sewn: epic bag #2

The original of these bags, my own design, was made for me, and you can see it here.  I have used it faithfully every day since, and I can honestly say that it is my favourite bag ever, made OR bought.  Perfect size, weight and just fun to look at.  I still have it in my head that I will make this into a pattern, and needed to refresh my memory on exactly how I made it! So I decided to make another for my "hitchhiking" friend's 40th in her favourite bright oranges.

I started with a small panel of piecing to use for the front pocket.  Paired it with some Essex linen and some hand stitching to make a fun and distinctive bag.

Added some accent handles and some hardware and some patchwork detail on the back.

Inside is a multitude of pockets, both zipped and slip.  The top also has a zipper to hold contents in securely.

It can be carried by the short handles over the arm or worn cross body as a messenger, resulting in this "fold over" look:

Wish I had planned and taken some pictures of it "worn" before it was gifted but all I have are these iPhone bathroom shots, complete with sweat pants full of thread, lol!

Anyways.

Love this bag.

It was loved by my friend, and I am happy to know we will be sporting sister bags even when we are across the country from each other xoxo