Zakka Along :: Week 1 - The Zig Zag Tote

Click button for details on the Zakka sew along.

It's time to Kick of this party with a fun and stylish Zig Zag tote. Is everyone ready?

I had the pleasure of putting this fancy little piece together for you all. I decided to make a few examples of how you can keep it simple, or spruce it up to fit your style.

The bag consists of simple quarter square triangles on the front in an offset design, with echo quilting done to make the prints really stand out. If you have made any type of bag before, then this should be basic bag construction. If you have never made a bag before, feel free to ask questions here or in our flickr group. One bag I followed the directions according to the book, and the other I went off a little to embellish and make it my own.

My first recommendation is to have fun with it. Everyones machine will sew different seams, so things may not line up according to the pattern at all times. You can trim, or adjust the design as much as you need. This bag is very forgiving, and we are all here to help if you have questions. Also I suggest you read through the pattern and make sure that you understand the basic terms listed such as sub cut, and finger press. If you are a beginner here is a link for basic sewing terms. You most likely will not have questions, as the patterns is explained very well and there is no uncommon wording.
There have been a few adjustments made since the book was released. As with all books, sometimes errors are printed. Please see the errata page for Zakka style here

Choosing fabrics was the hardest for me because I wanted to use so many colors in the bag. I think it would be fantastic to see this in a scrappy version as well. After you choose fabric, cut out all your pieces before you begin construction. This will assure you have enough supplies for the bag before you begin.

As I said before I made two bags. After making the first, I played a little with changes, and thought I would share what I did here for you all.

I put together a small list of things I changed a little after making the first bag, so you can get a feel for what you might like.

 1. I only interfaced one side of the strap. This give it a little more looseness, and I like that. You could also use the fusible fleece to line the handles. I love the way The designer explains how to make the handles. No flipping or pulling, they are perfect every time.

2. I made the inside pocket a contrasting color so that it popped a little more. The pattern suggests cutting from same fabric as the lining so if you want to change that, think ahead and make adjustments accordingly.

3. I made the pleats slightly smaller on the bottom so that I could use it to fit books in. This just made the bag a little wider and showed off the quilting a little more.

If you have ideas I would love to hear them as well.

So are you ready to make one?

Let's get started, gather your book, and supplies , it's almost sewing time.

But wait before you start sewing, there is also a fantastic giveaway here from Aurifil Threads.

Leave a comment here on week one's post, and we will choose 5 winners to send a 5 pack of Aurifil Threads to. International commenter's are welcome.

When you are finished stop by the flickr group and show off your skills.

There is also a giveaway for participants on Lindsey's blog so head over there to link up and win a bundle of Rashida's newest fabric line Washi, courtesy of Timeless Treasures.

Entries for the Washi bundle are From today April 2nd - April 8th at 11.59EST

Each weekly post will feature a new linky party to show off your project, and enter to win something cool.

HAPPY SEWING

Fabrics I used::
Flea Market Fancy Blue bouquet
Robert Kaufman Essex Linen in Natural
Denyse Schmidt for Joann's Red dot
Maya by Anthology (small triangles)
Echo (blue check)
Robert Kaufman metro living (red Geometric print)

Huge thank you to all of our wonderful sponsors

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THANK YOU EVERYONE!