Ukulele Gig Bag Instructions Finally Posted...

Here's the latest bag, which I have already posted about when finished.  I was asked if I had a pattern. I made my own, and I wrote up the instructions this morning. So decided to add them here.  To see more pictures of the process just see after instructions:


Nope no commercial pattern - here's what I did. I made my own pattern, which I have done a lot for home dec items. 

I laid my uke (and my tenor later on) on my pattern paper - I use tracing paper in a huge roll from an Art Supply online store. Then I trace around the uke liberally so as to give the bag side room without making side panels - some people have made side panels. 

Then I cut two pieces from a nice home dec sort of fabric. My latest was for my son and he picked out heavier outdoor fabric. Then I cut two substantial pieces of batting or even four pieces - two to a side. 

Then I cut two layers for a pocket, and sew them with two pieces of batting also. I quilt the pocket and finish the sides and top. I sew the pocket to the front of the quilted bag before assembling bag. Use a piece of VELCRO made for a fabric closure - Joann's has these - they set in 24 hours and they really work. They are oval and I have used them three times now. Once on a satin wedding bag and twice on uke bags. 

I quilt the back and the front of the bag, which is a heavy job on some fabrics but my machine has AcuFeed and it works well. I make a strap from a wide piece of fabric and some batting, folding over the two layers on one side and then folding the other side over and sewing in the middle. 

Then I sew half the bag, so putting in the zipper goes better. Next step is sew in zipper, making sure you can open it from the outside! Ask me why I stress that. OH - the longer that zipper the better - I used a 24 or 26" - depending on what I can find at JA's. Son picked hot orange for the zipper this time and he picked a zipper that opens on both ends - that's kind of cool actually when inserted. 

After sewing in the zipper, sew the open seams left to enclose zipper ends. Top stitch the fabric down on the zipper at the zipper sides so the zipper stays in place to the outside.

Then sew on strap carefully so you don't sew the bag shut side to side (again ask why I stress that)....and there you have it! 

I hope I didn't miss a step - I don't think I did. 

Happy uke bag making!!!!  

And again....

Soprano in bag. I think of a CASE as being a hard case, so have to remember to call these bags.  

What's Under the Gidget I and Gidget II Tables and Holding up My Machines....

I was asked that questions because it would seem people think the little chain and screw assembly is the only thing holding up machines in the drop down table on the Gidget I and II. Not so. This is a photo essay on the subject....note the metal tubing underneath....

First pictures are the heavier Gidget II...

Then the rest are the Gidget I. You may notice I don't adjust the chains....I just don't use them. I use the tables for a couple different machines, so adjusting the chains for each is a pain - I sit them on various books and boards and sometimes a Janome Muffling Mat as well.  :)

Vintage Pattern Dress and Tenor Uke Case#2...

Finished the tenor ukulele case for my son. Turned out well! LOVE the fabric he chose and that hot orange zipper adds pizzazz for sure!  Meanwhile I did finish the brown Simplicity Dress from Simplicity 1284.   The pictures aren't that great but I will add one here.  The reunion was swell! Very much fun and saw old friends. The dress was well worth making and it was very comfy. finished it was not apparent that it is a vintage style - it is timeless and I may sew it again! This little picture is the best even though I took several in the motel I was sure would be good. At any rate - this pattern is a winner! It would also make good sleepwear, and a tunic as well. A nice top pattern I think. Unfortunately the pictures do not show the nice seaming on the bodice-sleeve but it turned out very nicely.  I add a picture of the seaming because that *IS* the style feature.  Now that those two projects are done, I can move back to the Shirt Quilt. I purchased red flannel fabric from Missouri Star for the backing. I do love a flannel backing on a quilt. So now with the wool batting and the flannel backing, when this comes to fruition it should be a nice warm quilt. :)  The It's Always Autumn raglan tee is up next and then I have planned a 60" table runner for my coffee table out of some remnants of the lighter prettier fabrics I have mostly in several pastel type of shades or maybe a bit deeper, anyway lighter!  And then, maybe one of these years I will get to another Asian quilt! I do have a large bin of Asian print fabrics for Asian quilts and really love those fabrics!  Right now I think another scrappy quilt is in the works back in the brain as well. It's such a dark, murky, cobweb-filled area back in the planning-what-to-sew-next stacks of my brain....:)