messenger bag

I was getting so tired of my big cable purse. I hate when you have a shoulder bag and you lean down to pick up something the bag comes around and hits you. Or having a big purse that is filled with crap, you can't find anything. So I needed to make myself a new purse. I really like all the messenger bags that Larissa of mmmCrafts has been making. She posted a great tutorial that I followed to make mine.


inside flap

I used a linen/cotton blend for the outside fabric so to make it sturdier I ironed on a heavy weight interfacing. For the strap I ironed on two layers of the interfacing and sewed 5 top stitches down the length to of the strap. I like the quilted look it gave it. The pocket on the back of the outside of the bag is perfect for holding my keys and phone, no searching for those darn things.



I thoroughly enjoyed making the flap too. I got to use some precious scraps from my favorite fabrics. I opted for a rough straight stitch to secure the flowers on the flap, I didn't think I wanted a thick zig zag around each flower (hmmm, maybe I do now). Hopefully they will stay okay and edges won't fray. I did have a tough time deciding how each flower would look, if they should have a center or not. I spent a good amount of time thinking about it and finally I asked Gregg. He said no center and it only took him a 2 second look to decide. I think I would have liked it either way.

This bag has already been in use and it is perfect so far!



I am giving away a copy of my beaded sock tutorial at Chocolate Fingerprints. Go over there for your chance to win! Thanks Andrea for hosting!