Bagmaking: The Layla Bag by Cozy Nest Design

I'm now what I consider a 'regular' tester for Sarah of Cozy Nest Design. Her mind works in incredible ways, and this latest bag, Layla, is no exception.

I had been fretting for ages about what bag to take to my mother in laws wedding, and when the testing call went out for this bag, I knew I had to make it.

Its such a clean, cute design. You can either make with, or without the metal handles (now stocked by Emmaline bags in Canada, but hopefully soon by Bobbin Girl in the UK) but for me there was no question of using them!

The pattern, as usual, is easy to follow. I wouldn't call it a beginners pattern though - more beginner to intermediate. I would tackle it if you have made a couple of bags already and know the basics.

I chose to add piping all the way around the gusset. This was kind of tricky due to construction and I would omit this the first time you make this bag if you're a beginner, so you know how the bag comes together.

It doesn't take too long to make either. This would be great for a night out. 

There is one inner zipped pocket which is always useful. The bag is plenty big enough to fit purse, keys, makeup. Even a pair of ballerina pumps!

In the end I didn't use the bag for the wedding due to a last minute outfit change. I did make it specifically to go with a dress and these shoes, but the shoes hurt too much. (I love Irregular Choice though. )

Bagmaking: The Companion Carpet Bag - Vinyl & Cats!

Ta da!!

I have finally finished this commission. It was a real labour of love. Emma, who I made it for, provided me with this amazing cat fabric. You can get this on ebay. It frays like a b*gger so I had to use a LOT of fray stop.

She wanted a doctors style bag and she wanted vinyl. I said I had some turquoise vinyl which would probably go well, and we went from there.

The sewing pattern I used was the companion carpet bag by Mrs H (not yet available unless you're in the bag of the month club).
You can see other examples of this bag here  I've made it twice before in Cath Kidston fabric, but this one is the larger size.

A LOT of work went into this. I machine quilted the vinyl, and I also hand quilted parts of the cats on the front and side so they would 'pop'. I made the handles (the rivets aren't quite straight - lets gloss over that) and you can't see the cute little nickel bag feet on the bottom here.

There is an inner zip pocket and some slip pockets too. 

The stripey tabs are to make opening it easier, as it has a large snap frame in there. 

I cut the heart out of the vinyl before sewing the cat in there and using the polka binding. I used soft and stable foam to keep it a bit more rigid.

I'm really pleased with the way this turned out. Its a unique bag thats for sure!