This weeks Crafty Bloggers Club post is from Dani, you can find more of her makes on Instagram @pocketortwo and on her blog pocketortwo.blogspot.com

Hi everyone, 

I’m really excited to be able to share an exclusive make with you all today. When I spoke with Freya about my next Crafty Sew and So Bloggers’ Club make, I said that I’d really like to make a bag and was in need of a new weekend bag as I had just had to get rid of an old one that had finally given up. Freya suggested that I make The Carry All Bag that Crafty Sew and So make in workshop (and have just released as a pattern!).  I was then very kindly sent the hand-drafted pattern and the fabric, interfacing, zip and strapping to make up the pattern. 

Firstly, this is a very straightforward pattern to sew for a fully-lined bag. If you have inserted a zip before, then you will be fine sewing up this bag, as that’s probably the trickiest step. I found it a really enjoyable make. The bag features one (or two, as I have done) outer pockets and a smaller inner pocket too. I chose to add the outer pockets with two different fabrics from my stash and added a matching presser (or snap) to the front pocket. I used a plain grey fabric from my stash for the lining too.

The bag has a contrasting base panel, which makes it a sturdy bag that can stand on its own and also allows for the pattern to be customisable. The base panel would work well in a faux-leather or a cork fabric; you could even add bag studs to it. The straps are sewn down into the base panel, which makes a really nice feature and also gives some extra support to carry all your weekend goodies (or shopping, beach items or anything else). I used a heavy gauge needle to sew up the pattern as I was sewing a few layers together. The outer fabric is a canvas weight leaf print which works really well for a bag pattern and the base panel is also made from a canvas. Canvas weights tend to hold the shape and also more durable than lighter fabrics. 

I’m so pleased with it! The bag is such a good size. It can fit in two large sofa blankets in (yes, that was my trick for the photos!) with a little extra space besides. It’s just what I wanted for a weekend away and isn’t too cumbersome to take on a train. Plus you also have the outer pocket(s) for extra storage or to put things like train tickets and a book in for travelling. It could also double-up as a beach bag as it easily fits a towel, plus everything else that you might need for a day at the seaside. The bag is not only practical but also looks stylish, making it a fab make for me!

 The Carry All Bag is avalible as a PDF pattern and a paper pattern from our shop now!

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Crafty Bloggers Club Contributors are given products and materials to test from Crafty Sew&So. We hope you enjoy their honest and impartial reviews of the products. All opinions are their own.