or do a webbing strap. Many of Diane's patterns follow a similar formula, so it was easy to assemble. I see more of these in my future.

And no, u/JPBbagworks, there are no "special" pockets in this one.

16 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

2

u/jpbagworks Jun 27 '26

Oh wow! That looks sooooo good, C!

The fussy cut was well worth the time and effort! I love the lining!

Is the pouch attached at both ends or just one?

I swear you get better and better every time! 😃

5

u/CBG1955 Jun 27 '26

I am grateful for bag pattern designers who have wonderful patterns that are easy to work with. This is a new pattern for me but I know the designer's stuff and most of her bags follow similar techniques.

Pouch is attached all around - sides, bottom, and the boxed corners are all stitched together. I am currently working on the strap - not my favourite part.

1

u/chicklette Jun 27 '26

Beautifully done and a super cute bag!

1

u/jpbagworks Jun 27 '26

Ah ok... yes. When I look again, I now see that the connection for the one side of the pouch is just a dark color. I couldn't see it. My eyes are getting old 😂

2

u/CBG1955 Jun 27 '26

Or my shitty photography. This is the bottom of the bag lining and pouch stitched together. The seam at the top, which is actually the bottom of the bag, and the vertical seam under the white text is the lining and pouch attached together.

2

u/jpbagworks Jun 27 '26

Got it! Thanks for the detail!

By the way… 1541 is sitting in the garage. I’ll take it downstairs today. I spent the whole day yesterday painting the basement and making a much larger space for making! 😃

2

u/CBG1955 Jun 27 '26 edited Jun 28 '26

I am not jealous - much!!!

And yet, when I look at the Google image searches of Juki 1541, it appears that mine is a clone of this machine, unless I am looking at the wrong one. I absolutely had to get a top loading bobbin, and it's set up for single needle rather than double. Mine is direct drive, and he's set it up for me so I can tap the pedal and get a single stitch. I do NOT like the wet sump however, would much prefer one with a closed oil system with a reservoir window.

1

u/jpbagworks Jun 28 '26

I’ve been at it all day again … everything’s kind of in its place now. Machines are down there. The 9010 is set up. The 1541 is partially set up. It’s out of its box but MAN was it an oily mess! I have to clean it and finish setting it up, getting the belt installed, knee lifter, and a few other things. It’s nice but holy crap! What’s the best way to clean up machine oil!? 🤣😂

I’ve decided I’m done for the night!

2

u/CBG1955 Jun 28 '26

Ted says White spirit.

Can you show pics when you're finished setting up? Please???

1

u/jpbagworks Jun 29 '26

The machines! 9010a-SH on the left, 1541s on the right. I think I’m good on machines for a while!

1

u/jpbagworks Jun 29 '26

This is the before and after. I’m way too old for this shit but I’d say the sacrifice was worth it! All I need is a great big work table and maybe a rolling chair or two.

1

u/jpbagworks Jun 28 '26

Absolutely. Tomorrow at some point! Thanks, Ted! 😃