A New Project Complete!

 I wouldn't consider myself a very experienced seamstress.  I have been sewing blankets for the past seven years, and I took sewing 4-H in 8th grade or so.  However, recently, my desire to sew has increased.

With the arrival of Baby K, I was so excited about the projects that I planned and completed (Here are a few of the projects--1 and 2). 

After having Baby K, I have struggled to find the perfect bag to take to church.  I have to take my binder, pens, scriptures, diapers, wipes, and now bottles and formula.  I was getting very tired of everything falling to the bottom of my bag, making it impossible to find anything when I needed it.

So one Sunday, during Sacrament Meeting (Shh, don't tell), I drew up this sketch.  The perfect bag, with pockets galore!  A few weeks later, I drew up a pattern in the right size.

 I found this fantastic fabric, and decided to use it for the bag.  I love it!

I needed something to give the bag some thickness, but I still wanted it easy to sew....

So, thank you Costco!  I cut up a giant Costco bag and cut it to fit the pattern.

I sewed the Costco bag on to the backside of the outer fabric when I sewed on the pockets.  The lining is a drop in lining that I sewed just barely smaller than the outer.

In the photo below, I am finishing off the project with a seem around the rim.

I did three seems to really secure it.

Here is the finished product.  The side with the two small pockets.  I designed the outer 

pockets to resemble an envelop with the v-front.

Also, I have two short handles, because I like to be able to grab my bag,

but I do not like to grab it with the long strap.  I also like to sling the strap over my shoulder,

So I made both!  I love how it turned out! It is very functional!

The large pocket on the opposite side.  Again, the v-front.

On the inside, there is a pocket on one side that is large enough to hold a Manila folder, 

or notebook.  I use that for the Young Women roll.  There are plenty of pockets for pens, pencils, toys, and other necessities.  There is even a pocket on each side for a bottle and some "to-go" packets of formula.

This bag holds everything that I need!  I love it!

It turned out so much better than I anticipated.  It really gave me a boost of excitement.  I wonder what else I can sew!  I do have a few skirts to sew...fabric, pattern and all, already purchased.  I just need to get it done!  Maybe I will, now that I believe it might turn out decent!