I think I finally figured out why I love making bags so much. Bags have the pleasurable challenge of 3D design without the body image crap that always comes up when I sew clothes. Planning and executing is a sure stress reducer for me and pre-Sewing Summit jitters resulted in these two Sacks o’ Happy – another Mommy Poppins Bag and a clutch wallet of my own creation. Well…. I didn’t finish the wallet in time to bring it with me, but I had it 90% done before I left and finished it up soon after I got back.
My other excuse was that there were some errors in my green Mommy Poppins bag (that were corrected in pattern testing) that I was embarrassed for it to be inspected by talented seamstresses. At least that is what I told Andy… and myself. Really, it probably had more to do with the release of Tule by Leah Duncan. yuuuuuumy. (Darn you, Rae and Shannon! I was blissfully ignorant living my life without it before you had to splash that glorious blue, yellow, and orange all over your pretty blogs!)
I went with the same uncut cord, I used on the green bag. (If it ain’t broke…)
How do you do your diaper bag, wallet, purse juggling? I like the versatility of the large wallet/diaper bag combo. Tuck the wallet full of all your essentials (phone, money, cards, keys, etc…) into the diaper bag when you are out with the kids, and remove when leaving the house alone, WHICH HAPPENED TWICE LAST WEEK!!!! Aside from quick grocery runs, this is a first for Vinny and me. Hello, freedom!!!!! It’s been a while!
Then I added a strap, because… that’s what I do…
…And on that strap, the sweetest metal zipper pull. I got these from the lovely Janelle of Emmaline Bags, who I had the pleasure of meeting at Sewing Summit. I wish I had more of a chance to talk to her than I did. These metal “handmade” labels are her latest bag supply in her shop and you should check them out right now. They feel super quality and are such a pro touch to a bag project.
I would say that I am done bag making for a while, but I still waiting on supplies to finish my other Bag-In-Progress.
Tell me about your wallet/purse/diaper bag transfer strategy. Do you use one bag for it all? Or separate bags?
I just told hubby yesterday that I need to make a smaller bag that matches my Mommy Poppins bag! 🙂 For those kidless outings.
A Mini Poppins perhaps? 😉
I have a diaper bag (ugly; perfect for hubby, but for me…not so much); a “clutch” I made that is just big enough for my phone and wallet and keys; and a purse (getting old an ratty). I just toss the clutch to and fro depending on whether I have the kiddos with me. Also, rereading this comment makes me think I need to revamp my system with a little prettiness, but I’m not sure I’m brave enough to try making my own bag yet. Hmmm.
You could revamp with just a prettier zippy “clutch” pouch? Like the bow pouch? http://prudentbaby.com/2012/04/hot-mess/accessories-hot-mess/zipper-bow-clutch/
Oooh, pretty! Love the wallet. I have a medium-sized purse for my things and a diaper bag for my kids things, but it does feel like a lot to carry around.
What a pretty bag! I definitely have diaper bag envy now. 🙂 funny enough, the strategy you describe is the same one I came up with after the birth of my second. I have a plain black diaper bag and then I got a fun Vera Bradley wristlet that holds my phone and money to take with me when I am on my own. It works great! Love reading your pretty blog, Jodi!
Hi there Jodie! Well call me stupid! I had no idea you were designing your own patterns! I probably would have know this if I saw you at the sewing summit carrying a bag and not pushing a stroller or carrying the cutest accessory (Vinny)!! Your bags are beautiful!! I am in love with that little sidekick mini suitcase and of course your mommy poppins bag. Aren’t you the clever one! Great post! I am following you on bloglovin’
xoxo
I was carrying the big blue bag around… 🙂 but yeah. Vinny probably was distracting you from it.
you know I love that clutch wallet – I would love love love is this could be your next pattern. I have fabric left from 3 mommy poppin’s bags and could totally make matching clutches!