Yay! The Mail Sack bag. Available in my NEW shop!
I’m extremely excited about this bag. I’ve been carrying mine around since January. It was a very sloooowwww, simmmmmmerrrring development process. Definitely worth the wait though. If you’ve seen me around town you might think it’s permanently attached to my body. I can even drive with it on.
The pattern includes full sized pattern sheets and an instruction booklet. There are two sizes: a large sack for adults (16″ x 16″) and a small size for kids (12″ x 12″). I’ve made them with home dec weight cotton, Japanese linen, and regular quilting cotton (interfaced to add heft). The pattern is appropriate for adventurous beginners. Salty dogs will like the quick construction with stylish results.
Once again, I’ve been blessed with the most amazing group of women that volunteered to do the testing. I’m so impressed with their professionalism, talent and truly generous spirits. Here’s a link to their blogs, I’ll update this post with more links when they share pictures of their own fabulous Mail Sacks. Thank you ladies!
Michele – Calico Daisy – Michele’s Bag
Anina – Twiddletails – Anina’s Bag
Candy Glendening – Candy’s Art Quilts on Flickr – Candy’s Bag
Michelle – Greeting Arts – Michelle’s Rebecca’s bag 
Kelly – Whatever is Lovely – Kelly’s bag
OK, the shop. I did it myself using Zen Cart and it kicked my you know what. The important stuff is there like SSL for secure ordering and a checkout process that appears to actually be working. You’ll notice the only option for payment is Paypal. This lets you pay with a credit card via the Paypal payment processor or with your Paypal account. You do not need a Paypal account! More options coming soon. If you find problems I’d truly appreciate a quick e-mail letting me know.
I’m headed down to Portland for Quilt Market on Friday. I’m too excited! I’ll write more about the shop when I’m back. Right now I have a few little things to take care of before leaving like Leil’s costume for the 4th grade play…
OH GOODNESS!!!! I LOVE THIS!
Oh, Kathy. I so have no business with another bag pattern or tutorial. But I so enjoy your construction techniques, and your directions, and the quality of your work, that I might have to cop this one some time.
Well worth the wait, Kathy! It looks great. Being on the small side, I may even be more interested in *kid* size. I’m looking forward to seeing others’ versions…with such a great looking bag, I’ll bet they’ll be popping up soon!
OK, you rock. That bag is awesome, my MOST FAVORITE shape, and I love your shop and the fabric. And that picture of you is too cute. You look so happy, like someone who found what she wants to be when she grows up;)
I can NOT believe you have gotten all this done!!! New pattern, new shop – and look at all the fabric you carry! I’m impressed – zen cart and all! I can’t imagine the hours if must have taken. You deserve a nice pat on the back and a few days of relaxations – AFTER you fill your orders for the day.
)
Well goodness, I just came upstairs after dinner and I swear these are 5 of the nicest comments I’ve ever received. Thank you.
Holy Smokes!!! You are quite amazing Kathy!! You were not kidding about being busy! I am very impressed with your beautiful shop. I know exactly how time consuming Zen Cart is. Oh, and that bag!!! I am completely in love with that bag! Congratulations Kathy. Everything looks perfectly pink!!
Hooray! The new shop [and pattern] looks fantastic!!
Hey, I was just taking a last look before signing off the computer and saw your post. Your fabrics on the bag are fabulous! I was just wearing mine this afternoon on errands and then to a youth group cookout and was telling all about it. Several ladies tried it on and loved how smooth it hangs from the shoulder and sits close to the body. What a winner! I’ll post my photos tomorrow.
– Michele
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Hi Kathy, long time reader and sometimes lurker here. Just wanted to tell you that I just ordered this pattern! I can’t wait to make it. My daughters have birthdays coming up and this will be perfect…after I make one (or more!) for me. I recently picked up the Studios edition of Cloth Paper Scissors because you mentioned it on you blog and I wanted the pencil roll pattern. I’ve made the pencil roll, I’m getting ready to make two more for gifts, and I have to say your instructions are perfectly clear and easy to follow. If the bag is only half as easy I’ll be one happy camper! Keep it up! Your work is beautiful and a great inspiration. -Mariah in San Francisco
Cool pattern! The shop looks really great! Have fun at Quilt Market.
Wonderful bag Kathy! You did it again. You’re amazing! Love to see all the goods in the new shop! Congratulations and good luck!
Kathy
You just never stop!! It is gorgeous, and I think, it is just what I’ve been looking for. But I have questions.
I’ve just ordered a new pretty (spring green) slimline laptop and I want something just like this for its carrier. Do you think this would work? (can’t find the dimension of laptop–the screen is 15.4inches…)
And more importantly the only sewing I do is patchwork these days–could I pull this off and still look as good?
Finally, haven’t been to your shop yet, but any chance this pattern comes with the fabric in a kit? I am that much in love with the colors/fabric here.
My paypal account better watch out. Congrats Kathy, I just posted on my blog that I was excited about your upcoming news and here it is!
Sherry: It would be a tight fit. The bag literally measures 16″ x 16″. As far as the sewing expertise goes, I think the trickiest part of the bag is the zippered pocket. I give step-by-step instructions so you can be successful with it. I think the remainder of the construction is very straightforward and easy. My testers have a range of sewing skills and they all created gorgeous bags.
I think it can be hard to rate your own patterns but I do think this one is very achievable for most sewists. And, of course, if anyone ever needs construction help all you have to do is send me an e-mail and I’d be happy to assist!
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Fabulous pattern. Love your new website Kathy. Great job.
Oh gosh, Kathy, you’re killing me! Now I have to have it! Thank you for including a kid-sized version; I am terrible at trying to figure that kind of thing out myself. Never would’ve happened.
I don’t know why, but the comment about being able to drive while wearing the bag cracked me up. Probably because I can see myself doing it.
Wow! Congratulations Kathy. Another job well done!!
It is lovely. I love bags with long handles that help to keep my hands free.
Big time congratulations on the great new pattern … and the SHOP! That’s so cool that you’re a fabric seller now! Weeeehoooo!
Ok, I love this project too. Can I once again use your graphic to post on this? Thanks!
Love this, I am going to the shop later when I have more time, thanks for sharing!
i love this! so fun and funky! it’ll be a great transition bag from my diaper bag!
Oh I really love this bag pattern, Kathy! I think the large size would be great for me to take for groceries shopping. And congrats on the new shop!
Kathy-I just order your mail sack pattern and I have to tell you I love the new shop and the ease of which I was able to create an account and check out. You’ve done a great job! I can’t wait to make the new bag!
This is wonderfully gorgeous! One of the few patterns in the world that makes me want to pay full price for it! (If you knew me, you would know what a compliment that is because I am the world’s biggest cheapskate when it comes to patterns…um, well, actually, I’m a cheapskate about pretty much everything.) I’m really impressed!
Smiles,
Dianne
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Dude! Your new shop is so great. I am just so happy for you and all you’ve created. I’ll stop by often
Dorie
For the 3/8 “quarter,” how about Fatter Quarter?
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