Finished Friday | 49er Hippo Hobo Bag

The Hippo Hobo Bag pattern was released by Emkie Designs in April and I knew I wanted this bag pattern as soon as I saw it. I bought it not long after release, but did not have time to make a bag from it until recently. I knew I wanted to make a bag for one of my best friends for her birthday, and this was the perfect bag pattern. Cristal is a 49ers fan and I ordered the fabrics from Fabric.com for this bag before we went to Oregon for the summer. I already had the antique gold faux leather, and it turned out to be the perfect color to match the gold in the print. I was glad to have all of the materials on hand and ready to sew up when we returned for the summer and I got started on the bag as soon as a few WIPs were done.

I would classify this bag as intermediate to advanced. I normally use Annie’s Soft & Stable to give sturdiness to a bag, but because this was a hobo bag, I opted to go with what the pattern called for… SF101 and Fusible Fleece. The only thing I did differently was to use one extra layer of SF101 on the outer main panels to give the bag a bit more structure. Thankfully, this bag gave me few problems with top-stitching. I did have to make the top flaps three times because I thought I’d be smart and change up the interfacing options there. I went back with what was called for in the pattern, but the fusible fleece was to thick in the seams for top-stitching. My third, and final, time making these I cut the fusible fleece out of the seam allowance and the top stitching was perfect!

The pattern calls for three zippered pockets. There’s a hidden zippered pocket under the bottom flap in the front, a zippered pocket on the back of the bag, and a zippered pocket in the lining. However, that wasn’t quite enough pockets for me. I am a huge fan of having a slip pocket handy when you need to quickly put away your phone or keys or sunglasses. The Epiphany Bag pattern by Chris W Designs has a fantastic pocket panel in it that includes a pen pocket, a pleated pocket, and two slip pockets. So I incorporated that pocket panel into this bag. I love how the pocket lining is also a faux binding on the pocket panel.

I really enjoyed making this bag. It took longer than expected, unfortunately. I had a few events with my son come up that required 2 – 3 hour blocks of time working with him that I would have spent sewing the bag, and then I became sick for about a week. I was one week and one day late giving Cristal her bag, but since we chose each other as “family” (and she loves me), I don’t think she cared about a late present. Cristal, if you’re reading this, I love you so very much! Thank you for being an amazing friend! xoxo

Linking up with:
Quokka Quilts hosting TGIFF
Can I Get A Whoop Whoop hosted by Confessions of a Fabric Addict
Finish It Up Friday hosted by Crazy Mom Quilts
Finished {or Not} Friday hosted by Busy Hands Quilts