August 23, 2015

Messenger Bags Size 4 from Michelle Patterns






It is not surprising that I decided to purchase the add on Messenger Bag Size 4 from Michelle Patterns since I have the original Messenger Bag and Size 2 and Size 3 patterns already.  This is a fun pattern and the sizes and shapes vary.  The original pattern is 11" x 10" x 3".  The Size 2 pattern is 8.5" x 8.25" x 2".  The size 3 pattern is 7" x 6.75" x 1.75".  Now, the size 4 pattern measures 5.5" x 8" x 2.5" and is a wristlet version. This pattern is an add on meaning it only has the new pieces and measurements but you need the original pattern for the directions.  I made some changes to the pattern but I had fun and didn't stop until I had made 6 of them.

The original pattern had a flap attached to the bottom of the bag and one that was attached to the front flap.  Those two flaps were then attached to each other with snaps to keep the closure secure.  I decided to remove those pieces and add one of my favorite closures, the thumb latch.

The first bag I made was out of the same combination that I had just used to make a larger bag.  I love this combination of quilting cotton and denim.



The inside of the bag has one slip pocket.  The inside is big enough to hold only the essentials.



On the second bag, I used a combination of quilting cotton and a suede like fabric.




The back of the bag is plain but you could easily add a zippered pocket there.



The next bag has a combination of quilting cotton and faux leather.


 All quilting cotton was used on this peacock bag.


The flamingo bag is quilting cotton and a Kona solid.


 The final wristlet was made from home decor fabric and a Kona solid.


I, also experimented with different types of stabilizers.  On some I used SF 101 and thermolam and on others I used flex foam.  I like a more structured bag and liked the foam but my daughter preferred the other.  It all depends on your preference.

I wasn't done with this pattern yet.  On my next post, I will show you what happened when my daughter wanted this style but in a larger bag.  Until then...

14 comments:

  1. These are great Marilyn! So which ones had the foam and which had the SF 101? I got an email from Pellon that they will be coming out with a fusible foam soon. You can choose a one-sided fusible or a 2-sided fusible. That will be great.

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    1. Thanks, Daryl. Of these, all had foam except the flamingo bag. The next one I will show you did not have the foam either.

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  2. These look great! I like your use of the thumb latch. I need to try one of those. I love your fabric combos, too!

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    1. Thanks, Candy. You will love the thumb latches. They are very easy to apply and I think they look cute.

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  3. Good detail on using jeans' color yellow for top stitching on the first bag.
    Have you tried cork fabric yet?
    I've ordered it. Been seeing some awesome bags utilizing it.

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    1. Thanks, Kathy. I have not tried cork yet but I am drooling over it. I hope to get some soon. Where did you get yours? Let me know what you think of it after you use it. I hear it is fabulous and I love the look of it.

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  4. They all look great. The one with Jean fabric is my favorite. I have the original pattern and the size 2 and 3 but have only use the original. The use of the thumb latch was a very nice decision.

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    1. Thanks, Norma. I have made all of the sizes and I liked the shape of this wristlet so I had to get it, too.

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  5. Now i know what you've been up to...creating more beautiful bags !!

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    1. Still finding time to sew. Not finding time to blog. Thanks, Liz.

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  6. These are great. Love them! I am way behind on my blog too! Need to add these patterns to my list.

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    1. Thanks, Judith. Hope to find time to blog the bigger version of size 4 today.

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