I finally finished my bag for The Goodie Bag Swap! *whew* I have never cut it so close in a swap before. I had plans on getting it done last week, but after my after my wrist got hurt I took some time off sewing. Luckily, it is healing really well, although it still hurts to move it in some directions. Then we had a big family reunion this weekend, but we got home yesterday afternoon, the baby napped, and I put this bag together lickety split.
I did switch it up a bit from my first version. I realized my first was way too tall and took off about two and half inches for this one. I made the adjustable strap two sided to add some more contrast, and I lengthened the tabs on the side of the bag, so that they went all the way down the side.
The overall construction of this bag is very simple, so I tried to add lots of fun details. I used (fake) leather for the bottom. I added rivets to both the long and short straps. My mom got me this fun tool called the Crop-a-dile for my birthday which made putting in the rivets much easier. It is supposed to work for snaps and eyelets as well! I also added some teal piping to the top edge, which I think adds just the right amount of color.
For the shorter handles I used some leather straps. I found that on the first version I made of this that I use the shorter straps almost just as much as I use the longer adjustable strap. It really is convenient to just grab the shorter handles when you are jumping out of the car and use the longer strap for when I am carrying it around for a long period.
On the inside I put in a zipper pocket, a large outer pocket, a magnetic snap, and a key fob. Both the outside and inside fabrics are some of my favorites from Anna Maria Horner's home dec line, Drawing Room. Here is hoping this bag is what my partner wanted!
I am still considering making this my first pattern, but I am concerned that maybe it is too simple? What do you think?
Linking up with Quilt Story for Fabric Tuesday and Tea Rose Home Wednesday Link Party!
Linking up with Quilt Story for Fabric Tuesday and Tea Rose Home Wednesday Link Party!
I love it. My sister asked me to make her a new bag. I might do something similar. Where did you get your hardware? I'm looking for a good place to buy all those rings.
ReplyDeleteAn even more fabulous bag Meg! All the extra touches make it special. Yes, make it your first pattern - I haven't seen a convertible bag pattern around.
ReplyDeleteYou should definitely make a pattern for this! It's really cool and functional :)
ReplyDeleteIt is so pretty. And functional! I don't think it is too simple for a pattern. It might seem so to you, but to a beginner, that is a lot to try and figure out! I can't believe you did all that during one nap time. Dang!
ReplyDeleteA pattern would be great!!!
ReplyDeletemake it your 1st pattern Meg it looks spectacular,wish that i was your swap partner,lucky her lol
ReplyDeleteI love it and it looks fantastic. I am in awe of those of you that can sew bags. I am so intimidated by bag sewing!
ReplyDeleteAs I know nothing of bag patterns, I would imagine a pattern for this would be great. It's a classic!
it looks great! i love all those little details and especially the riveted (?) handles. make it a pattern, people are looking for modern, useful bagpatterns all the time :-)
ReplyDeleteClaudia
what a great bag! i love the all nice details!
ReplyDeleteWho wouldn't want that bag. It looks great!
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, yes make it into a pattern! It would be a perfect first, I would buy it! Especially if you explain how to sew with the fake leather stuff, that is intimidating! I love it!
ReplyDeleteWonderful! I love that you used the leather, and I also like how the strap extends down to the bottom with those stripes of color. Cool fabric too!
ReplyDeletei love this. love the AMH you used!
ReplyDeleteYou should definitely make this your first pattern, Meg. It's very unique. I love how the tabs go all the way down the sides. Really nice bag.
ReplyDeleteWow! I absolutely LOVE this bag! I would definitley buy the pattern if you made one! Where do I sign up? :) I love the little additions that you made from your first convertible bag as well! I first saw it over The Plaid Scottie blog and followed her link to you!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see this as a pattern! I don't make a lot of bags so I'm not the best judge but I don't think its too simple. More importantly it doesn't remind me of other ba patterns I've seen. And if you happen to need pattern testers I'd be happy to help!
ReplyDelete