I really like my Martelli rotary cutters; I have a 45mm version as well as a 60mm version. The thing that makes them so comfortable for me to use is that they have offset handles — which is what makes them awkward to take anywhere, given that they aren’t flat. (Note: I see that they’ve come up with a fitted case for the cutters, but I really didn’t want to spend the money — LOL!)
Anyway, I decided I’d make a bag that would allow the cutters to go with me more easily, and the Double Zip Gear Bag from byAnnie.com seemed to fit the bill. I’ve made many of Annie’s bags in the past, and her instructions are excellent. This one has a nice wide opening with room for both of my cutters, as well as pockets — two outer zip pockets and two inner mesh pockets — for spare blades and other little “extras”. I made the small size, and it’s more than generous enough for my purposes.
In the photo on the right, you can just barely see that both top zippers will open at once, thanks to a little strap that goes through both pulls. Below the flap on the front is a handle for easy transport, and there is an outer zipper pocket on the side, with an identical one on the other side.
Inside the bag is a large open space for my rotary cutter(s) and — perhaps — a short ruler or other longer items. There are also two mesh pockets, one of which is barely visible here. They will be handy for things that might otherwise roll around and get damaged by bumping into the rotary cutters.
Unfortunately, this will probably be my last stitching for at least a little while. The USB port on my Bernina has suddenly decided to take a vacation and won’t read any USB sticks at all. I’ve had to take the machine to my local dealer for repair, which means I can’t sew at all. I’m just hoping that any necessary replacement parts will be in stock, either here or at Bernina USA; ordering from abroad would take weeks or more. At least I wasn’t in the middle of a project when I discovered this, but I do need to make some gifts and don’t know how that’s going to work out. Fingers crossed!
4 thoughts on “Double Zip Gear Bag”
Hi Sandy, I am from Australia in Melbourne and the suburb of Bentleigh. I thought you might like to know that ‘Julie Hall Designs” in Australia is an embroidery design teacher and sells a small extension USB lead for $5 Au. This would prevent damage and perhaps be perfect for next time after your Bernina is fixed.
And again, I bought a 475 for that reason incase my 790 didn’t work and good for classes… not that we can go to any yet. Melbourne is finally out of Lockdown… 270 days I think or about s. Love your blogs etc. Do you have a Martelli cutting mat too. Can you use normal rotary cutters on them. I recently got the Quilters select one finally, I found one stockist here in Aus only! That’s the trouble here. material is so expensive. I love the ‘Square in a Square’ system by Jodi Barrows. Have you seen her? Again, we only have one shop in Au to buy from. Cheers
Hi Venora. Earlier today I ordered a little USB extension cable to try to prevent further instances of what’s happened to my machine. I simply don’t have room for a second machine, so I’m sort of “stuck” — LOL! I don’t have any of the other Martelli products, except the thing that keeps the foot control of the machine from slithering around on the floor. As for cutting mats, I just buy whatever is handy when I need it. 😉
I’m delighted for you that you’re out of lockdown! This virus has really changed our lives, hasn’t it? Jodi Barrrows — yes, I made a quilt using one of her rulers many years ago; it’s an interesting system. 🙂
Thanks so much for reading and liking my blog! I hope you’ll continue to enjoy it. Thanks again!
I feel your pain. I had to take my Bernina in to get it serviced, and had no machine for 2 weeks! Thought I’d get lots done around the house, but that never happened. I have the 45mm Martelli cutter, and have a “snap bag ” that holds it really well.
Thanks, Susan — I can only hope that my machine will be fixable in two weeks, but I’m sort of thinking it will take a while to get the parts it will need. I used to use a snap bag for my Martelli cutters, too, but it wasn’t padded, and that worried me a bit. 🙂