The March Bag

Here's a great pattern that a few of my 10's have commented on positively while I was making it this week. In my eternal search for the perfect bag for each year level to develop their skills with, and still appeal to the boys that may join the class, this one seams to provide an interesting challenge that is quite achievable and have enough space in it for the techno tools we all carry if they want.

... used a remnant from IKEA (striped upholstery weight outer and finer poplin/lawn hand written lining) and  and some vintage bark cloth for the contrast ( the grey, patterned piece).  What I love is the $1.00 buckle from a Salvo's belt, and the large silver grommets and swing clasps, and large magnetic snap from two $4.00 vinyl bags from Goodwill.  Sure beats the expense of an often limited range a Spotlight....sorry Spotty.

So the changes are - the handle style and attachment method and the gathered lining pocket.  I like the pleated front/back pockets and they really fit a fair bit in!  Watch they line up at the bottom and at the sides for a neat finish.

Top-stitching, as always, in a larger stitch (length 4 at least on the school Bernina).

I 'spose the issue for the kids, and in turn me, will be accessing the grommets and clasps, they can be cost prohibitive, so I may need to resort back to the original bag's shoulder strap with them. Keeping within a reasonable budget can be a challenge for really good looking bags.  Teens today can be rather fussy and why make it if you can buy a better one? My plan is to produce a step by step photo tutorial for my version of the bag (I will acknowledge the original designer too, of course) and have a few of my Yr 10's to trial it for me next term.  I'll let you know how it goes.