I Made a Bag!

I have been wanting to make a small-ish messenger bag for awhile now. I had loved the fabric, and finally caved and bought some. And then it sat for several months. On Friday, when I went to sew, I discovered that my projects are all at quilting or pin basting stage and that's not what I felt like doing.
So I pulled out my fabric, I sat down with my paper and pencil and made a quick sketch. And then, I was off.

I love this fabric so much! I bought this print in canvas, and as sturdy as that is, I decided to add a layer of Pellon 809 to give it a bit of extra body.

This is the fabric I chose for the lining. I added a few pockets for things. I don't like my pen or pencil rolling around in the bottom of my bag. The shorter pockets are for lip balm and nail clippers and such. I left the printed selvedge on and just hemmed it under. It makes seeing the top of the pocket very easy.

The side is a mere one inch wide. I told you I like a small bag. I attached the strap with a sturdy X in a square, double stitched.

And this is a look inside with all my stuff in it. Everything fits just right. I don't want so much room that I can keep stuffing things in there.

And I added a strip of red to the edge of the flap for color and interest. The strap is long enough so I can wear it cross body and right at my hip. I love my new bag! And as many bags as I have made over the last year for my craft fairs, this was a pretty quick one to design and put together. I think it only took about 3 or so hours. I started in the morning and was done by lunch time.

Thanks for stopping by. See you soon.

A New Catitude

I have lived with my sister for 2 years now, I can can honestly say that she has come a long way in her understanding of quilting and sewing and all the components thereof.  I was working on a quilt for a friend in need awhile back and needed a few fabrics in blue, to augment my stash. My sister went to the LQS with me and found a line of fabrics called Cat-I-Tude. She fell in love and bought some of the ones she liked best. This is the post about what I made for her with those fabrics.

 She wanted a messenger bag made with some of the cats on the panel. I did not have a pattern, but I have made enough bags now, to come up with a plan. This is the front with the flap down.

 This is the beautifully striking paisley fabric for the sides and the bottom of the bag. It was in long strips and the colorful dots that were a part of that particular design became the strap for the bag.

 This shot is with the flap opened up so you can see the blue paisley lining that was also a coordinating fabric in the line. Also, there is a different set of cats underneath the flap.

 These are what I call the cat-cessories that go with the bag: two small pouches for business cards and any other small items you don't want banging around in the bottom of your bag.

And lastly, the beautiful kitty on the back of the bag.  Glad you dropped by. I will talk to you again soon.