Apparently I’m back into using big bags.  I thought that I’d downsized a little with both kids at school, but instead I keep on trying to jam a crochet project into my bag as well as everything else that I “need” to carry.  By the way, for me I “need” to carry my purse, change purse, glasses cleaner, phone, kindle, little first aid kit, lipstick, spare phone charger and headphones, tape measure, swiss army knife, and hankies.  Plus a crochet project.  And often other assorted items.

One of my favourite big bag patterns in the You Sew Girl! Large Slouch by Nicole Mallalieu. And after a quick blog search it looks as though I have made this six times before! This version was made in pretend leather (it’s bonded to a stretch fabric) from Darn Cheap Fabrics. And you have seen the fabric before – I used it as the contrast in a pair of April pants – but the bag is what I actually bought the fabric for in the first place!

The fabric was surprisingly easy to sew, even in the bulkier parts. I just made sure that I used a fresh sharp jeans needle throughout. I used a chunky zip as the closure, and added some rings to the strap for a little bit of shine. I wear this across my body – I love to carry my bag hands free – and made the strap length to suit.

Inside there are pockets. A zippered pocket right down one side, and four patch pockets on the other. This gives me loads of room to keep the loads of stuff that I “need” organised inside the bag. And I can squash a crochet project right into the middle. As always, I added a little key leash so that my keys will always be easy to find.

This is a great pattern, and surprisingly fast to make. It’s even faster if you make it with a webbing strap, which I have done in the past. Once again this pattern is high on my list as a contender for one of this year’s teacher-thank-you-bags, since this year I have to make two, one for each of the girls’ teachers!  And speaking of my girls, they have both been away for the past few days.  My husband and I have gone out for dinner THREE NIGHTS IN A ROW!  Unheard of!  I’m off to collect Stella later today – she’s been away at her grandparent’s house – and Clare isn’t back until Saturday – she’s on Guides camp.  I have missed them a lot; the house is very strange without them.  But at the same time, it’s been lovely to spend some time with my husband, eating lovely food!  And of course, during the day we’ve both been at work.  But now for me the school holidays really do kick in!  I wonder if I’ll get some sewing done?