messenger tote

I made this before I left for artfest.  I always feel like I need a new bag whenever I travel somewhere.  Does anyone else feel the same way?  Lucky for me I can sew, otherwise this could be an expensive habit.

It was perfect for the plane flight.  Inside I kept a bag of trail mix, a chocolate bar, mints, gum, lip balm, wallet,  art journal, pen and pencil, day planner, tea wallet and a book to read.

It all fit perfectly and kept me happily traveling by air.

The book I read was Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris. It was perfect reading for the plane. A bunch of funny short stories that are easy to read, laugh out loud (and sometimes snort) funny.  I LOVE reading on the plane and at airports. Nose in book, don’t talk to me, I’m reading!! It’s the only time I can read without interuption.

Anyway, back to the bag.  I used some linen, some vintage fabric scraps, buttons, trim and my grandma’s crocheted doilies. The strap is two thrifted belts sewn together, but I think I need something wider and a little thicker.  I love its many pockets.  Several on the inside, plus a zipper pocket too. It’s nice and big too. I probably won’t use it on a daily basis, but it might make a great work bag. My old one is looking pretty tired.

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13 Responses to messenger tote

  1. Anja says:

    Lovely bag!
    Using Granny´s crocheted doilies is a great idea!

  2. bimbi says:

    nice bag, and I can’t get enough of them too 😛
    do you have the tutorial for this ?
    thanks 🙂

  3. Great bag! All week i have been trying to make myself a bag but i always seam to be last on the list of people i make things for.

  4. Tracey says:

    I love the patchwork on the bag and the doilies are a great addition. I am a bag hog as well…you need a bag for every mood right?

  5. so cute! and that book is the best! i swear, i laughed out loud 🙂

  6. Andrea Q says:

    It’s fabulous! Love, love, love it!

  7. Michelle says:

    I super love this! And those sewn in pen holders and pockets–fantab! Hope you had a blast at ArtFest! And I was just looking for Me Talk Pretty at the library yesterday–now I will have to pick it up, I need a good laugh!

  8. Becky says:

    I’m generally not big on lace or doilies, but your bag is so fun and colorful and cheerful that I can’t help but like it!

  9. Karen says:

    Hello There, I love your bag. What pattern did you use? I would love to make a similar one. Thank you, Karen

  10. I didn’t have a pattern for my bag, I just kinda worked it out on my own because I had very specific idea of what I wanted. But, I was able to find a couple of free patterns on-line that might work …

    http://tipnut.com/messenger-bag/
    http://mmmcrafts.blogspot.com/2009/06/basic-messenger-bag.html

  11. Amy says:

    I have always felt like I needed to sew something new before a trip! Sometimes I’m up late the night before to get it done . . . Great bag– love the use of the lace and doilies.

  12. stephanie says:

    YES! I ALWAYS have to hunt down appropriate fabric – like pasta when I went to Venice and Eiffel Tower for Paris! I LOVE your bag – super cute!!!

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