I was fortunate enough to get a case with my Featherweight that is in excellent shape. It shows minimal wear on the exterior and the leather handle is also in good shape. I want to keep it that way so I needed a way to protect the case and carry the machine without using the handle. I had a delicious fat quarter bundle that was just begging for a project and I think the colors complement the machine beautifully!
I started with the handles. Don't ask why because I do not know! I cut strips approximately 6" by 18" and then folded in half and then in half again. There is a skinny piece of Peltex (~1.5" wide) inside each handle. I top stitched close to each edge and then also down the middle a few times. The ends were tucked in since I was pretty certain I would be attaching the handles to the outside of the bag and I wanted them to look pretty.
I cut five inch squares from the fat quarters and also added a few fabrics from my stash. Then the squares were randomly pieced into a large rectangle approximately 22" wide by 40" long. I quilted three layers, a stiff canvas, quilt batting and the pieced top with straight lines using my walking foot and my new Juki (have I mentioned yet how much I LOVE the Juki?!) .
I sewed up the sides and boxed the bottom by sewing across the corners using the side measurement of the machine case. Voila! A custom fit!
I knew I wanted the lining to start down from the top edge of the bag and so I made it smaller (shorter) than the bag so that I could fold over the top edge of the bag by a couple inches. The Juki cruised through the top stitching even at the sides seams which which are a little bulky - no problem!
The handles went on last and the bag feels super sturdy due to the canvas reinforcement. I carried the machine down to the house from my studio last night and the tote works perfectly! I can even turn it upside down and slip it over the machine as a cover (tucking the handles inside).
A great little weekend project! Next I need to make a protective sleeve for the fold-up machine bed - in matching fabric of course!
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