Behold, the Baghemoth

I finally got over the flu, and had a chance to work more on my enormous versions of the Companion Carpet Bag.

It’s turned out even larger than I thought it was going to be. I figured it would be roughly carry-on sized? It might still fit that range once the frame and everything is attached, but it’s definitely very roomy.

I customized the slip pockets on the lining to fit my iPad mini and a large wallet on the right size (or an eyeglass case). I also used a plastic mesh to stabilize the bottom of the bag, and added the same bag feet I put on the smaller bag.

The rigid interfacing has helped in some ways, and made it a harder in others. In one sense, it was A LOT easier to sew the gusset around the curve, because the stiffer interfacing gave me something to bend it around, and it didn’t have a tendency to bunch up as I went. On the other hand, I had to move my second machine onto the floor, and should have moved all of the other stuff off my sewing table to make it easier to maneuver. I’ll have to keep this in mind when I use it on large bags in the future.

I can’t finish the bag until the handles and remaining hardware arrive. I ordered them from 3DANSupplies on Etsy, which is where I got the bag feet, the bag frames, and the leather handles I used on the first bag. They always ship stuff really quickly, but sometimes it takes a long time to get here with international shipping. It should be here this week, though, at least in theory.

I think after this, I’m going to work on designing a few good makeup bags. I have some ideas in mind, one of which is a train case with separate places for brushes (for clean/used sections, for example), and a slot for a palette. I’ll probably make it custom to fit the two-sided palette I use to store the depotted makeup I have. I have other ideas for more petite cases for a purse or carry on bag, but I am really interested in the train case idea first, so that’s my next plan. I’m thinking of making it out of waxed or laminated cotton, for more durability and to make it easier to clean.