Thursday, October 14, 2010

Dad Bag

It's been a long time coming, but I finally finished my first diaper bag--for my friend Jay.
The usual Cordura outside and ACP inside. About 15x11x6".


Trying out a simple sliding shoulder pad.
Two 3D pockets in the front. One for wet wipes.
Pretty snazzy.
There's a little frame in that special pocket to keep it rigid.
Collapsible dividers, padded back and bottom.

One cute bag for one cute baby.

6 comments:

BethStuczynski said...

Hi! I love your new 'Dad Bag' it looks great! I am wondering if you did the decorative stitching with one of your machines? It seems as though you are a wealth of knowledge on industrial machines ;) I make bags too, mine are mostly out of upholstrey fabric, and am looking to invest in an walking foot machine. I am wondering how you liked your Sailrite and Tacsew machines. I am mostly wanting to use it for decorative and topstitching over several layers of fabric- is there one you would reccomend over the other? Also, your new Juki, is it worth the investment??
Thanks!!

cory said...

Thanks.
I used my Singer 20u to do the decorative stitching. Though, I should've used my Kenmore (a domestic machine). The Singer is best used for zigzag stitches...so it goes a little too fast to make smooth curving straight stitches--at least for me. Ha.
I like all my machines...each one is good at certain things. I think the Tacsew 111 is probably the best upholstery machine for the money, though. The Juki is a little better made and has a higher lift, which is why I bought it. But unless you plan on sewing 1/2" foam the two are pretty much the same. Actually, in my opinion, the Tacsew is a little better for sewing webbing since its presser foot has teeth. The Juki has a smooth foot for auto upholstery work and can slip when sewing certain things. But the Juki will probably last longer and the tech support is pretty good. From what I've heard Tacsew has zero customer service. Though Sailrite provides support for that machine...the Sailrite 111 and Tacsew 111 are the same.
Let me know if you have any other questions.

BethStuczynski said...

Thanks for your input! How many machines do you have?? I think you mention a new one everytime I read something :) Interested in selling any???
How is the Tacsew on just straight finishing stitches? I just want nice even stitches, nothing too fancy. What type of thread do you use for the decorative stitches?
Thanks again for your insight, I had no idea the world of industrial machines was so vast.....

cory said...

Let's see...I have seven machines.
Yeah, there're tons of industrial machines out there. I really only know a little bit. Ha.
The Tacsew makes really nice straight stitches since it's a compound feed machine. I use T90 upholstery thread in it. For decorative stitches I use a 40-weight embroidery thread (but not on the Tacsew).
If you're using a lighter thread and not using the machine to construct your bags, the Tacsew might be overkill.

BethStuczynski said...

Ok, I hope I am not driving you crazy with all these questions. I do have a Singer home machine that I use to construct my bags now. I really just need something that will do the final steps, sewing through all the layers, attaching the strapping, finishing stitches, etc...what do you think about the Sailrite?

cory said...

I would recommend a full-size industrial machine, like the Tacsew, then--especially if you'll be making a lot of bags. The Sailrite will do it, but it's pretty clunky compared to the Tacsew. Also check out the Juki DU1181. It has a walking foot (no needle-feed) and it's a lot cheaper than the 1541.