Well... I've been sewing again! This time a project for my daughter Brittani, but also utilizing some new designs that will be on my website in the next few days called "Flashback"
When I started digitizing and testing these designs, I was stumped as to what kind of project I wanted to make. My daughter needed a bigger bag for school this year and she just loves peace signs, guitars, hippie flower, the whole works! So off we went shopping! She picked out all the fabrics for this project! Yep! They are bold and wild! All the fabrics were purchased at Joanns Fabrics. I used craft fuse interfacing through out the entire project!
I let her pick the designs from the set that she wanted to use and pick out the thread colors for each of the designs! Once again very bold colors! All were stitched on this limey green kind of splotchy fabric. That was the easy part! :-)
I had made a messenger bag before but couldn't find the pattern I used. So created a pattern from scratch. I also asked for Brittani's input as to how big it should be and the types of pockets etc. So this is a really big bag! I also looked online for help as to pockets. I really wanted to use some zippers and found a great tutorial for zipper pockets. Zipper Pocket Tutorial I also found a messenger bag Tutorial Awesome Messenger Bag Tutorial . I kind of combined bits and pieces to create this one.
I used the designs on the flap and the back pocket. Was kind of like creating mini quilts. I had more designs from the set I would have liked to incorporate but just couldn't figure out where to put them! :-)
I added a zipper pocket to the inside of the bag and the outside of the bag! I found the perfect colored zippers in my stash!
This was a first for me! I had never done this before! But now that I know how, I will be adding them to all the tote bags and purses I make.
I also added elastic topped pockets on either end of the bag. They work perfect for bulky items, such as water bottles, hair brushes etc.
I also covered a piece of elastic with fabric and sewed to the inside of the bag on one end, to slide pencils and pens in. I also added ribbon tabs to the inside that can be used to attach keys or coin purses etc. too.
There is one large pocket on the back of the bag and two pockets on the front of the bag (under the flap)
I slid some plastic canvas inbetween lining and outter bag to make a stable bottom/base of the bag. I created the handle out of the fabric. She wanted a longer handle, so I did as she requested!
While I can't give you the exact pattern, you can make this easily by using some of the above links and your imagination!
Shelly