Wednesday, September 2

messenger bag

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.

messenger bag
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.

messenger bag

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!

messenger bag

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!

11 comments:

Aveen said...

You did a great job, I really love the fabrics you used. Especially the lovely lining! :)

Casey said...

I love this bag! the fabric choices are wonderful

Stephanie said...

So.. since you are super handy dandy... can you make up a nice little pattern for an over the shoulder clothes pin bag? I have some FUN charm packs squares I want to use and am lacking the sewing/brain knowledge to put them to good use!

nicole said...

loooooooooove it. i am a little obsessed with applique and using the machine to 'embroider' but not so good at it...so its fun to see yours!

Libby said...

Oh, this is a super cute bag!!! Love the lining and the appliques. Well done.

Deanne said...

Adorable!!!!!

Aimee said...

Oh, I love your purse! Every bit of it! It is lovely. I'm so glad you included a link to the tutorial. I'm not sure when I'll get around to it, my "to sew" list is getting quite long, but I'd love to give this a try.

Kristin Finch said...

So cute!!! I love your new purse/messenger bag! I am very inspired to make myself a new purse.

clintandleximorgan said...

I love this purse! The inside is just darling!! Way to go Jenni! I am excited to start a new project. Unsure what it will be. I am just required to finish canning my pears and drying them.

Rima said...

I totally totally love that purse! You are so good with your sewing machine!

Andrea said...

That is the cutest bag!!! And thanks for the link. :)