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Messenger Bag with Cinch Buckle Closure

Linen Messenger Bag with Cinch Buckle Closure

Now that it is suddenly warm, the wool bags I've used for the fall/winter need to be put away and replaced with something more seasonal.  So yesterday I started making a linen messenger bag, and this morning I finished it up.

I just made this bag up as I went along, so there isn't a pattern.  "Just made it up" sounds far more casual and easy than it really was to make.

It took probably 8-hours total make the pieces and sew the bag.  So it was definitely a longer project for me!  About half-way through thoughts of giving it up crossed my mind.  But I NEED a new bag. 

About half the time was making the pattern pieces.  For the time, effort, and amount of materials used to make a bag, getting it mostly right the first time is important, so I had to go slow.  I did have to remake the exterior once, but I kind of counted on that from the beginning, and used some cheap fabric to make the original. 

This bag is larger than my current Messenger Bag pattern.  The size for the existing pattern is actually better for me personally.  I try not to carry a lot because I walk quite a bit, and this style bag--or really any bag--can get heavy if you carry it long enough.  

So I might try making a slightly smaller version for myself, but first I'll try this size out and see how it goes. 

This bag is large enough to hold an ipad and a bunch of other stuff, and I know a lot of you want bigger bags, so leave a comment if this is something you'd want to sew.  Due to the amount of pieces a pattern would only come with one size.   

I used a 1.5" cinch buckle for the closure and it turned out fantastic.  The cinch buckles are very neat for this type of bag! 

They look super nice and are easy to sew on and practical to use.  The anchor part just slips through the buckle and then a slight turn and it is all in place.  I'm digging these a lot and am already plotting my next project to show them off!

Bits & Pieces

Once again, it's time to clean the sewing room!  I clean it up, then mess it up (often the next day), and then repeat it all over again.  It's all part of the cycle. 

During the clean up phase things turn up and I also feel inspired to let some things go.  So below are few random fabric cuts, and I also wanted to give a heads up that some hardware pieces might be out of stock for a bit.  A hardware shipment just arrived, so it will be a while before I place another order, and a few things are getting low.

There are (5) of the 1" nickel plated adjustable strap sets left.

The nickel tuck catches are selling pretty steadily, so they could sell out and spend some time in unavailable land. 

I also found some more of these 1.5" recyled aluminum slides/rectangle rings.  There are 6 sets available and they are sold in sets of 2 slides and 2 rectangle rings. 

Each time I clean a few turn up, but there are fewer and fewer each time.  This is probably about the end of these unique pieces.  These were salvadged from bags heading to the shredder, so they are recycled x 2!

The final piece from the bolt of the lobster fabric is available here.  The piece is 31" high, so it's pretty close to 1 yard.

The grocery bag with this print as the lining is definitely getting the best reaction at the store.  Every clerk that sees it is delighted by the lobster surprise.  It is a fun bag and an excellent conversation piece!  Now I feel compelled to make more grocery bags with crazy lining.  First I'll need more kooky fabric...

I am going to look for more of this fabric later this week.  If you want to reserve some, send me a note here or a convo through my etsy shop.  I'll put you on the list and send you a note if/when more is available. 

Finally, a small piece of this fabric can be found here.  It is slightly more than a 1/4 yard.

 

Pouch with Rectangle Ring Closure

This is a type of closure I've been meaning to try out for a while now and yesterday was the day! 

It turned out fantastic.  This is pouch #3 with a 2" rectangle ring and snap.

Using a rectangle ring, a strap, and a snap is a good mix for a closure.  Sometimes you see this type of closure on messenger bags and I wondered how well it would work on a pouch or smaller accessory.  I'm here to confirm it works very well! 

Since this turned out so great, I've added the nickel plated rectangle rings to my etsy shop.  They've been available with a slide to make an adjustable strap, but now you can order just the rectangle rings.  They come in sets of 2 and can be ordered with either a 1.5" or 2" opening. 

Tuck Catch Locks Back in Stock

Nickel Tuck Catch

Ohhlala...these tuck catches look nice!  These are a great way to quickly add some value and style to pouches and/or bags. 

Nickel Tuck Catch

These are also really easy to install.  The basic idea is the same a magnetic snap with prongs.   

Nickel Tuck Catch

They are available in nickel or antique brass.  Come take a look at them in the hardware section of my etsy shop!

Nickel Tuck Catch

Square Pleated Pouch with Cinch Buckle

This square pleated pouch has been cut out and waiting for me to finish, so it seemed like the perfect chance to use one of these new cinch buckles. 

The exterior fabric is from Yuwa.  I bought it at Bolt.  There isn't any info on the selvedge, so I'm not sure where to find it online.  If you've seen this print online, please let us know in the comments.

This is a 1" cinch buckle.  They are really nice hardware pieces.  If you've ordered the 1.5" slides/rectangle rings, these cinch buckles are the same quality.  The nickel plating is great, the weight is good, and they are just awesome, solid pieces. 

The cinch buckles are also available in 1.5", but those haven't been added to my etsy shop yet.  Send me a note if you are interested in 1.5" ones.  

Hardware Sale! Quick End of the Year Destash.

 

Come Tuesday, it will be time for me to take inventory of my hardware.  It's not my favorite task, so the less to count, the better.  Plus I want to order some new types of hardware after the 1st of the year, so help me deplete the current stash to make room for more in 2013!

Today and tomorrow only (12/30/12 -12/31/12), take *20% off the hardware in my etsy shop using the code below. 

*Sorry international friends, I'm not able to ship outside the US for a bit, so this is US only.  Patterns, of course, can be emailed anywhere.  Since etsy coupon codes can't be limited to specific products, the discount can be used for anything in my shop.  But help me out with the hardware if you need some (please and thank you... :0]).

The coupon code is:

hardware

Here are some examples of what is available...

Slides and Rectangle Rings Sets:

These black plated ones are my personal favorite--they remind me wrought iron. I have them in sets with 1.5" and 1" openings. 

The super shiny nickel plated ones are also lovely.  They also come in sets of 1.5" wide or 1" wide.

Slide and TWO Rectangle Rings:

If you like to make your strap with a rectangle ring on each side, trios in black or nickel are available. 

I don't have the 1" wide ones listed in trios, but you can convo me for a custom listing. Let me know how many you need in your note. 

Oval Eyelets:

There are 10 of the large 2" eyelets left, but more in the smaller sizes (1.75" & 1").  There are also some 1" eyelets in gold.

Square Eyelets:

These 7/8" square eyelets are also neat (antique brass or nickel).

Tuck Catches:

These are a new addition to the hardware selection, and I have just a handful of them.  They are awesome and easy to install.

Strap Hooks:

There are also some recycled aluminum strap hooks. 

Come take a look at all the hardware here.