[Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths]

Amy Butler Weekender Finished

Yes it took time. Yes it took perseverance. Yes I definitely cursed Amy repeatedly. Yes its finished. Here are some things I wish I’d known before I started..

Amy Butler Weekender 2

I love it despite the pinkness and despite the pain of sewing that many layers together. (The fabric store was dark. I thought it was red until it was too late.)

Amy Butler Weekender 3

I do have to say that there is no way it could have been so successful if it hadn’t been for so many that have blogged before me. I found the following blog entries and articles were invaluable. Unfortunately most of them are no longer available.

  • The sew mama sew interfacing guide (used to be available at http://www.sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=154 but recently the site appears to have gone down as of late Dec 2021).
  • “Made by bird” managed to make 4 in four weeks!!! (https://www.madebybird.com/ Unfortunately this site is no longer available)
  • Dragoknit’s top tips
  • Craftoholic, (https://craftoholsic.blogspot.com/2006/05/my-weekender-bag.html Unfortunately this blog is also now gone) The pictures alone were an inspiration

Most useful tips I came across

  • Get a 1/4 inch cording foot for your sewing machine. Makes creating the cording soooooo much easier.
  • Avoid pins altogether. Seriously. I found using the bull-dob clips made things easier. I didn’t stab myself repeatedly. Once you get the interfacing on everything is so structured that you really don’t need them to keep things in place.
  • This pattern uses a LOT of thread. I had to go back to my sewing store 4 times. In the end they ran out of my color and I had to substitute with another for all of the interior. It took me 6 spools of coats heavy duty.
  • Have spare needles on hand and don’t be embarrassed to wear eye protection. You will break needles even if you buy the heavy duty ones. Have a spare packet on hand so you don’t have to put your project on hold while you source some more. At one point I broke one so badly it cut me above my eyebrow.
  • Congratulate yourself frequently once your finished. If you have been successful you deserve it.

Amy Butler Weekender 4

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