Nappy Bag {by Amy Butler}

After attempting to be a super-hero yesterday I've decided not to get out of the bed today... so, I'll blog while I can.

My friend, Beki, over at Artsy-Craft Babe {who inspired me to make the Simplicity Dress} has also inspired me to give a bag pattern a try. She has a wonderful eye for fabrics and can make handbags that will make you drool. Check out her etsy site! If any guys read this, your wife would be smitten with you if you purchased her ANY of these!

Anyway, I decided my first attempt at a bag would only make sense if it was a diaper bag. As I've mentioned before I'm trying to work my way through the fabric pile that hides behind the closet doors of my sewing room. Buried in the pile were the curtains I made for our rental house... so, I decided I'd cut them apart and use that fabric for the Nappy Bag. Seeing as how the fabric is a soil-resistant outdoor fabric I thought it be perfect for a diaper bag. I bought the pattern from Henrietta's Handbags {which has FREE shipping-- always a bonus}.

Here are some pictures of the finished bag...

Here are my personal thoughts and changes I made to the pattern...

this is a LARGE bag {next time I'll probably make it much smaller}

the pattern is very easy to follow {why can't Amy Butler rewrite every pattern ever made}

this bag would be a great pattern for a beginner

the cell phone pocket is small {I made it bigger and it's still a tight squeeze for my phone}

I omitted the canvas the pattern calls for b/c both my outer fabric & lining were sturdy fabrics

I used a "fusible fleece interfacing" {by Pellon} which makes for nice "cushy & sturdy" pockets

I did NOT use interfacing on the cell phone pocket flap

I did not add the 2 add'l bottle pockets {we don't use bottles & 6 interior pockets were enough for me}

if you don't have a baby this bag would make a great pool, beach bag or travel bag

I wish it had some sort of closure so the bag would stay closed

Ok, y'all should try it! I may make another one and put little John Martin's initials on it.

**by the way, I made this PRE-BABY! I wish I could sit and sew but not quite "that" recovered yet!! But I'm flattered that y'all think I actually made this since arriving home from the hospital! **