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, Salt Lake City, Utah

 



Taking a page from my sons books........I leave for The Sewing Summit in 12 sleeps. It is getting closer, it seemed so far away when I purchased my ticket back in April.  Of course I had to book my flight right away to get a good deal.  I got a great deal except my flights have changed 3 times, I'm so  glad that I booked it at the travel agency less stress for me.

As we are coming down to the wire, I had  realized that I needed a new bag or purse.  I have decided to make a messenger bag out of distressed leather, in burgundy.   I have been making up the pattern as I go making notes so I can make it again. The only problem doing it this way is you keep changing things and adding a few other things.  I hope it doesn't end up being too heavy to carry. I can fit my lap top into it if I wish and a lot of other things I most likely do not need.

I also have to sew a pouch for the secret swap, I know I will make it in time.  As I always finish things I making for Christmas even if it means staying up late on Christmas Eve. So no problems it will be done.......I guess we can't take our scissors on the plane.

This is the front flap and the main body piece, I have added extra support in the bottom for all the extra stuff I will carry.

Pattern testing The Bookbag Backpack by Mrs H.

I have had so much fun in the last weeks getting back into sewing, and as luck would have it I was able to be a tester for The Bookbag Backpack By Mrs H.

Samantha has written a few patterns now and has them in her Etsy shop, and the good thing is, that they are PDF so you can get right to sewing.

The thing that took me the longest to decide was the fabric. I'm in love with the IKEA striped fabric. I also like  the fact that it makes the bag so bright.  No chance of misplacing this even in the dark as the zipper I used at the top of the bag is glows in the dark.  Maybe a little over the top in colour but fun.

One of the things I liked the best about the bag is the hidden zipper on the front of the bag.  It is hidden behind the front pocket.  Also having a zippered pocket inside is nice to place keys or other small things that you don't want to lose at the bottom of the bag.

Nice idea with finishing of the inside of the bag, anything that helps cut down on hand stitches is a very good thing.  Especially when I can't find my cheater glasses,  I had to go buy another pair this week.

 I was able to recycle some hardware from another purse. I used the smaller rectangular rings as I like to use smaller rings with the swivel clips.

It is a nice size bag for a day at as you don't have a bulky bag pack.  This is perfect for a day of shopping or running to the library.


Don't forget to visit Mrs H at her blog to see all the lovely Bookbag Backpack that all the other tester whipped up. Also to check out her Etsy page.

Pattern testing Girl's Cross Body Bag

I was lucky enough to get a chance to test Anna's pattern from Charmed Liebling Girl's Cross Body Bag.

It was a great bag for me, as I was able to use scraps of fabrics from other project I had done as well as jeans that have been sitting around.

It is a great size bag for any girl.  There is a front zipper pocket and then two slip pocket right below on the front as well as on slip pocket inside.  The closure at the top is a snap closure making it easy to open and close.

I had fun sewing this bag no problems with the instructions and a very quick pattern to sew up.  I think I might have to make one for myself.

The funny thing I learned after sending Anna my pictures of my purse I made up. She wanted to know if it was one of the Great Lakes that I took my pictures by.  I told her it was Lake Ontario.  The funny thing is that she lives on Lake Ontario too but just in another Country.