I had an old bag that I’d been using for work for the past 3 years of my nursing career and for other things the few years before. It’s a canvas messenger bag with nylon lining. It could still be a good bag (and we’ll probably still use it for other things) but it is heavier than it should be with all its inside pockets and the lining is tearing inside which means that things go in and don’t come out. I’ve been dying to make a new bag from Lotta Jansdotter’s Simple Sewing and finally made this one. It couldn’t be more perfect for work.
It’s made from vintage “mambo” bark cloth that I thrifted a while back for probably a dollar or two. I’ve seen it on-line for almost $20 per yard–yikes! Talk about a steal for me! I really dig the pattern and colors. I don’t think I could have picked a better bag for this fabric, no?
Here is a peek inside:
See the cute little robot button? It was made by Michelle. Another button from her embroidery button swap. I know she is planning for another swap soon. I will post about it as soon as she announces round two (uhm, no pressure Michelle). Come to think of it, I think I said I would do a notecard swap as well. Soon…soon.
***disclaimer: I’ve been thinking about my last few posts and thought it looked kinda bad that I’m touting the green way and The Story of Stuff and then showing off a new camera. Let me just say, that I don’t make purchases like this often and there is no perfect “green angel”. We can only do our best to make better choices and do what makes us truly happy. Sorry, just had to say that.
Love the new bag! And the button is such a cute touch 🙂
I don’t think that you have to justify to us about your new camera. I think that a camera that you clearly needed and use is a good purchase and isn’t contrary to your green way. See, you just used it to show how you were able to take thrifted, therefore recycled, fabric to make something that you needed rather than purchase a new one. Isn’t that being green?
Cute bag too! 🙂 And great pictures. At first I thought that your stethoscope was an ornament on your shoes. Very cool shot.
Oh my gosh! I love the bag….and I have that book…and I have to make myself one….like right now:)
OOhh I meant to tell you – my bff that I bought the little nurse pouch for absolutely loves it!
This is an awesome bag. I love it! You’ve inspired me to try something “a little more complicated” for a new teacher bag for me. Thanks for sharing the pictures!
Oh, I’m totally honored that you chose my button to adorn that *amazing* bag. You are such the seamstress! Even if the price hadn’t been so unbelievable, that bark cloth is totally cool. And, uh, okay. No pressure on the next embroidered button swap, huh? Gotcha. I’m getting right to work on that…
hi, i`m a nurse too….and i have to say: this is the best work-bag i have ever seen!! great!!!
greetings from germany,
lina
very handy!
(I’m studying to become a nurse myself)
Absolutely love the new bag!
I totally missed out on the embroidered button swap last time around, but definitely think I will have to join in this year! 🙂
Great idea for a bag.
The button is really cool!
(and the craf or die t-shirt also!)
I had my eye on that book. The vertical pocket on that bag is so cool. Great job.
Great bag! I’m a nurse too (labor and delivery) I know how much I love the bags I carry. My husband and girls all groan when I mention a new bag as I have just “a few Ãœ”.
Great fabric selection.
That bag turned out great. I love all of the pockets.
That bag is stunning! What a lucky girl you have been to find such a fabric for so nice price! Really the best possible fabric for that kind of a bag.