Mama's got a brand new bag
I love my old bag but it's really been showing signs of wear (since I take it wherever I go) and finally this last week one of the magnet snaps just ripped right out. So I've been working on a new bag for a few days now and I'm really glad I took my time because Joey kept giving me super ideas to make this a really great bag. For the shape (curved at the top instead of straight across) I was inspired by some bags I saw on ebay and I was tempted to bid on those because they were so pretty, but I really needed a pocket situation that was practical for me.
Here is the finished look. I used some of my favorite fabrics and then added some butterflies as an afterthought (but before the final assembly) and I think they really add a touch of whimsy. I used some heavyweight decorator fabric for the bottom (the same print I used on my ironing board cover) to give it more stability and stain resistance where it's really needed.
But what I really really love about this bag is the inside. I don't need tons of pockets, just the right kinds of pockets. So I made a couple of pockets for things like pens and pads (both the paper kind and the "feminine" kind).
But my favorite pockets are the ones Joey recommended. First is the one for my sunglasses. It's lined with flannel (pink polka dots but you really can't see it) and I used one of my precious scraps from Amy Butler'sTemple Flower line just because it makes me happy. I placed it at the end of the bag so I can just reach in and grab it without digging around and this way they won't get crunched in with my other stuff.
If you look at the where the strap is attached to the bag you can see my secret "Joey pocket" (this pocket was his idea when he saw the little space there on a previous bag and I thought since a kangaroo has a baby joey and it sleeps in a pocket...well you know). So I keep my cell phone there and this way I'm not digging frantically for it. I added a little elastic to snug it up a bit. I love it!
Here's another view.
Here's the backside of the bag. I wanted a pocket there but I didn't want it to be out in the open so this way if I put something in there it will be on the side facing me. Another cute butterfly!
I'm so happy with the way it turned out! It's both pretty and practical and allowed me the opportunity to use lots of my favorite fabrics in one item. Snazzy! This was a really cheap (and actually quite relaxing) way to spice up my sad wardrobe.
Eventually I would like to post a pattern and tutorial for this but in the meantime I highly recommend getting a simple pattern and some great fabric (it doesn't take much) and play around with it. Fun!
Cute, cute! I'm sure we'd all love that tutorial.
Posted by: Stephanie | February 11, 2008 at 03:26 AM
Love the new bag! I have made almost 30 bags in the past few years, but am wondering....do you use a batting or stiffener between the layers? I have been using a fusible fleece, but yours looks very nice and stiff....
Posted by: Nancy | February 11, 2008 at 05:41 AM
I love the bag, I need to make myself a new one as well. I like your pockets, especially the sunglasses one. May have to borrow that idea : ) Great fabric choices!
Posted by: Tonya Richard | February 11, 2008 at 07:27 AM
So adorable--good job!
Posted by: Audrey | February 11, 2008 at 08:46 AM
Wonderful purse, I love it!
Posted by: Annette | February 11, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Uh, Jona...are you going to be making any bags to sell? Ya, know, for the "thread~challenged" gals like me. I love it.
Posted by: Deborah | February 11, 2008 at 03:30 PM
Jona-This is my dream bag! From the fabrics, to those special pockets for sunglasses and your cell phone-sounds like my kind of bag! I am so looking forward to when you can post a tutorial or at least some tips on how to do those pockets and to make it with a curvy top or you could make some to sell!
Love it!
Posted by: Marie | February 11, 2008 at 08:50 PM
That is REALLY cool!
Posted by: Cary | February 11, 2008 at 09:34 PM
J, This bag is fantastic. I love the special pockets that all fit your needs, especially for the sunglasses. And is the cell phone pocket part of the shoulder strap? GENIUS!!! Another awesome job/idea, as usual. When you have a moment to take a breath (haha!), PLEASE POST A PATTERN! Oh, & bravo on the butterflies. They really are the perfect whimsical touch. :o)
Posted by: Diana | February 12, 2008 at 07:37 AM
Love your new bag! So stylish and pocket practical....you got me beaming about a new bag for this Mama. A tutorial would be great..in the meantime I'm going to do playing around. Thanks!
Posted by: coffeechris | February 12, 2008 at 08:58 AM
The cell phone joey pocket on the strap is BRILLIANT! What a great design and so beautifully made. Congrats!
Posted by: Caitlin O'Connor | February 12, 2008 at 06:50 PM
The joey pocket...ingenious! love the whole dang thing.
Posted by: Pam | February 12, 2008 at 06:58 PM
LOVE your new bag, Jona! WTG on making one for YOURSELF! ;-) I love your fabric combinations and the pockets are wonderful!
Posted by: Pam | February 13, 2008 at 06:18 AM
How fun is that? I love it!!
Posted by: beki | February 13, 2008 at 01:01 PM
The bag is wonderful! And I love the new childhood-foto on the top of your blog. Too cute!
Greetings from the Austrian alps
Bernadette
Posted by: Bernadette | February 15, 2008 at 01:43 AM
what a gorgeous bag! OUT OF THIS WORLD!
Posted by: Laurie | February 22, 2008 at 02:49 PM
Come Quat! LOL. I appreciate his humor right up my alley! LOVE your new bag, the pockets are great, i need to spend more time on designer functional pockets, I usually put pockets in but they are just big, and my small stuff always gets lost in them, so what's the use right?
Posted by: Lisa | February 28, 2008 at 09:03 AM
Okay, Jona. What did you use to make your bag stiff looking and hold good shape? Heavy interfacing?
Thanks!
Posted by: Cary | March 09, 2008 at 08:03 PM