Another Tote/Diaper Bag

[HeyJudee]

Here's bag number 2...same pattern but for a different niece. Thought I had lots of time to do this...but found out that the shower is definitely on for next weekend. Just got this one finished and here are the pics. The green fabric is the same print as the burgundy bag I made for another niece. I bought them all at the same time back in 2009 when another niece was expecting and we didn't know the whether it was boy or girl. Stash fabric has come in handy lately. Now going eat a late lunch and then start the next project...baby bibs!

Bag pieces before assembled

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Bag lining

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Finished bag

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[bridesmom]

Those are the cutest bags Judy! I really like them! Is it a purchased pattern??

[HeyJudee]

Is it a purchased pattern??

It's a Fons & Porter pattern from a pamphlet called "Sew & Go - Quick-Quilted Totes and Organizers" that came with one of their magazines wayyyyy back in 2005.

I googled the name of the pamphlet and found the leaflet being sold on ebay.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SEW-AND-GO-QUICK-QUILTED-ORGANIZERS-AND-TOTES-LEAFLET-/300785254379

I will admit that their instructions are minimal (one page total for this bag) and leave a lot to be desired for the beginner sewer. But this is the 5th bag I've made from this pattern...and not one was for me. I want to make one for ME as I really like the pockets. And this is the first bag that I actually followed their instructions (well mostly) to make the handle. I always thought their method would be too narrow but figured narrow would be better for the striped fabric. Now I really like it narrow as there is a bit more room in the pockets so will do it their way again.

Here is a pic of the first one I made back in 2006...


And the second one...

[bridesmom]

It's a great pattern, that's for sure.

[bridesmom]

My friend here that makes all sorts of bags puts a length of elastic in the handle, doesn't stretch it, just lays it in there and sews it in, gives the handle a bit more oomph. I did it on the bag I just finished and really like the heavier feel to the handles.

[HeyJudee]

Interesting idea on putting elastic in the handles. This pattern says to use quilted fabric...but I didn't although I did put batting in the strap.

The instructions are for a 110" strip that is 4" wide (quilted fabric) and then press in half lengthwise wrong sides together to mark the centre. Then open and bring raw edges into the centre and press. Then you are to fold in half so the raw edges are concealed and topstitch. Well that would be 4 layers of fabric and 4 layers of batting to sew thru...too thick for me. So I compromised using a 4" strip of unquilted fabric and cut a 2" strip of batting and fit it inside once the raw edges were pressed to the centre. Then folded the strip in half concealing the raw edges. It was 4 layers of fabric and 2 layers of batting to topstitch thru...makes a nice sturdy handle.

[lendube]

Love those bags and remember the previous ones. Great looking, my dear! In the purse I made a little while ago I put fleece in the handles and then stitched a few rows. That made for a nice hand feel too.