Sunday 8 September 2013

Leather Messenger Bag......Sewing Summit here I come.


This is my Leather Messenger Bag,  I wanted something that I could carry my laptop in and also use to carry just about anything else in.  I have used distressed cow leather in a burgundy colour.  I wanted something that would stand up to years of use but not something that I worry about it getting marked up.






This is my own pattern that I designed as I went along to be able to add everything that I wanted in it.
I have a pocket that the computer slides into that I have added a leather strap that holds it closed so my laptop stay in place.  I have a large zippered pocket, that stays flat until you place things in it and then it expands as it is pleated at the bottom. I have also added a leather strap and toggle hook to hold my keys so they don't end up at the bottom of the bag. I used a fusible fleece attached to the lining and added horse hair interfacing, it is free floating from the top of the lining front to back to help the lining not stretch too much when the bag is fully loaded. If I make myself or anyone one I will go looking for a heavy fusible Pellon  interfacing.  I have a hard time finding it in my area.


As I want to use this bag when I travel to The Sewing Summit in Salt Lake City, Utah in about a week, I wanted to add the Canadian Maple Leaf to the bag.  I didn't want to add a badge or pin to it of the Canadian Flag. I drew an outline of a Maple Leaf on paper and then used the pattern to sew around the pattern.  It is nerve racking to make sure you stay on the line and I would suggest checking your bobbin to make sure that you have enough bobbin thread.  (I did do the bobbin check.)
I suggest when sewing with leather to check your bobbin regularly.  Back stitching on leather while top stitching never looks right.  I always tie off my ends instead of back stitching while top stitching taking the extra time produces a more professional look.


Now to add a little bling to the bag by adding purse jewellery. I was able to try Janelle's new "handmade" hardware.  Janelle from Emmaline will have these in her shop soon. She also came up with a zipper flog that says handmade as well. I'm in love with this purse jewellery,  I can see me adding these to more items in the future. I think these take your bags to a whole new level, maybe even making people think that it is a name brand.  I didn't want to take away from the Maple Leaf or the handmade hardware, so I used magnetic snaps as the closures for the bag.

Well I'm now Traveling Handmade for the Sewing Summit, I can't wait.


The Sewing Summit

20 comments:

Maria said...

That is so impressive, I'm amazed at your bag, so professional looking and the stitching is perfect.

Carry Hers By Natalie said...

Thank you Maria. I had so much fun making up this pattern. I love sewing with leather.

Janelle @ Emmaline Bags said...

This is such a fantastic bag! And oh gee, I am loving that fantastic "handmade" logo plate. Wink, Wink!!

RaspberrySunshine said...

That bag ROCKS!! Oh my goodness, you did such a great job! You and Janelle will have to tell me all about your adventure to Sewing Summit. I wish I could have gone, but hubby will be in North Carolina that week and only other babysitters are on a European cruise! Tears..Tears.. Have a great time! Cindy

Carry Hers By Natalie said...

I'm glad you like my bag Janelle. I'm also very happy that I could use one of your great "handmade" logo plate. I very honored that I got a sneak peek at them and was able to use it.

Carry Hers By Natalie said...

Thank you very much Cindy. We will try to keep you up to date on the Summit, sorry that you couldn't make it this year.

nissaMade said...

oh my.. just lovely! Great work Natalie!!!

and I love, love, love the metal plate. I'm going to stalk Janelle's store for them!

Carry Hers By Natalie said...

Thank you Nerissa, I'm very happy with how it turned out.

The tags are really nice, I'm sure Janelle will be happy to have you visit.

MrsSM said...

Hi! First time poster, here--I just wanted to compliment you on your great bag! So many wonderful details and so well put together. I would love to learn more about working with leather--your bag inspires me! :)

Enjoy the Sewing Summit--that looks amazing.

I love the little "handmade" label. Nice touch!

Carry Hers By Natalie said...

Thank you, so glad you came by.

You should try working with some leather. Most leather stores if you let them know what you would like to sew they will help you pick out the proper leather to use. Also a lot of them will give you some suggestion of the needles needed and the thread to use.

There are also some very good books on sewing with leather, that you might be able to get from a library near you.

Kim Taylor Kruse said...

I was at Sewing Summit and saw several people with the "handmade" tags on their bags. Even knowing that lots of people were making their own bags to bring, I DID think that it was a new commercial brand of bags! All of them -- including yours -- just looked so amazing and professional!

Carry Hers By Natalie said...

Thank you Kim, I did have a few other people think that it was a commercial brand of bags as well. I love sewing with leather and hope to come up with other leather bag designs.

I love adding the "handmade label" to give it a little bling.

Sara C. said...

Great bag! I love the detailed pockets on the inside!

Carry Hers By Natalie said...

Thank you Sara, I always have fun coming up with ideas for the pockets.

Rochelle @ eSheep Designs said...

Great bag... and I love that little bit of (subtle) Canadiana with the maple leaf. (When I saw it on Christine's blog, I had to come by for a closer look!)

Carry Hers By Natalie said...

Thank You Rochelle, I was very happy how the maple leaf turned out.

Unknown said...

i was wondering if you have the pattern for this bag available?

Carry Hers By Natalie said...

HI Kit, I have just started to write patterns for bags that I have designed. This bag is on my list to be released as one of my patterns in 2016. Would you like me to let you know when I have released it?

Macnerd said...

I'd love to make this - Is the pattern available? It's fantastic!

Carry Hers By Natalie said...

Thank you. I have thought of writing a pattern for it, I just have never gotten around to it. I'm still using the tote. If I do make a pattern for it I can contact you at that time.

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