Something for me

Seems you can teach an old dog new tricks...

Echino pink planes patchwork fabric from a few seasons back

With lots of great hints and tips on how to get a professional finish from Nikki, here it is, my new satchel bag.

The small kid strutting her stuff

As anyone with small kids knows, being able to have your hands free (to hold theirs at the lights) is a very handy thing - so an over the chest bag works best for me.

Ta Dot -a pop of colour is a bit of fun for the lining

This bag has an adjustable strap so when I am out pretending to be a grown-up I can shorten the strap so it is a shoulder bag.

Black stretch denim base and an adjustable black web strap

I couldn't be happier with how it turned out.
There are one or two things I would do differently, but that's just part of learning, and as this is my first 'real' bag I am more than pleased to figure some of those things out when I make the next bag.

Rectangular brass fittings from Nikki M

Even though Lara has made lots of bags, this was her first course with Nikki and she said she learned heaps.

She also said that it is a good idea to do a course at the start of your bag making career so you don't pick up bad habits you may have to correct later!

The same under the flap

I think a bag is a great gift.
Practical and 'pretty' at the same time.
Also you can really reflect the person and their essence in the style and colour of bag that you make.

Zip pocket for keys and a magnetic catch to keep it closed

I have plans for a few more later in the year.
I think Lara's idea of giving them as a gift to the teachers is a really great one that I might just 'adopt' - if she doesn't mind!

I did plan to put extra pockets in the lining of this one, but got all excited about nearly being finished and made up the lining forgetting all about them!

Nikki's bag making courses sell out quickly - so keep an eye on the schedule here or on her Facebook page.
Definitely money very well spent.