One more thing crossed off the list! Here is the messenger bag I made for my nephew, Elliot's, fourth birthday. I used cotton/linen for the outside and probably shouldn't have, because it's a little wrinkly.
I'm pretty happy with the construction though. It's about 10" x 10" x 2.5". I didn't use a pattern, but just kind of made it up as I went along.
Elliot is a big fan of robots, so I used this Kokka robot fabric, which is also a cotton/linen blend for the lining and details. (I would link to the fabric, but I got it on e-bay and the listing is no longer there.)
The last time I made a messenger bag for a child was for Elliot's older sister, Lily's, Kiki halloween costume and I made the handle way, way too long. This time, I made an adjustable strap and was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to do.
When I was looking for the hardware to make the adjustable strap, I found this reflector that flashes when you push on it. That sounded to me like something a four-year-old would go for, so I bought one and attached it to the front of the bag.
ETA: I found the reflector on the notions wall at Joann, near the plastic buckles. I can't find it on their website.
Just for fun, I added a robot applique to the front. (If you look at the robot fabric showing in the above photo, you can see the robot that this applique is based on.)
Finally, I added a zip pocket to the back. (You can buy purse zippers like this here.)
ETA: Another great zipper source -- this one on Etsy. (Thanks, Sue!)
The pocket is lined with a Michael Miller dot.
Hopefully Elliot will like it!
Eeeek! I love it! Forget the 4 yr old, I want it!
Posted by: Angela | April 29, 2009 at 04:56 PM
Oh my goodness, that is cute! I absolutely love the MM dots on the inside pocket.
Posted by: Kelli | April 29, 2009 at 04:59 PM
That is great!!!
Posted by: jessica | April 29, 2009 at 05:04 PM
OMGOSH that is fanTAStic!!
Posted by: Emily | April 29, 2009 at 05:05 PM
Love the bag, wish I had one too! Did you use a pattern or just wing it?
Posted by: Norma | April 29, 2009 at 05:08 PM
My 3.5 year old robot-obsessed son would LOVE this! (As do I!)
Posted by: sparkly green knickers | April 29, 2009 at 05:11 PM
That is SUPER cute!!
Posted by: Jennie | April 29, 2009 at 05:13 PM
Looks great! I love the robot on the front with the gauges. I picked up some of that fabric at Superbuzzy two months ago if anyone is looking for more.
Posted by: Amy (badskirt) | April 29, 2009 at 05:16 PM
I love it. You are so talented!
Posted by: Julie | April 29, 2009 at 05:33 PM
I would love a bag like that! even with robot fabric! one of my favourite part: the eye buttons of the robot! great details
Posted by: alex | April 29, 2009 at 05:49 PM
I love it! One doesn't have to be a child to love robots! =D =D
Posted by: Lyn | April 29, 2009 at 05:53 PM
This is a lovely bag and the old buttons make cute eyes too.
Posted by: cherrie | April 29, 2009 at 06:02 PM
Oh Fransson! You have done it again! Perfect cuteness. Love it!
Posted by: Bianca | April 29, 2009 at 06:03 PM
Awesome! Great job as always!
Posted by: Alice S | April 29, 2009 at 06:13 PM
The light up reflector is a great touch!!!
Posted by: Gail | April 29, 2009 at 06:23 PM
Whatan awesome bag! You amaze me to no end.
Posted by: Diane | April 29, 2009 at 06:42 PM
Excellent job -- love the flasher!
Posted by: Suzanne | April 29, 2009 at 06:50 PM
That is so amazingly awesome!!!! My boys would love that bag. Where did you get the flasher? That's so creative to see that flasher and think how it would fit on the bag.
Posted by: Tinasquirrel | April 29, 2009 at 07:08 PM
That is so awesome! I'm sure he will love it!
Posted by: Kristin | April 29, 2009 at 07:12 PM
So cute! He will love it. And if for some crazy reason he doesn't, you will have a line of people who want it!!! Great job!
Posted by: Lydia | April 29, 2009 at 07:24 PM
I love your bag and I love the robot. Just darling!
Posted by: Annette | April 29, 2009 at 07:28 PM
I am totally in love with your bag for Elliot! I like how you attached the red thing and put the cute applique.I've been wanting to make a bag for the boy I babysit, but I wouldn't be able to make this much nice one. Yours is so perfect and sweet.
Posted by: ayumills | April 29, 2009 at 07:34 PM
absolute genius. lucky kid!
Posted by: larissa | April 29, 2009 at 07:40 PM
Oh my goodness! So cute. I am in awe of your skills. Wonderful.
Posted by: Cynthia I | April 29, 2009 at 07:59 PM
Holy cow, is that adorable!
Posted by: Collette | April 29, 2009 at 08:16 PM