If you were reading here at the end of August, you may remember that I had plans to sew with some leather purse straps, linen, and fabrics that didn’t match each other. I couldn’t show you what I was making because they were for a birthday gift and I had to wait for the birthday to occur. The birthday happened while I was in Australia and now that I’m done telling you about my trip (whew! aren’t you glad that‘s over!) I can show you the bag that I made.
A few months ago a little friend of SweetiePie’s was joking with me and she mentioned how much she’d like to have something made by me. She’s a cutie and conveniently, her birthday was coming up, so I came up with a plan. She lives in NYC and she walks a lot and she mentioned that if I made some sort of a bag it would be nice if it was big enough for her tennis shoes. She also mentioned that she loves pink and aqua, and she loves to go to yoga classeses, so I decided to make her an over-sized bag with a yoga theme.
I chose the Reversible Sunday Sling pattern by Amy Butler and I raided my little etsy shop and used Up Parasol by Heather Bailey, Surprise Birthday in Pink, and an essex linen in flax. The biggest problem that I have with bags is that the handles wear out too quickly, so I replaced the fabric handles from the pattern with some leather handles. Then, I highlighted some circles on the front of the bag — yoga symbols from embroidery library, a flower from Up Parasol and an M for her first name. (I think the peace sign is my favorite. Rumor has it that she liked the yoga girl the best.)
I left the back of the bag plain, to save her some embarrassment, in case the front was too much for her. I’ll admit, this bag didn’t turn out exactly the way I pictured it in my mind. That aqua (teal?) fabric is a leeeetle bit bright (I think I would have liked a subtle lime green better, but I was trying to deliver on the aqua preference). And, while I love that Up Parasol print, it looks like it’s screaming at you when you look at the bag.
But. I LOVE those leather straps and the style of the bag. When it’s slung over the shoulder it’s SO comfortable. So, I decided I could overlook the irritants. Especially, when you consider it really hurts the eyes to look inside the bag. The Up Parasol and the Happy Birthday REALLY don’t go together, but I HAD to use the Happy Birthday print. It was a Birthday Present! I figured my little friend is the only one who will see the inside, and I hope she smiles each time she looks in there and remembers that this was for her birthday.
I also personalized the inside of the bag with a “This bag belongs to ____” embroidery. The inside pleat gets in the way a little, but it’s ok.
This was a really fun bag to make and I’m hoping to make another one sometime for me. It’s such a comfortable bag to carry around and I love the little pleats here and there. I hope my little friend will get lots of use out of it!
XOXO,
Anna
pretty darn cute! and I love that label you put on the inside.
What a cute bag! Love the addition of embroidery. (btw, I’ve got a birthday coming soon:) Haha!)
Looks awfully cute from here! How did you sew the leather handles on? I really like the idea of using them but am not sure my machine can manage leather.
Very sweet!
I think your bag is grand, and I’m sure your little friend is really enjoying the using of it. I dug out the bag I had made several years ago and started using it again. I just can’t seem to find a bag to buy that suits me as well as one I customized for myself! Now If I could only manage to crank myself up to make a new one. ;) (And just so you know, you can blather on about that Australian trip even more as far as I’m concerned!)
What a wonderful bag!! I love the image of your friend going off to yoga classes in New York with this stylish bag slung over her shoulder. I’ve never thought of lime green as a subdued colour before.
I think it’s a gorgeous bag! I bet the birthday girl was delighted xx
It looks great ! And sturdy!
It looks fabulous! I have a project box full of patterns and fabrics for bags ……. I just need some time to make them!
what a wonderful gift! I love all your special little touches and stitching.
She is going to love it!
Great bag. Had to laugh how the recipient told you exactly how she would love a bag form you and the specifics as well. I’m sure she was over the moon with her birthday gift.
My birthday was at the beginning of the month (10/6) and I don’t do yoga but I would love this bag! wink! wink!!! Awesome gift, Anna!
anna you are amazing. i can’t wait to hear how much she loved it. you always amaze me with your special little details. i have nothing sarcastic to say, haha.
Happy Halloween!!
:waves madly
That’s the coolest gift & utilitarian, can’t beat that. The handles are great. Thanks for showing it all!
That is a GREAT present!
That looks great! I’m sure it will get lots of use!
The bag is fabulous, Anna. I bet M will love it! :o)
Oh my gosh!!!!! That’s one terrific bag. I bet she was delighted. You are so creative Anna. I love the leather handles. It’s pretty amazing and I hope you find time to make one for yourself.
Sweet bag! I love all the pockets. Did you use a leather needle to sew on the handles?
What a lovely gift. She’s one lucky yoga loving gal.
What a beautiful bag! I love the way the fabrics look and that birthday fabric lining is so cute! What a lucky friend :)
I love the leather handles too – they look very nice and comfortable.
Beautiful bag. I love the handles. My favorite part is “This bag belongs to…” :)
It’s lovely and I am sure it will be loved.
What an awesome bag Anna! Your little friend must just love it. Such a special creative gift from a special creative Friend! Your sewing is always perfection. My favorite part is the plain fabric with the embellishments – and you know me, the peace sign is my favorite too!!! Love it!
Love it!!!
What a lovely bag, I like all the pockets inside and the different motifs on the front the best. xx
i love it! i think it turned out beautifully! lucky girl! ;p
That bag is wonderful! Love the pockets and the shape! You did a great job!! :)
Michael Myson’s woman doesn’t just hint around to me anymore – she sends pictures to Auntia’s phone with a “show this to your mom” caption – ha ha ha!!! so far it has paid off for her with a bacon and egg scarf and a Chevy Nomad microwave-a-bowl … the last picture she sent was a crocheted scarf that looks like skulls … i decided to ignore that one…
love the bag – ESPECIALLY the inside!
and i gotta add this, “Say hello to my little friend!” (in my best Scarface voice)
Anna! Honestly you keep doing all these enviable projects and I end up adding them to my list. I have never made more than a simple tote for the kids but this bag is so adorable and I love the special touches you added. What a lucky young woman!