Little Girl's Purse

A friend's daughter recently celebrated her third birthday.  As a handbag lover, I believe it's never too early for a girl's first handbag!  So for her gift, I searched the web for a cute, simple bag to make and found the Kid's Messenger Bag Tutorial by Zaaberry.

The size and simple design made it the perfect pick.  I made the bag body with my usual canvas, and used coordinating cottons for the lining, flap, and strap.

I made two additions to the original tutorial:  a hook and loop closure, and instead of attaching the strap at a fixed length, I added a D-ring to make the bag convertible from cross-body messenger style to an over-the-shoulder purse.  I'm happy with the changes, and I especially like the added bow detail.

Birthday girl's mom reported, "She stuffed it with Barbies and brought it to dinner!" -Another happy "customer" !

Travel Duffle with Trolley Sleeve

18 inches wide by 11 inches tall and 9 inches deep
"Travel Duffle with Trolley Sleeve" Pattern by Studio Cherie

This is the fourth bag I've made from a Studio Cherie Pattern.  The first three were made from Cherie's original Travel Duffle Pattern, which is a bit larger, and lacks the trolley sleeve.  Since the method for making this bag is very similar to the original, I was able to make this bag fairly easily.  I did add an interior muslin lining, which took some extra time and thinking.

I prefer the size of this bag to the original, but still wish Cherie would have included steps to add a true, "no guts" lining, as an alternate option to using a serger (which I don't have) or bias tape (which I don't like).   I'm sure there is a better way than how I did it.  Regardless, it is still a great pattern and tutorial, and I'll continue to purchase patterns from Studio Cherie.  The Departure Satchel might be next.