I thought I’d done a post about this fabric, but it would appear that I didn’t. I shall make up for it now.

Back in February my very lovely friend Amanda bought me this fabric

I just love the details.

I  planned to make a bag with it, but didn’t want to rush into it. At £55 a metre it was probably the most expensive fabric I’d got. I wanted to think about it and try to make the most of the gorgeous pattern. 7 months later and i was finally ready to take my scissors to it. Always quite scary cutting into good quality, expensive fabric.

Working out where i want my pattern to be.

The pieces cut out. This was the way I’d intended the pieces to be. I wanted the pattern to line up the best it could…….

I used my usual messenger bag template but I altered the dimensions a bit. I made the height shorter and the length wider and also made it width deeper. Which meant a wider strap.  I backed the fabric with calico, just to make it a bit sturdier, and I lined it in denim.

My pattern layout didn’t quite work out, got pieces the wrong way round, but still works I feel.

Bit more obvious here.

Lining inserted quite neatly.

Size comparison, not too different but just enough.

I’m very happy with it and have had some lovely compliments on it. Mainly due to the quality of the fabric I feel. I just love this pattern though and find it very appropriate for living by the sea.  I have enough fabric left over to make another bag, so although initially it  was expensive fabric, if I can make two bags out of it, it won’t seem so bad.