Check it out.

The bag I made for myself, using the Amy Butler polka dots, and the Alexander Henry Owls.  

It is far from perfect, but I love it anyway.  And honestly, I’m probably the only person who would notice most of the imperfections.  The bag turned out to be a sort of study on techniques.  Instead of sewing it inside out and then flipping through a hole in the bottom, I used the binding on the top method, which overall, I much prefer.  A) I like the way it looks; B) I like being able to easily sew the bottoms of the inner and outer together; C) I hate having to sew up that darn hole in the bottom!

I used this little tutorial to fashion a pleated pocket for the outside.  This pocket was an after thought.  I wasn’t sure it would look right, but I felt like the outside of the bag needed something.  Overall, I’m not unhappy with it, and as a pocket it is adorable.  

 

 

The only problem: I made up the dimensions for the pocket, using pieces I had originally cut for something else, and it is a little bit odd, the length compared to the width.  I also placed it lower than I would have liked.  You can kind of see that in the photo below.  I don’t think it’s terribly obvious, especially since the fabric is the same as the outside of the bag. Plus, it’s cute.  It’s staying.  

 

 

I also used this tutorial to do a zippered pocket inside the bag.  I was really nervous at first, but I followed the directions, and aside from the fabric being a little bit moody, it turned out really well.  See?  Not bad for my first one, right? 

 

The size is perfect for what I was going for.  Good for every day, not too big, not too small.  I love the dots, and the owls. Fun, funky and functional!  What more could I ask for? 

I’m thinking of a million variations for this.  More interior pockets, more exterior pockets.  A pleated outside, perhaps?  Who knows.  I’m sure I’ll be showing you!