S has been pestering us about getting a backpack with wheels. All the kids at her new school seem to have one, and I get why—between all the textbooks and notebooks they need to lug around, wheels could definitely make life easier. But let's be honest, wheels and cobblestone sidewalks don't exactly play nice together. Plus, who do you think ends up carrying her backpack back and forth most days? (Not her, that's for sure.) The handle on the wheeled backpack is way too short for someone my height, so I'm constantly hunched over awkwardly when I pull it. That’s why we decided to try something different—a new messenger bag. It’s been a hit with everyone in our household.    Project Details Did the fabric work well? Absolutely! When I stumbled upon those fluorescent buckle closures at Pacific Trimming, I knew they'd be the perfect finishing touch. Those closures ended up dictating the entire look and feel of the bag. The coated linen is both durable and waterproof, which is ideal for protecting S’s books from spills and general wear and tear. We had such a blast picking out the polka-dot trim and the bold lining fabric—it adds just the right amount of personality to balance out the simplicity of the exterior.   How did the sewing go? As always, I’m pleasantly surprised by how quickly this bag comes together, even though there are plenty of pattern pieces involved. I sewed a bit here and there whenever I had some free time, which is usually how I approach projects like this. Before I knew it, the bag was complete, and S was ready to load it up with her schoolbooks.   This time around, I used Soft and Stable instead of traditional interfacing. I was blown away by how easy it was to sew while still providing the bag with tons of structure. The Soft and Stable is essentially a thick foam, but it handled beautifully—it didn’t pose any challenges even when it came to applying the bias trim! And it made the strap super comfortable to wear. Even with a full load of books, it’s soft and squishy enough to feel pleasant against your shoulder.   What was the best part? Honestly, it turned out cuter than I ever imagined. Since switching to the messenger bag, S hasn’t mentioned wanting a wheeled backpack again.   Have you ever tried making the messenger bag? The smaller version works great for younger kids, but the larger size is equally practical for adults. You can easily fit a laptop inside! Since finishing the bag, I’ve been thinking about experimenting with other patterns. Maybe next time I’ll try adding some personal touches, like custom embroidery or unique hardware. It’s amazing how much satisfaction you can get from creating something functional yet stylish. Plus, knowing that my daughter loves using it makes the whole process even more rewarding. For anyone considering a similar project, don’t hesitate to dive in! The instructions were straightforward, and the end result speaks for itself. Whether you're making it for yourself or as a gift, this bag is sure to impress. Let me know if you give it a shot—I’d love to hear how it turns out! Foil Fabric,Foil Print Fabric,White Clothing Foil Print Lace Fabric,Tulle Foil Fabric Shaoxing Ruier Imp. & Exp. Co.,Ltd , https://www.pasatextiles.com
Name: Liesl Gibson
Pattern: Messenger Bag from Little Things to Sew
Fabric: Coated linen, with quilting cotton lining and trim
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