In honor of my return to school, I, of course, had to make a new book bag for myself. I used the Mischievous Gnome Messenger Bag pattern from Montessori by Hand and some Anna Griffin Sierra collection fabric from Sew, Mama, Sew (along with corduroy from Joanns).
It took about five hours to finish this project, most of which was spent cutting out fabric and trying to figure out the directions. The directions and photos for the patterns are clear and well laid out. It just takes me forever to figure out a new pattern. Next time, though, I'm sure it will go much faster.
I do have one suggestion that I'd recommend if you're going to try making this pattern yourself (one that I wish I had thought of before I finished the bag!). Use a zipper foot to do the top stitching. This will help you to sew closer to the bulky seams around the straps.
The bag is big, sturdy and roomy! It fits my laptop, 2" binder and two textbooks comfortably.
I love it! So cute! I think I'm going to have to try and make one of these. I haven't sewn anything since junior high home ec...is it too hard for a beginner?
ReplyDeleteOh I love this- it's gorgeous!! I have this pattern too but every time I open a pattern (any pattern) and attempt to make something I get confused and end up not making anything. I need to overcome my fear of patterns and just make something!
ReplyDeleteWell I see my must buy list is never going to end! This is really gorgeous! And the ability to hold tons is a clincher, if I can't pack my bag dangerously full then I don't like it!
ReplyDeleteLove it, the colors and fabric are amazing!
ReplyDeleteThat is so cute. I love the fabric you chose.
ReplyDeleteI have been wanting to try this pattern. That Anna Griffen fabric looks great.
ReplyDeleteIt is really beautiful! I love it... but I don't think it makes me want to go back to school quite yet. I'm glad your up for it, good luck!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your fabric combination!!!
ReplyDeletePretty, the denim really makes it look all the better!
ReplyDeleteLove it! Please let me know when I can place my order. ;-) Congrats on going back to school...very exciting. Miss you.
ReplyDeleteI am going back to school too! I think I already told you that though. I like your new school bag- I bet you can't wait to put your books in it and study! I like the bird fabric a lot on it. I have a great vintage piece in my etsy I am thinking of removing and keeping for myself.
ReplyDeleteThe bag looks fantastic! I love your fabric colors.
ReplyDeleteLove this bag. The corduroy is such a good idea. Thanks so much for coming by my blog. Enjoyed your comments!
ReplyDeleteWonderful bag! You are going back to school, so am I, in the fall! Scary! I looked up string art, didn't even know it existed :)
ReplyDeletewell well well well done! I love the colors, shape and size is PERFECT for school. Speaking of which? You're going back? What for? When do you start?!!? How exciting!
ReplyDeleteWow, it's great! Love the corduroy.
ReplyDeleteWow! great bag! I have a foot, I think it is called an edge stitcher, I dunno but it allows you to get quite close to the edge and if you have the ability to move the needle position, you can also get quite close.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a unique and cool combination of fabric. I never would have thought to use corduroy, but it really works!
ReplyDeleteMy goodness, what a gorgeous messenger bag you have created! I just love it!!!
ReplyDelete~Emily