Margaret's Birthday Bag

This is my first attempt at making a cross-body sling-style bag.  It's still not perfect, but it could definitely be worse.  I had originally intended to make the bag from some Nigella fabric I had left over but, like an idiot, I cut the handle the wrong way (fold on the wrong end) and then didn't have enough.  My husband chose this fabric, which he though Margaret would like better anyway.  It's a linen blend screen printed with royal blue flowers.

I made a single pleat in both sides of the bag and both sides of the lining to make the bag a little more spacious.

I wasn't sure I would be able to put pockets in the pleated lining, but I ended up adding patch pockets to either side of the pleat on one of the lining panels and was pretty happy with the way they turned out.

I boxed the bottom corners to both give the bag more depth and allow it to stand up on its own.  I added lightweight fusible interfacing to the linen blend, since it was very lightweight.  The lining is a mid-weight twill and I added a flannel interlining.  The bag is a little floppier than I normally like, but I think the floppiness is better for a bag that will be carrying a lot of stuff.

I was also very excited to find a home for this awesome vintage button, which matched the fabric perfectly.  I'd never made a fabric button loop like this before, but it's actually pretty cool and holds the bag together nicely.

All in all, I was happy with this bag.  Margaret seemed to like it too, which was really the point.  I will definitely being using/refining this pattern again.

Comments

[Jenny]

So pretty!!

[Tine]

It is so pretty! The pleats really make the bag :-)

[alicia in Hawaii]

Very Nice! The pleats add so much to the bag!
smiles,
alicia in Hawaii

[Jane Weston]

Great bag. Your attention to detail is fab. Anyone would count themselves lucky to get that as a gift.

[Teresa]

This bag turned about beautiful! I love the linen fabric. It all turned out wonderful - and looks very professional!

[amanda]

it's lovely! and the fabric is lovely too!

[Muralimanohar]

I love the inner pockets! For some reason, they really look useful, lol. :p

And I love making button loops that way...they look really nice, but are so simple! :D

[sonia]

very nice bag! I think the button was the perfect finishing touch :) Hey, can you recommend a super easy sewing machine for a beginner sewer? thanks!

[Stephanie]

It's just beautiful. LOVE the fabric. Perfect button too...

[Liz]

Very nice. I love those blue flowers!

[Cindy]

Very cute!

[cherrie]

Hi, I love this bag. Your sewing is so neat!! I make something similar to this only I put the pleats on the side. These are really useful bags because they carry spo much. Cherrie

[michelle]

it's perfect!

[Lil' d]

It turned out beautifully, with such perfect stitching, too. I loved the wristlets from your previous posts, by the way.

[jen]

i have to say, your first attempt is SUPER cute!!!

[Natasha]

Gorgeous fabric - Margaret is very lucky.

[Concha]

I love everything about it, especially the fabric, which is gorgeous! ay I ask where you bought it?

[Hope]

Love the bag. The fabric is gorgeous and the button detail is really cool.

[Karen aka Grammy Mac]

Awsome bag! Love the fabric;)

[Margaret]

I love my new bag! It is absolutely beautiful and is well suited to my need to carry everything I own with me at all times. I also love the fact that I can wear the strap across my body. Thank you, Elizabeth!

[lisette]

I love everything so make! Beautiful! So much nice wristlets.. And your blog is realy nice. Definitely coming back!

[jackie]

This bag is incredible! Will you be selling this pattern? And again I don't know how one goes about publishing a book, but you need to have a book ala "Bend the Rules Sewing" or Amy Butler/Denyse Schmidt!!! Do it, do it, do it!!

[Katie R]

i really want a pattern too! its beautiful!

[Carolyn]

That sure is pretty. The fabric is perfect! Is this your pattern? Lovely....

[Adria]

I love that Chris picked out the fabric. :)

GORGEOUS.