travel handmade: duffle bag pattern review + a giveaway!

Sewing Summit is only a month away! These next few weeks are going to fly by with all the last minute preparations and planning going on. I seriously can't wait though. Part of the countdown to Sewing Summit includes a 'Travel Handmade' series which focuses on bags and other travel related things to sew and make. During the month of September, you'll find tons of resources, tutorials, and patterns for all things travel here and here. There's also a Travel Handmade Pinterest page you definitely need to check out! When I was asked if I wanted to participate, I immediately thought of making the Make Your Getaway Duffle Bag by Gingercake.  The pattern includes 2 sizes and I made the smaller child size bag which is still a nice sized bag!

I was inspired by the simple color blocking on this JCrew bag. I used off white and hot pink duck cloth for the outer bag {bought at Joann} and used off white denim for the handles and lining - that's it material wise. The denim looks exactly like the duck cloth in color and texture but was a bit thinner and helped keep the seams/handles from being too bulky. Instead of placing my handles on the top of the bag like the pattern shows, I placed them on the sides of the bag. Two reasons: I just like the way it looks and I felt like that would reinforce them. Probably a good thing when carrying camera equipment! All in all, it was great pattern to follow/customize and I absolutely love my new bag.

I already had this camera bag insert but didn't have a bag large enough to fit it. Lo and behold, this duffle bag fits it perfectly! My insert is 5" deep, 8" tall, and 14" wide and fits a ton of stuff. Obviously this set up isn't something I'd want to carry around like a purse for hours on end, but is a great way to get lots of photo gear from point A to point B. I can fit my camera body with a lens attached, 2-3 more lenses, battery charger, tablet, and more. There's also still room in the duffle bag for other stuff. 

This bag can also double as a great travel bag for my either me or my kiddo when off duty from carrying camera gear! 

If you'd like to make your own duffle bag, simply head over to Gingercake Patterns , take a look around, and leave a comment below sharing your favorite pattern in the shop! The lucky winner will receive a pdf copy of the 'Make Your Getaway' bag pattern.