Mini Messenger Bag - An Easy Beginner Purse You'll Love!

Welcome back to Finish It Up Friday!!

It's been quite a week what with deliveries of long awaited materials, and a new lens for my camera! Woo! 
But what I really want to show you is this just Adorable Mini Messenger Bag by Katy Cameron over at The Littlest Thistle. 

Pics taken with my iphone, pre-fabulacamera ;)

Katy is an experienced bag designer, with more than 10 years of pattern design under her belt (or over her shoulder, as it were;) )

I tested this pattern for Katy. I've been testing a lot of patterns lately, and I can tell you that clear and concise is not everyone's forte! 

But it IS Katy's :)

The pattern is well written and laid out, and SUPER EASY!! 
Who would ever think that a messenger bag with pockets, lining, magnetic snaps, and hardware would be easy, but it IS! 
I have now been conscripted to make many many more for my family members. I hope I get the chance to make one for myself!!

Here are the things I like about this pattern:

• There are no zippers, so beginners don't have anything standing in their way
• The directions have clear photos that accompany them and show you what to do. I love that! 
• The bag is just the right size. Not so mini that it's only good for kids, and not so large that you can fit the Universe in there. I can fit my Nook, wallet, keys, assorted lip junk, the mail, and a candy bar (or heck, three!) in there, easily. You go ahead and stuff yours full. You know you want to!! I like to travel light and fast. In case I need a speedy get-away!

• You can easily add pockets anywhere you like. I might add one or two in the gusset, inside and out, to put extra stuff into... I like getting to some things without opening my bag. (See aforementionned candy bars/gum/pens)
• I LOVE the instructions for magnetic snaps!! Again, PICS, and makes so much sense. 
• I like an adjustable strap when I am making for other folks, because then they can tailor the length to their likes, and not hate me because the length of their strap isn't just right. I know you know someone like this.
• It is so much FUN to choose fabrics for this bag!! Mix and match, and you don't need very much fabric! 

What I don't like about this pattern:

• Nothing. Really! It went together so quickly!! 
• You will have to make dozens for other people. You better make one for yourself, Pronto!

I made this bag for my Niecey, who is 9. Here are the particulars:

Fabrics:

Raccoons by Tula Pink

Dragonflies by Could 9 Fabrics, Across the Pond

Purple Decorator weight stripe, Joanne's 

Pellon TP971F Fusible Thermolan from Joanne's 

Scraps of Eggplant Kona Cotton

Aurifil thread. The Best!

 Note: When the purse has anything in it, the inside pocket does NOT show, as it does in my pics. 

To buy this pattern, click HERE. You won't be sorry! Post your pics, we have to see them!!

XX!

Lori

Linking up with the wonderful Amanda Jean at Crazy Mom Quilts for Finish It Up Friday! Woo!

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