Girl's Damask Bag with Floral Pin

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Designer: Valerie Salmon
(Inspired by the Bella Bag from Valerie's Boutique - http://valeriesalmon.typepad.com/boutique)
When I created this bag for my online boutique, I knew I had to make a mini version for my daughter Lauren.  With her favorite colors black and turquoise, I thought that the damask print would give her the "grown-up" look that she favors.  Did I mention she is 9 going on 15? In addition to the bag, I made a coordinating flower into a pin so that she has the option to remove it from the bag and use is as a brooch.

With most of my sewing projects, my rotary cutter, mat, and acrylic ruler by Fiskars are essential. Enjoy making this bag!

Difficulty rating

Instructions (Print version)

FINISHED SIZE:  10" wide x 6" tall, 3" flat bottom, 16" straps
FEATURES:  The bag is lined, completely interfaced, and fully padded for extra sturdiness.  The straps are also interfaced.  Top-stitch detailing.  Inside pocket.  Magnetic clasps.  Coordinating floral pin.

STEPS TO CREATE BAG(Note: all seam allowances are 1/4" unless specified.)
1.  Cut the following using a rotary cutter, mat, and acrylic ruler:
Outer fabric:  
Bag - 2 pieces of 10.5" x 17"; Straps - 2 pieces of 18" x 2.25", Inner pocket - 1 piece of 3.5" x 5.5"
Lining fabric, fusible interfacing, & fusible fleece:  1 each of 10.5" x 17"
Lining fabric only:  Straps - 2 pieces of 18" x 2.25"
Interfacing:  Straps -  2 pieces of 1 1/8" x 18"; Pocket - 1 piece of 3.5" x 5"

2. Iron interfacing to outer fabric.  Sew the sides and box the corners to create a flat bottom.  Repeat the same for the lining fabric, using the fusible fleece.
3. Sandwich a piece of interfacing in between the two 3.5 x 5.5 fabric for the pocket.  Sew wrong sides together, leaving a 3" opening.  Turn right side out; iron. 
4. Attach the finished pocket to one side of the lining.  Apply magnetic snaps.

5. Straps - Iron the interfacing in the center of the two outer fabric strap pieces.  Iron the excess fabric towards each other to create crisp folded straps.  Repeat for the remaining strap pieces. 
6. Take 1 prepared outer strap and 1 prepared inner strap, place raw edges facing each other, then top-stitch both sides of the entire length.  Repeat for the other strap.  Set aside.
7. Insert the fleece-lined bag lining inside the outer fabric.  Fold a 1" top allowance for each and iron.
8. Place 1" of each end of the straps in between the outer & inner fabric of the bag.  Pin in place, iron, & stitch securely. 

*FLORAL PIN
- Cut a 2.25" x 44" strip of fabric. 
- Fold in half lengthwise and iron.
- With a needle and thread, use a running stitch, gathering the length as you go.
- Form a flower & hot glue the layers securely.  Add a covered button in the center.

*PIN BACKING
- With a circle templace, trace a 1.5" circle on to felt, then trim.
- Hand-sew a safety pin to the right side of the felt.
- Hot glue the felt circle to the back of the flower.

SUPPLY LIST
Fiskars Brand:  12-97957097  45mm stick rotary cutter
http://fiskarscrafts.com/tools/t_45mm-stickrotary.aspx
Fiskars Brand:  12-83717097  18x24 cutting mat
http://fiskarscrafts.com/tools/t_18x24mat.aspx
Fiskars Brand:  12-87327097  6.5 x 24.5 acrylic ruler
http://fiskarscrafts.com/tools/t_65-x-245-easy-to-read-ruler.aspx
Fiskars Brand:  3.5 x 18.5 acrylic ruler
http://fiskarscrafts.com/tools/t_35-x-185-easy-to-read-ruler.aspx
Fiskars Brand:  48507097  Circles shape template
http://fiskarscrafts.com/tools/t_shapetemplate-tool-circles-1-wsca.aspx
Other:  2 fabric patterns, fusible interfacing, fusible fleece, magnetic clasps, covered button, needle, thread, sewing machine.