The Retro Rucksack!
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
I'm so sooo excited to share this make - my Radiant Home Studio Retro Rucksack! It was a bit of an adventure into the unknown for me because, to be honest, I'm just not a natural bag constructor/maker - I find it really hard to envisage how all the layers and linings fit together with things like this. So it was SO great to find a pattern I loved with instructions that are so amazingly thorough and detailed. I think it might just be one of the most professional looking things I've ever sewn up!
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| The materials |
I came across the Retro Rucksack pattern after seeing a couple of beautiful versions sewn up on Try Curious Blog and Cut Cut Sew - I just had to buy the pattern for myself! I loved the roll/fold down top, and the clever design that allows you to switch between carrying it as a shoulder bag or back pack. I only hope that my post and pictures can do the bag as much justice, as I think it's such a fab pattern.
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| A peak inside - it's a shame that lining is hidden from view! |
I enjoyed the challenge of trying to find the perfect fabrics. I knew I wanted to use wax cotton for the bottom of the bag, similar to the ones I'd already seen made up online. I was quite close to buying some Nani Iro fabric for the main bag pieces, but I'm always reluctant to order online as you can't check the weight of the fabric. In the end, I took myself to Fabworks in Dewsbury (to compensate for not being able to make the Yorkshire Spoolettes 2nd meet up *sad face*) and managed to get everything all in one go! My eventual colour-scheme/choices were inspired by the palette of lovely Leeds independent shop Colours May Vary, along with all those minimal Swedish-designed back packs that are everywhere at the minute:
- Grey wax cotton for the contrast bottom and straps
- Black and white graphic print nylon for the lining
The hardware is probably the the hardest to track down. The pattern provides some handy pointers for buying in the US, but I'm across the pond in the UK and too impatient to wait for international postage. I got my clip fastenings, strap sliders and D rings for a really good price from Green Grizzly - would definitely recommend! Le Prevo is also good for bits like this too.
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| Zip pocket in the lining |
First up, you construct the lining. This includes a zip closure pocket which I must say, I found quite difficult to get right - I've never inserted a zip with a facing placket before, so it was quite fun learning a new technique. I imagine I found it a bit harder than I should have, because I shrank some of my lining fabric slightly with the heat of the iron (eek!). Anyway, with a very cool iron and some maneuvering of mismatching pieces, I just about got away with it. There's also a handy section-pocket in the lining that's designed to be around the size of a tablet.
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| Close up detail! |
I decided to make my own straps as the webbing I bought was just too flimsy for the job. I used the instructions provided to make super strong straps - 4 layers of wax cotton and interfacing to be precise! My sewing machine was not happy. I had a few hairy moments with the fabric thickness, but I managed it with some careful turning of the hand-wheel and a heavy duty needle. I think the bag looks much better for having matching straps, and they should hopefully withstand a lot of use!
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| Front view |
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| Back view |
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| More detail - to show the XX stitching over the straps |
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| Inside zip view |
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| And the finished Retro Rucksack on the model |
I was meant to be saving it for festival-season, but I just couldn't wait that long - it was made to be used after all! It carries a decent amount of contents - my days of carrying impractical amounts of stuff on one shoulder are over. If I make it again (which I definitely will as I promised a friend one for her birthday) I'd make the straps just a little bit longer. As a back pack, it sits just right on me, but it would be nice to have a bit of flexibility to make them longer/wear the bag a bit lower down.
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| Retro rucksack! |
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| A quick change and it's a shoulder bag! |
Stay in touch!
14 comments
This is so cool! I bet you're loving using it x
ReplyDeleteThank you! Absolutely loving using it :) So pleased that it's something that will get everyday wear x
DeleteIt looks great! I felt that way when I finished my Portside duffel bag. It sounds so silly sewing a bunch of squares seems really elevated when all the d-rings and sliders and what have you are thrown into the mix. There is something about *hardware* that makes everything seem so much more professional! Can't wait to see the next one :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Carlee - I totally agree about the 'hardware' making it seem next level professional! I just checked out your Portside duffel bag and the set looks great! I might have to make a matching wallet/make up bag with my leftover fabric :) x
DeleteWow - that is such a cool bag!! Seriously impressed! I love the fabric choices too...I would never have thought to use taffeta as the outer like that. Well done you!! x
ReplyDeleteThanks Jessica :) There's a lot of interfacing involved too so hopefully it should withstand some heavy duty wear! x
DeleteOoooh Shauni its gorgeous!!! It looks super complicated well done!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Susie! It looks much more complicated than it actually is - the instructions helped to make it a super straight forward make :) x
DeleteYour bag is brilliant!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Lynne :)
DeleteThis looks so smart! I love your choice of fabrics. Surprise pattern linings always make me feel happy.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jo! It was quite an effort to get fabrics that worked together. I almost wish I'd used the lining fabric on the outside as I love it so much - at least it makes me smile when I unzip the bag :) x
DeleteLove this. Well done x
ReplyDeleteThank you Claire :) x
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