All Aboard Train Bag

This next project was completed less than an hour ago.  It is a labor of love for my husband Denis, who is building a HO model railroad layout in our lower level.  We attend several train shows throughout the year, and we needed a bag that was comfortable to carry when full, and large enough for the sometimes bulky items we buy. 

A month or so ago, we were making the rounds of the quilt shops in Green Bay looking for fabrics and a pattern that might be suitable.  I found the pattern at The Silver Thimble quilt shop, as well as a panel of locomotives from Timeless Treasures.  I fussy cut the images from the panel for the outside front, back and side pockets.  The pattern is by Whistlepeg Creek Productions, Sweet Retreat's Little Sister (Shhh...don't tell Denis it has a girly name).  The main fabric is from Just Train Crazy Line by RJR Fabrics.  I found this fabric at My Favorite Quilt Shop in Green Bay.  The railroad tracks fabric for the sides and handles is made by Timeless Treasures.  I purchased it online from BugFabric.com.

 

Front and back are the same.

The two sides are the same.

 

This is my first attempt at making a bag, and to be honest, was not as hard as I thought it would be.  It went together pretty simply.  This is a nice, roomy bag.  It measures 18 1/2" wide x 30" long x 6" wide at the base.  I also made an optional, clip on shoulder strap.  The pattern also has instructions for an optional zipper and bag base. 

Denis is going to a train show in Green Bay in a couple of weeks and will test the bag then.  I'll add a zipper and base if he thinks it needs it.  Otherwise, it's done and ready for shopping!