The last bag/purse I had made for myself was in Feb 09…
I was due for a new one…
Years ago I had picked up an beautiful thick orange linen tablecloth in a thrift store and for years I vowed to make a skirt from it… and didn’t. I still have plans to do so but when I was looking for the perfect cloth to make a new purse out of, I had to use it. So I cut off a safe amount that I could use for a skirt and had just enough to make the perfect bag.
My requirements for the bag was to have a place for everything. My birthday gift this year was an ipad, so I wanted a safe place to be able to put it. I also wanted place for the cell phone, keys and a few extra pockets to keep things contained and organized. As usual, I didn’t have a pattern or any exact measurements so after I cut out enough fabric for the strap and the sides I went with what was left to determine how big the bag was actually going to be using the ipad as the minimum…
My idea grew as the bag came together and fabric that was left over became extra pockets or little details or finishing touches that I had not thought about… and I LOVE the result.
The inside has a large pocket in back that the ipad can fit into and I added some batting to the back to add a bit of extra stiffness and protection and to keep the batting in place and to add extra detail I tried my hand at some free-motion embroidery…
Just on the outside part of that separation are some small pockets for various other things such as my phone, Ipod and pen and keys etc…
On the opposite side I added a zippered pocket on the inside and another larger pocket on the outside and again added batting between the layers for extra thickness and stability. The sides, top and strap also have batting and I quilted them to help the bag keep its shape…
And finally the flap also has batting and a beautiful dresden flower made from some of my favourite fabrics…
I am going to be working on a pattern and tutorial for this one… it is definitely one of my favourite sewing projects to date…
Hi,
I love the bag! I’ve been planning on sewing some bags for ages but just never find the time, so it’s nice to see what can be done by someone with a bit of time. And I love the brightness of the bad, if I ever get to mine it will probably be bright pink!
The embroidery at the back is my favourite and I love the fabric, I’m a huge fan of all things linen. 🙂
That is a very fine bag! Looking forward to the pattern/tutorial.
You are awesome! Love that sunny colour too! Practical and original. You could make some extra money selling these on the side via Etsy or eBay…
love this!
can’t wait for the tutorial.
Very nice bag, the orange fabric makes it! Have you made a tutorial/pattern? The dresden quilt piece is so stunning against the orange. I will be anxious to join the others in making this bag. Thank you so much for sharing.
No I aven’t done so yet. With my daughter being sick and with so many things happening it has gone down to the bottom of my list but I will get around to it 🙂