Show us the item and tell us the story
Rhonda Tester’s overnight bags
What attracted you to the pattern?
It was the fabulous choice of colours that Jackie had. Also, I thought it didn’t look too difficult to make (although it turned out being harder than I expected).
How long did it take you to make all three bags?
About a month. I was so pleased with the way the first one turned out that I made two more for two friends. We’re all going to Hong Kong on 1 September so it was good having a bit of a deadline.
Did you stick strictly to the pattern or did you customise?
I followed the pattern fairly carefully, although the fabric I was using was more heavy duty. A travelling bag needs to be pretty sturdy, so I used stronger fabric for the outside bottom.
How long have you been a sewer?
I’ve been sewing for 40 years (I’ve recently turned 60 so I started fairly young). It was mainly clothes in the earlier years, but then about seven years ago my auntie got me onto quilting and I really became addicted.
What’s next on your sewing schedule?
I’m making a flannel quilt for a friend who’s battling cancer. I’m told her treatments make her feel constantly cold, so a quilt is the ideal gift.
Rhonda proudly displays her three overnight bags, ready for some serious travel action in September.
Hi, I have bought the pattern for the sleepover bag last year, I still haven’t made it. I have heard it is time comsuming and some people have made it differently to the pattern,. Do you have any tips for me? How did you quilt it?I’d welcome any suggestion. Thanks Deb
Hi Debbie, when I made the bag I quilted it with a diamond cross hatch. I made the bag exactly as per the pattern instructions. It is not a bag you can side down and have made in a couple of hours. It will take you much longer than this. The pattern instructions were quite easy to follow and well written. Hope this helps. Jackie