Diaper bag, casual
Originally uploaded by Big Sister.
I met Catlin five years ago when we were both working at (y)our local public radio station. Although we were both interested in on-air production, we were squirreled away in the fundraising division. Eventually we both left and eventually we both ended up working at the same place again. This time not a radio station and neither of us are working in development. She loves silly celebrity gossip and we go to the same acupuncturist. These are important things to have in common. Today was her work baby shower.
Since bags and purses are a strong suit in my sewing, I made her the diaper bag you see above. This is my third diaper bag in as many years and I think I like it best. Here's another shot:
The specs
Pattern: Based on McCall's 4403
Fabric: Indian print in corduroy & olive canvas (from stash)
Sewing time: Cut the pieces Saturday, bulk of sewing done Sunday afternoon, finished the lining Monday
The McCall's pattern calls for a zipper, which while I am getting better at zipper installation, I am no expert. So based on feedback from Paula, who received the original diaper bag I made, I decided to add a flap. The flap needed to be in the contrasting olive fabric because the print fabric was a little overwhelming. However, olive alone was boring. So, using my patchwork foot and the blanket stitch setting I appliqued one of the fabric's motifs onto the flap. I am pretty pleased with the result.
In addition to learning how to make and install a flap, I also learned how to make those elasticized side pockets for bottle storage. The pattern called for an interesting interfacing--fleece. Yes, fleece! This was great news for me as I have about four thousand yards of fleece from a failed Christmas experiment last year. While it doesn't give the bag tons of body, it does offer a nice soft shape. It's a little spendy for interfacing, but at least it is not going to waste.
The bag was well-received. Catlin is off on maternity leave, her baby is scheduled to arrive in 10 days.