farmquilter

I made 2 of their duffle bags, one as a baby bag and the other for a college gal. It goes together well and you can modify it to suit your needs. I did use a center opening zipper, just made sense to me.
If you do not pre-quilt the fabric layers, you can make it just like a purse with padding of choice.
It is the perfect size for overnight use.

osewme

In addition to the batting would you recommend some sort of fusible interfacing for stability? If so, what kind (that would be available at Jo-Ann's). I've made quilted bags before (tote bags) but they are pretty flimsy even with the batting. I think I need something more stable for this duffle bag.

sewbizgirl

There's a foam interfacing available now that is awesome for bags that you want to stand up on their own and hold their shape. You can buy it from JoAnn's. It works much better than batting and isn't as heavy.

Here is a tote bag I made with the foam interfacing.

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This one is Amy Butler's Weekender Bag pattern, made with cotton batting, rather than the foam. It is very heavy, even when empty. Feels like a piece of luggage.

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DottyD

Lovely bags, thanks for sharing !

osewme

Beautiful bags ladies! Does anyone know the brand/name of that foam interfacing at Jo-Ann's? I think I want to use that instead of batting for the duffle bag I make.
Sewbizgirl, I love the piping you did on your bag. Piping always makes a bag look so much more professional. Your work is always so beautiful & well done.