Sewn, quilted, embroidered messenger bag for Awesome Swap

[alwaysinmyroom]

We were allowed to make only ONE thing for the Awesome Swap...since my partner, sheepblue, needed a messenger bag for her school supplies, books, etc., I decided that would be my one project...

I rarely make these because they really are a lot of hard work--so many parts and pockets, zippers, etc.

I started by making a quilted panel that I wanted to use as an outside pocket for the bag.  Sheepblue is an awesome artist and does these fantastic altered puzzles, so I tried to mimic her technique by edging the rectangles with black fabric paint and embellishing them with some embroidery, beads, felted flowers, etc.  The fabrics themselves were art since they are from my Kaffe Fassett collection.  I used heavy duty denim as a base since I knew it would get some pretty hard wear from the books and from tossing on the ground (hey--I was a student once! )...there is a water bottle holder that I lined with rip stop nylon on the side.



And here is the other side which I loved because it was her avatar and logo!



I put in a full zipper at the top because she did not want stuff to fall out...there is a zippered pocket and three other pockets inside. The shoulder strap is adjustable and padded for comfort...nothing like a full custom bag to meet a person's needs and wants!

It was a labor of love, but tons of fun to make for a special person!

(photos taken by sheepblue)
More pics can be seen at the swap
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=348225.msg4106074#msg4106074

[thisbirdsabsurd]

-you know how awesome I think this is - great details - love it!

[alwaysinmyroom]

I had to post for the craftalong on every board......I am not making too many purses or bags these days since the papercraft gang has gotten me addicted to inchies and ATC's...so this is my one contribution this year to this board--ha ha

thanks, I appreciate your nice comments here and in the swap!

[RhondaCrafts]

What a lovely bag.  I'm sure she'll love it!

[kwality570]

Absolutely stunning!!!

[lovesclutter]

I wish my sewing skills were that far along. I love this in the gallery, and such nice touches, so in tune with Sheepblue. I love it.

[PixieVal]

This bag is just gorgeous! I'm going to have to google this Kaffe Fassett character those are some beautiful fabric pieces! My favorite things about this are how you incorporated her passion for the puzzles, and also the meh stitching!

[alwaysinmyroom]

It was pretty easy to do with fabric paint and a very stiff brush...the only warning being that the fabric paint I used cannot be ironed!  I melted the little sheep's face off by mistake!

I used my Brother to create the machine embroidery--that was fun as I have not used it for lettering much...thanks for you kind comments...it is hard sometimes to keep on making things unique but sheepblue truely inspired me with her own artwork!

Kaffe Fassett is a wonderful designer--he started with knitting--you should see his yarns and the things he has designed...so wild and colorful--you would love his stuff based on the twirly skirt I see in your avatar!

[sheepBlue]

I love this bag!! First day of school was a complete success  The water bottle pocket is awesome, and I was able to lug around all my art crap with no problem - the padded strap is perfect! I can't thank you enough!! 

[luckdragon]

That bag IS awesome!  Very nice!

[BethieB]

LOVE this bag and all the personalized details!!  The blue colors are so gorgeous.

And, just a thought...since you already posted to the purses board, you could always do some close up pics of that machine embroidery and put it on the machine embroidery board!   

[psyche]

Wow, those quilty squares are fabulous! Great how you catered to your partner's own talents.

[PixieVal]

Can you wash and dry the bag like regular with fabric paint? Just not iron it?

you would love his stuff based on the twirly skirt I see in your avatar!

You like that? Casey1201 made it for me, its my favorite item!

[alwaysinmyroom]

LOVE this bag and all the personalized details!!  The blue colors are so gorgeous.

And, just a thought...since you already posted to the purses board, you could always do some close up pics of that machine embroidery and put it on the machine embroidery board!   

aww bethieb--this is why I love you!!!  Great idea--I will count it for machine embroidery board with a few detailed pics!!  Thanks Kiddo!

[BethieB]

You're welcome!  Sometimes my busy brain is actually good for something, lol...

[KLKing]

 Absoulutely love the bag, Always! And, it definitely rocks in the machine embroidery department! I think it looks professional???

[alwaysinmyroom]

thanks klking--that means a lot coming from you 

It is not your typical messenger bag with the flap and sheepblue does not carry a laptop in it so I did not pad it (although the quilt pocket is padded with thin batting...)...I really loved the zipper technique...I have a purse that has a zipper like it and I love it...you do not attach the zipper at the ends...so if you open the zipper all the way, the bag is wide open and you can find all your junk, but closed, nothing falls out...I will take a pic to make this gibberish clearer

I did find one goof I did...I forgot to attach a zipper pull to the inside zipper pocket.......I hate trying to grab the little zipper head when I am in a hurry...sheepblue--I will mail you a zipper pull to attach