Sewing Bags and Bins - Part 2 - Sierra Bin by Indigobird

I'd been looking for something that would easily hold my English paper piecing project and tools and could be transported around the house.  I'd been using a small tin to hold the tools but it is not large enough to hold the project in process as well.  Then a few months ago, I happened across the website for Indigobird patterns, found the Sierra Bin pattern, and thought it looked like the perfect solution.

I bought the pattern from the Indigobird website as a pdf download.  BTW, I've bought pdf download patterns a number of times, from Etsy and from independent designer sites, and never had a problem...just in case you've been wondering about it.

I had a piece of chambray fabric in my stash that I thought would be perfect for this bag.  It's a lightweight upholstery fabric remnant I bought years ago, it's been sitting around waiting for a project to come along!  It looks quilted but it is actually some kind of bonding that gives the quilted effect.  I needed some contrast trim and lining fabric, and again, ransacked my stash.  

The measuring twill tape is backed by a small piece of Liberty cotton, purchased from Spotweldon on Etsy.  I used a whimsical Union Jack heart print for the lining.

The lining is created with a series of pockets round the inner walls of the bin.  They are perfectly sized to hold small items like little scissors, a needlebook, small tin of Wonder Clips, etc.  

Here's the bin filled with my current EPP project, hexagon flowers for a Flowers for Emma quilt.  Tools are in the pockets around the edge.  The center holds my Super Bobs donut of thread, Clover needle threader, small pin cushion, and plastic bags of cut fabric, papers, and fabric covered papers ready to be sewn.  The finished flowers can go in the bin's outer pockets, one on each side.  And there's room to toss a small zipper bag in on top (and I just happened to make one of those, more about it tomorrow).

The design and pattern for the Sierra Tote +  Bin is extremely well thought out and the instructions are very detailed, with lots of photos so each step is well illustrated (the pattern printed out is 24 pages).  I had no problems following the instructions and all the pieces fit together perfectly.  I've made a few bags over the years and usually struggle to get the lining to fit smoothly but did not have any problems with this one.  Because I used heavier fabric for the outer bin, it is sturdy and the sides don't cave in or sag so I think this pattern is perfect for light or medium weight upholstery fabric or canvas.  If you use quilting cotton, you will need heavier interfacing to provide more body.  I'm very happy with my bag; I'll make another one as soon as I figure out what to use it for.

Come back tomorrow for an account of my experience making the Lola Pouch.