This is the bag that has been buzzing around my head for a good few months now. It exists in the world (and you have no idea how many swearings that took) and I can take it on holiday. The construction of it taxed my little brain, and I did make a mistake in the maths of the lining but I think I can be forgiven, given what I was attempting…
I’ve made a dividing zipped pocket across the middle, and the two sections are different sizes. The back section is narrow and fits a paperback (think guidebook!) and my notebook (think moleskine!), while the front is fat enough for my purse. In the past I’ve been obsessed by trying to fit A4 into everything I make which is limiting in the kinds of bags you can make, and it uses acres of fabric. I decided to abandon that, but I had to be able to fit in my moleskine – I’ve been carrying one around for years and it just wouldn’t be right to have to leave it at home. It’s a perfect size, frankly.
The fabrics, by the way, are an Amy Butler print and some charcoal cashmere that was left to me by an Italian friend when she went back to Italy. There is now just one tiny scrap left, but I think I’ve made the best use of it. The silverware looks brilliant too, but it got too dark to take even a crappo picture so I’ll do that tomorrow. It’s not just decorative though – the sliding handle moves far enough up to turn this messenger into a shoulder bag. Oh yes. And there’s a zip pocket on the back panel for easy access to one’s travel card. Oh yes. But it is dark now, so I’ll flickr photos another day.
Goodness I completely love it.
Lovely bag! I’m really impressed by your dividing pocket. I’ve planned to do that in one of my bags too, but i’m still thinking about how to do it…
that looks professionally-done!
That … is a very very nice bag. x
Gosh, well done – that does indeed look very complex on the inside (to make, I mean, aesthetically it looks simple and perfect) – how lovely to have sections and order in your bag.
Mrs Butler is in Liberty today…why could she not have waited four more days! I am soooooooo tempted to abandon the children to my mother and go and throw myself at her feet (or just take a copy of her book to be signed…which may freak her out less, no?). I’m sure that she would be delighted that she has ended up inside your lovely new bag. x
FANTASTIC! I really has a very pro look, love the complicated lining and pocket options…great fabric choices too. No wonderf your smitten ;o) Happy Days ((HUGS))
I love it! Just beautiful and I am jealous!!!
Great bag! I love the classic look on the outside and the fun fabrics hiding inside.
This looks gorgeous!
I, too, always try to fit A4 into everything. I found that I rarely use bags that are smaller. But then, despite that fact that I rarely leave the house, I always carry half my belongings with me when I do.
Beautiful bag – I love the divided pocket. I just realised that I don’t have to carry nappies around anymore, so I can stop steering clear of features like that. How can I have been rooting around for lost things in the bottom of a roomy but half-empty bag for months, without clicking why it wasn’t working so well anymore? I don’t think I could make anything like that, though – yours looks so professional.
Lovely bag, Jo – it was great to meet it in person and to admire your workmanship yesterday! Love that cashmere, and those gorgeous metal accessories!