My Posies Monday: Sew Serendipity Bags

If you're interested in improving your bag making skills or getting started for the first time, Serendipity Bags by Kay Whitt is a good place to get started.

I made the Laptop Messenger Bag and chose the floral and accenting circle patterns from the  Chelsea collection  by Whistler Studios.  I tied the two together with a brown marble from Moda Fabrics.  I purchased these from my local quilt store.






I found the pattern to be easy to follow with good diagrams and clear directions.  The author has added several technique pages which I found helpful. 

I must confess that I have never sewn anything that was this thick and heavy...so be sure to use the right needle and that you have a sewing machine that can handle the thickness.  I have two machines, a Singer Futura and a Bernina Bernette.  I wanted a basic machine for my girls to learn to sew on and the Bernette has been a great machine.  I have been very pleased with it, but this project was not a good application for it because it ended up in the repair shop.

At times I felt like a Sumo Wrestler.  The thickness can be awkward and the bag is large.  The body of the bag is a 16" square...which is great for books etc., but it will give you a workout!

All in all, I would make the bag again.  The book is a great investment.  It has a nice variety of bags.  Sometimes you get a book and only end up making one or two of the projects.  Not the case here.  The girls already have a list of other projects they are gathering fabric for.

The end result was a great gift and a happy recipient.