The Second in a Series of Three

I am behind, as usual.  I have been trying to finish a prototype for a smaller messenger bag for almost a year now.  I can't believe it's actually taken me this long, but that's neither here nor there.  Finally, I got my act together and drafted the pattern.  I finished my prototype, and .... it is still too big.  I'm trying to go for a smaller, more accessible price point, but this one will end up being just over $100...too much.  However, I actually think this bag is a practical size: it's perfect as a book bag. So here's what I'm thinking:  I will offer three sizes to pick from: The Kitchen Sink (my giant messenger), The Book Worm (a medium size), and the Tomboy, which will still hold a lot, but won't take up so much room on your body.  Of course this means that I'm back to the drawing board to re-scale the pattern once again, but it shouldn't take me a year to do it this time!  Here are the pictures of the medium sized bag: it's 12 inches (30.5 cm) wide, 9.5 inches (24 cm) tall and 4inches (10cm) deep. I used fabric designed by Amy butler for both the inside and the outer flap and back.  This smaller size features two pockets on the back (not found on the bigger bag) and only two pockets on the inside instead of three. 

Happy Monday, everyone!

Moving Along

Just a quick post this morning to give you a peek of what I've been working on. My sweet girl has been sick with a bug, so I haven't gotten much time to sew, but I had a little bag commissioned, and I just finished it. It's made from my newest fabric obsession, "Deer Valley" by Joel Dewberry. I have almost all of the colorways, and I love that it translates nicely in both small and large formats. Here is the simplicity bag that I made. It's small; just big enough to keep you streamlined to the basics (wallets, cell phone, keys, lip balm) but it's big on style. At least I think so!

Little Birdy Bag

Well, I've finally finished the diaper bag that I've been working on for what seems like forever! It came out well, I think, and my girlfriend is finding it useful! I made it using a lovely firm wool fabric, and also fabric from the AMAZING Michelle Engel Bencsko of Cicada Daydream. The fabric is linen and is her original design. Isn't it sweet? It took me a while to get this bag designed the way I wanted, but after using the prototype for a while, I made some changes and I think it's now ready to declare as "perfect!" It features two pleated end pockets, a bank of three pockets under the flap plus a zippered pocket, and three interior pockets. Also, it has a key fob inside the bag (not too long; I hate having to fish for my keys) and a D-ring just under the flap to attach a toy or a pacifier. The cool thing about this bag is that it can be used as a bookbag instead of a diaper bag; it's versatile! I guess I'm feeling a little bit proud of myself. Let me know what you think!