This is the bag that I've used exclusively for decades. I got the pattern at the Pajaro Valley Quilt Show many years ago. I love it. I think it's what one would call a "bucket bag." It sort of folds in half so you can sling the straps over your shoulder. When you unfold it, it unzips to reveal a cavernous interior. It easily holds the many, many items I seem to need to carry with me everywhere, and there's room to add a bottle of water, a sandwich, The Man's glasses and probably also a watermelon.
There is a small pocket between the straps on side #1. It's just the right size to hold my phone so I don't have to dig around to answer it when on the prowl. It could also hold a bottle of water, or a baby bottle. I think this pattern was originally designed as a diaper bag.
There's a larger pocket on side #2. I keep my keys in there. Always. That way I'm not one of those people who keep asking their spouse, "Honey, did you see what I did with my keys?"
This is probably at least my 8th iteration of this pattern. I've made it from bark cloth, quilting cotton and remnants of upholstery. This version is upholstery fabric, bought for $2 a yard at Crossroads Fabrics in Watsonville (sadly closed now).
I've had mixed results with upholstery. Some varieties look strong but the surface starts to pill or shred surprisingly quickly. Which makes me glad I didn't choose 30 yards to recover my living room set. This one was a little hefty to manipulate but it feels like it will last.
Here it is unfolded but still zipped up. One thing I love about this pattern is that you can put one strap over each shoulder and wear it like a backpack. Sometimes it's nice to be able to redistribute the weight when you've been out and about for the day.
And here it is unzipped. Tons of room in there, and the opening is nice and big so it's easy to find what I'm looking for. I usually add a few inner pockets too, for stashing a tin of mints or my cowgirl mirror.
I used an on-sale quilting cotton for the lining. I read somewhere that it's good to use a light-colored fabric to line a purse. It might get dirty-looking sooner but it makes it easier to see what you have in there.
My last version was made from barkcloth and it lasted for almost 5 years. I interfaced the outer fabric, which probably helped. No interfacing in my new version, which saved me some cutting time.
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| RIP old friend |
My pattern review is on PatternReview.com here. And you can get the pattern from the designer, Lynndi Enright, at The Stars Aligned Studio.
