First Project: Pick-A-Pocket-Bag

Well this is it... my first project!  I'm very excited as this should be very simple (fingers crossed) and look good as a result. And, if all goes well, I can make Summer bags at low cost in different designs and colours.

This easy to make design is a free downloadable pattern which can be found at www.allpeoplequilt.com.  This is one of 35 or so easy to make bags and purses.  The best feature of this style is that it has six pockets which are formed simply by sewing on the handles.  I guess you can also make it bigger or smaller depending on what you need to use it for.

Now all I need to do is find some coordinating material... I have a feeling this is going to be far more challenging than making the bag!



Erm... probably about 2 weeks later.... fabric chosen!  Very happy with these 3 coordinating fabrics chosen from www.backstitch.co.uk.  From left to right the straps, inner bag, outer pockets.  Will (hopefully!) get somewhat quicker at selecting fabrics... have been busy searching the internet and busy listing all the wonderful fabric websites on the tab above under "useful links".

Constructing the bag was dead simple... generally just an excercise in cutting straight lines, ensuring you set all the measurements correctly and sewing in straight lines!

Just a case of simply constructing both sides of the bag exactly the same, 3 layers in all including wadding, and placing each set right sides together to sew all as once piece - handles to be sewed first.













And voila!! Here is the constructed bag.  I love the simple style... the intention was to just simply throw over shoulder, transporting books/papers backwards and forwards to work.  However, I was disappointed that the top of the bag sags!  The top somehow should be firmer and probably the straps sewed all the way to the top.