Saddle Bag

Hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas yesterday. Mine was a most unusual one to say the least.
First of all I got it into my head on Christmas Eve to swap my sewing room upstairs with my bedroom downstairs. Yes I know I'm mad but that's me, once I decide on something it has to be done. So all my sewing stuff, fabric, computer, sewing machines you name it it all came downstairs. Dismantled the big double bed and took that upstairs. All in all I think it took about 9 hours to do the both. It was good exercise before Christmas Day. Hubby and son helped move some of the heavier objects. Christmas Day I felt like I'd been hit by a lorry so hubby made Christmas dinner, well sort of it was Kentucky chicken and fried potatoes. I made trifle for later. Both were delicious. So now in my new sewing room I can chat to hubby if I want to as the room is off the sitting room. I'm hoping the move will give me new inspiration for the New Year.

Ok now onto the Saddle Bag I completed before Christmas.

The design is by Gary Fletcher. Gary is a trained pattern maker, designer and graphic artist and is at present doing bag designs for his spring collection. Gary is also a member of one of the yahoo sewing groups that I'm on and this is where I got the pattern from. He very kindly gave us the pattern to do as a sew along.
Some have completed it and others will be starting in the New Year so I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone's finished bag.
If you'd like to take a look at Gary's pattern you can go to Fashion Clique. In the bottom left hand corner under instructions you will see the 4 phases for making the bag. The pattern has loads of large clear photos and instructions and should you get stuck you can find Gary's email at the bottom of each phase. Best of all it's a FREEBIE.
The pattern doesn't call for batting or quilting as I did but I wanted to make sure it would be pretty stiff. I also used upholstery fabric and made a pleather strap.

It has two side pockets and a front pocket. I also added a strap attached to the lining so I can keep my keys where I can find them.

The inside has loads of pockets but I just made two. I've found just recently that the more pockets I have the longer it takes me to find what I'm looking for. Must be old age, I can't remember which pocket I've put things in.

I'm so looking forward to Gary's future designs. We should be in for a treat. I'll let you all know as soon as they're out.

~ Maria ~