My little one started back to dance and preschool this week- what a busy week for her! She is taking the full hour class now, complete with ballet and tap- and two pairs of dance shoes to go along with it. Of course, she needed a dance bag to carry her new dance accessories, so I had to whip one up for her!
The pattern I used is actually the Bustle Backpack Pattern from Me Sew Crazy that I altered a bit. Here are the ways that I changed the pattern:
- There are no, well, bustles :). I decided to opt out of the bustles, even though they are really cute. Instead, I used a piece of sequined dance fabric to cover the bottom half of the bag. I then embroidered her name on the bag.
- Rather than sewing multiple button holes and threading a sash or ribbon to make a draw string, I created a casing. I made two buttonholes at the top middle of the exterior backpack portion, then topstitched above and below the buttonholes. Using a safety pin, I threaded a length of ribbon through the casing to create a drawstring.
Let’s Talk Interfacing
This isn’t really a pattern change, just an added note. I used a fairly thick interfacing weight for the bag and straps. I like how the bag turned out with this thicker interfacing- the bag is still pliable enough for the drawstring, but feels sturdy.
In the past, I’ve always felt as if I have trouble with my interfacing. Even after following interfacing instructions, I typically have to go over the interfacing multiple times for many minutes before getting it to stick. It makes me feel a little, well, stupid- like I don’t know how to follow directions!! It never occurred to me that maybe it was my iron?
I was recently given the opportunity to try out the new Hamilton Beach Durathon Iron, and it is absolutely excellent! I applied the interfacing securely to all my fabric pieces for this dance bag in one attempt. It took me half the time that it usually takes. The heat and steam settings are perfect for seamstresses applying interfacing. I should not be this excited about an iron. But, I am – especially since I get to GIVE ONE AWAY to you!! Come back by on Saturday for a chance to win a Hamilton Beach Durathon iron of your own!
I may link this post to these parties.
Love how it turned out! that fabric is perfect for a dance bag! I will use fusible fleece interfacing sometimes, especially for purse bottoms, and love the extra thickness and support it can provide!
Thanks for sharing!
Oh my goodness that is so darling! My daughter would go crazy over the pink sequins! I also love the name on it, I think an iron makes a huge difference as well.
Carlee
http://www.ladybirdln.com
Cute little bag, Melanie…
She must be so excited … She has the prettiest dance bag ever 🙂
Super Cute bag! My daughter would love it – pink sparkles of course 🙂
What a great sparkly dance bag! I hope she loves putting her ballet shoes in it!!
Jenny
Oh Melanie, this is gorgeous. And I really want an embroidery machine!!
This came out great!! I wish I had one of these when I used to go dance school. Great job. Stopping by from Sew Can Do’s linky party.
Here is what I shared this week: http://craftybrooklynarmywife.blogspot.ca/2012/09/another-fur-baby-coat.html
That turned out so cute!
Gorgeous sparkly dance bag!!! I’m sure it will be well loved!
Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
Hope you have a fabulous weekend!
Jill @ Creating my way to Success
http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/
That’s so cute!! I bet she loves it! Thanks for linking up at The Little Giggler! xo