Often when I’m busy it’s difficult to find time to just sit down and play and I think everyone needs to play once in a while; it’s good for you on so many levels. So when things become so hectic that I think I’ll never get time to play again, I simply “make an appointment with myself”; I actually schedule some time and write it in my calendar.

So when my little Outlook alarm popped up on my computer screen the other day and told me I had playtime scheduled, I knew exactly how I was going to spend it. You know how I love my bags and purses, and I only ever need the slightest bit of encouragement to make a new purse. I’m sure you wonder where I put them all; maybe I’ll show you one day; it’s not pretty.

However I’ve had this Trace’n'Create bag template for some time so I really wanted to try it out and see how it worked. Six styles in one template – that’s a challenge I can handle.

I needed a portfolio type bag so I can cart around my business planner and documents and one of the styles on this particular template is the “Portfolio Bag” -just perfect!

I thought I’d do a seasonal bag so I found some autumn type fabric – a beautiful piece of chocolate colored overdyed cotton with a lovely subtle leaf design. And I found some contrasting fabric for the lining and the pockets.

And then on to the template. The bag template is actually two templates; the main template for the bag and a template for a tab. The “six styles” mentioned on the template package is actually only one basic design and with modifications you get three different styles. Then by adding the tab closure to each style, you get six styles; three styles without the tab and the same three styles with the tab.

The template is color coded so it’s easy to follow depending on which style you choose to make and the instructions are quite straight forward and easy to use.

I made a slight modification to the bag by inserting a stiff divider into the bag so it would support my organizer and papers. I made it stiff by using a piece of two-ply chipboard for stabilizer. Did you know you can sew on chipboard? I’ll show you how another time.

And in no time at all, I had the bag together – it was super easy!

I added a magnetic snap closure to the flap, and don’t you just love the lined straps and flap? Very professional looking.

So all in all the template was very easy to use and resulted in a very professional looking bag. A list of supplies is included so you can gather everything together before you begin.

This type of template is perfect for beginners, and even more advanced sewers will love how easy it is to use.

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