Mama's Got a New Bag

First let me just say that I do not need a new bag. This was one of those, "Oh, I like that bag. I should make one" moments. I think the idea of trying something different appealed to me and the pressure got to me. It didn't help that the bag was on the front cover of Sew Pretty Homestyle and was begging to be made by me. (Maybe it was the polka dots calling my name. I'm not sure. Either way, I succumbed.)

I started this bag on the afternoon of July 4th, between two parties. I really wanted to sleep, but I am opposed to sleeping during the day, so I forced myself to stay awake by sewing. (I think everyone else in the house had crashed.) I spent the car ride to the second party picking the bag apart. It sat for a week or so until I even wanted to be near it again (it must have been the fabric, because it wasn't the bag I wanted to be near). I fixed the bag and when it came time to sew on the handles, it sat untouched for another few days. I don't mind hand sewing, although it's not my favorite. It's mostly because of time constraints (and eyesight). But the kids wanted to get in the pool and I had time to kill.


After I finished the bag and started to load it up with my gear, I quickly realized everything was falling into the deep abyss that is also known as the bottom of the bag. There weren't any pockets and I knew if it didn't have a pocket (for my cell phone and assortment of lip balms) I would never use it. So it sat again. I knew I was not about to tear that sucker apart again (remember, the handles were hand stitched on). The solution I came up with was to make a pocket (interfaced and lined) and use a fusible hem tape to attach it.

Ahhh. So much better and actually usable to my standards. At least for now.