The Bucket Bag - Part Four

Constructing the Bag

This bag is pretty straight forward as far as construction.  There is only one tricky spot and it isn't complicated, it just needs a little care. 

First, I've attached the bands to the top and bottom of the body.  I've pressed the seam allowances towards the bands and topstitched them.  It is easier to work with the pieces when they are flat. 

I've marked the bottom in quarters and the body at both the top and bottom in quarters.  This is important when attaching these two pieces later.  It is easier to mark the body when it is flat.  Don't forget that you have a 1/2" seam allowance on either end.  Mark the halfway point of the piece first, then mark halfway between the center and the actual seam line at the end.  The seam itself will be the fourth mark. 

Staystitch one long edge that you divided into quarters a scant 1/2" from the edge.  Then stitch the short ends together to form a cylinder.

Now comes the tricky part.  You'll need to attach the cylinder to the circle to form the bag.  Clip the staystitched edge with clips about 1/2" apart.  Now pin the two pieces right sides together.  Put the seam at one mark at the circle, and the center at the mark opposite of that.  Then pin the other two marks in place.  Go back and carefully pin the pieces together between the markings.  Then stitch the two pieces together with a 1/2" seam.  I stitched with the circle down toward the feed dogs. 

Once turned and pressed, you'll have the body of the bag mostly done.

I also chose to make the strap at this point.  To start, I've pressed the seam allowances to the inside along the long edges of the two strap pieces.

I then sandwiched the interfacing in one piece and place the second piece on top, wrong sides together.

To finish the strap, I've edge stitched along the pressed long edges.  This might seem like a lot of pressing, but it is easier than turning a long, stiffly interfaced tube to the right side if you use the traditional method of  stitching the two pieces right sides together and then turning the resulting piece to the right side. 

The strap ends then get center over the marks that are halfway between the seam and the center point and basted in place.

So far, so good.

Next:  The lining pockets. 

Q/A:  From El:  I was wondering where you found your compass? It looks like a nice one!  Um, let's see, probably Wal-mart.   It is just an inexpensive plastic one.  For some reason between changing teaching positions and moving around so much, I seem to have lost the nice metal one I had since high school.  I bought this one a few years ago to replace it.

Parting Shot:  Many Irises!  I had three yesterday, and today I have a whole groups of blooms!