We have been lucky enough to have a truly wonderful school principal.  Dedicated, compassionate, and a true educational leader.  Sadly, we had to farewell our wonderful principal at the end of last term when she retired.  She deserves every bit of relaxation that her retirement will hopefully bring, but she is going to be very sadly missed!

To say thank you and goodbye, I made her a bag.

The pattern is Nicole Mallalieu of You Sew, Girl!’s Panel Bag. I have made this bag a few times now, and find it a very practical size and shape. And I love the way that it shows off a contrast fabric in the centre panel.

Most of the outer fabric is black corduroy, but the contrasting centre panel and strap are a faux leather-ish type of stretch fabric (hard to explain) from Darn Cheap Fabrics. I used black ready-made corded piping around the seam near the top.

The lining is quilting cotton and it’s really quite hard to see in this photo, but it is a print of a school house and children playing. Very appropriate for the principal, I hope! The bag closes with a magnetic clasp, and has matching antique brass rings on the strap. Inside there are some pockets, and a key leash.

This was a bag that was hard for me to give away. Hopefully she is now enjoying the first week of her retirement – complete with new bag!