The Eternal Maker Crafts: Change-Your-Mind Slipcover Bag - Straight Stitch Society

This pattern is well written and adventurous, like everything from "Straight Stitch Society" it is written assuming no prior knowledge and is set out in easy bite size stages - meaning I could easily put down and pick up the project over a couple of days. I would not however recommend it for a complete novice, as it will not provide the instant gratification beginners often need to remain motivated (or maybe that's just me!).

As a slightly more experienced stitcher I was still very pleased with the outcome - the pattern gives you all the information you need to get a really professional look to your finished bag. The method does require patience, with reading and re-reading of the instructions (this is not a late night project or one for a last minute gift!) but having said this I was really pleased with the technical skills I learnt along the way - such as a super neat way to make a patch pocket and a really easy way to make enclosed zipped pocket within the lining.

In short, well worth the hard-work if you want to take your bag making to the next level and increase your skill set along the way - just don't expect to be finished in a couple of hours.

Hints and tips:

Make sure you stick to the seam allowances specified - these vary throughout the project but with so many pieces to stitch, getting this wrong would mean a slipcover that does not fit!

I ironed fusible fleece (instead of the iron-on interfacing specified) onto the outside pieces of the main bag, the slipcover, and the straps to give the bag more body and helped it maintain it's shape. I was pleased with the finish this gave but it did mean it took me longer to complete the project as I had to do a lot more top-stitching than specified in the pattern - this top-stitching helped to keep seams reasonably flat. In total I used one metre of fusible fleece.

The buttons holes of the slipcover are the very last process as outlined in the pattern - if like me you are not too confident with making button holes - do these first while your facings are not attached to the slipcover, as then, if the worst does happen, you can easy make a new facing and not have to worry about ruining all your hard work on the slipcover so far.