Project Bag

I recently saw this on Etsy.  I loved the simplicity and the fabric of it, but realized I could make it.  Not that I need another bag or purse.  I like the ones I have.  But, I found this  free pattern and fell in love.  I made a bag for Norah using two fabrics I used on her reversible dress.  It is adorable.  I put a pocket on the inside and the outside for her as she loves pockets.

I found some fabric that my Japanese sister gave me.  No, she is not Japanese, she lives in Japan.  I think she got it from her 100 Yen store (or a name something like that).  Similar to our dollar stores.  I thought it perfect and I had just enough.  My requirement was to use all materials from my stash.  I did not have a pretty patterned lining for this, but I did have red satin-like material.  (Left over from a red cape for Lil' Red Riding Hood a few Halloween's ago.)  I put two pockets in the lining, red on the inside of the pocket and the floral material for contrast on the outside of the pocket.

This was a pretty simple pattern with very easy to follow directions.  The only problem or difficulty was within myself.  Some of the details caused extra thinking and some seam ripping.  I was not ruffled or frustrated.  The variety of my finished projects has provided enough experience to carry me through sewing small projects quite well.

 Here are my on-the-go items.  Keys, cell phone, card holder (for store discount cards, reward cards, library card, etc that won't fit in my beloved small wallet),  and wallet.  Oh, I usually toss in a lip gloss as well.  But that's pretty much it!  Did you notice they are all red?

This was fun, and I cannot wait to use it.  Sometimes as my purse, sometimes to tote a small project, and I can't wait to see for what else it will come in handy.

I'm thinking of whipping up more of these beauties sans pockets.  I would use them to give gifts.  Giving gifts with useable wrapping is so very pretty, oh - and functional, too.

(Please do not mind the shadowy pictures.  I used my laptop to take the pictures on the couch.  No downloading needed and instant sharing.  Convenience won over a better photo!)