Lynn sent me this great photo of the messenger bag she made using batik fabric. I love the details like the colorful flap, the padded fabric strap and the decorative leaf stitching. The bag looks so perfectly at home nestled in those beautiful flowers!
To make the fabric strap, she pieced some fabric together and then pieced a strip of batting to go in the center. Piecing is a great idea since you need a really long length of fabric for the adjustable strap. Then you won't need to buy the entire length just to cut a long, narrow strip. Piecing also has lots of patchwork possibilities!
Then she tucked the strip of batting inside before folding the strap closed and sewing down the sides.
Of the bags I have made and kept to use myself, the messenger bag is the one bag I use every single day. Having my hands free is very convenient and while the bag is pretty small, it still holds everything I need. It is perfect for walking the dogs and riding my bike.
The journal pocket and pen slips are also very handy. It is great to have a dedicated spot for my journal, since I often want to make a quick note about pattern ideas, things I need to do, etc. Before I started using the messenger bag, I would put a journal in my bag, and then take it out and leave it somewhere else. Then I would get annoyed with myself when I couldn't find something to write on!
Mine is getting pretty worn out and faded, so it is probably time to make a new one soon.
Thanks for the photos, Lynn! Hope everyone is having fun sewing this week.
