A Charming Messenger bag.

Earlier this month, Kati @ From the Blue Chair posted some photos of some lovely messenger bags she made and was kind enough to also write up a fabulous tutorial on how she made them. As I had never gotten around to making the messenger bag from the Zakka sew long last year I decided that I would definitely give this one a try.

Kati had used some Joel Dewberry Notting Hill home decorator fabrics for her bags but living in Australia, I knew I would have to wait far to long for them to get here so chose some of the Prints Charming range which we have locally. 

So after a quick trip to the local craft store, I gathered all of my supplies together - Kati has all the info on these on her blog.

The striped fabric is actually a canvas weight which was perfect for the outside of the bag as it is quite sturdy. 

The large floral is a cotton drill and the orange lining a cotton poplin so I used a bit of interfacing for the inside pocket I made with the poplin as it was a bit lighter in weight.

I can thoroughly recommend Kati's tutorial as I had no problems making the bag as her instructions and photos were very clear and easy to follow - it was my first time doing re-covered piping and also making the inside zip pocket which are techniques I will definitely use again. 

I also saved the 2.5 inch squares that were cut off the bag at various stages (and added in a couple more) so that I could make a little zip pouch to match too:)

We are off to the beach tomorrow so I am going to take this bag on its first outing as I can fit a couple of beach towels as well as my sunglasses, camera and the sunscreen in here easily.

Linking to the Lets Get Acquainted Monday Link Up which is being hosted by Taryn @ From Pixels to Patchwork this week.


And also to Fabric Tuesday @ Quiltstory.

Kirsten.