Daytripper bag

Front of bag (two large pockets)

Back of bag

Still in my bag-making phase, so my next project was Daytripper Bag by Erin Erickson. I've made her Two-Hip Zipster and I was really pleased with her designing skills and directions.

Interior stuffed full of things

I used Amy Butler Paradise Garden in Midnight (LOVE this fabric) for the exterior, and Pat Bravo Nature Elements in Lime for the interior. I had heard of ByAnnie's Soft & Stable as a good stabilizer for bags, so I wanted to try it for this bag.

Three pockets

I spoke with Erin (the designer) about using Soft & Stable inside the bag. She had used it before and recommended that I substitute the batting and sew-in interfacing with the Soft & Stable. That is really a nice advantage when you buy a pattern from a small designer. It is often very easy to contact the designer and ask lots of questions. They tend to be incredibly friendly and helpful.

Look, I remembered to add my label!

Loved the way the bag turned out. I think it's the best bag I've made so far. I think my ongoing experience is definitely starting to show now. I've realized that a good hot iron is really your friend and often fixes lots of mistakes, plus it makes sewing much easier. I'm also very happy with the Soft & Stable. I think I'd use this again in the bags I make.

Added purse feet to the bottom of the bag

I made a couple of small modifications. There are a line of pockets on one side of the bag, the other side is empty to be customized anyway you want. I added a smaller line of pockets and a shallow zipped interior pocket on that side. I also added purse feet to the bottom of the bag. If I made this bag again and wanted to make it slightly bigger, I would increase the width of the side gussets by 2-3 inches. It would add extra depth without any extra height.

Zippered pocket and shallow set of pockets

Shallow zippered pocket perfect for usb stick and keys

I am extremely happy with this bag and the bag size. It holds a fair bit of stuff and the back zippered pocket easily holds an ipad and/or kindle. the strap is nice and long (but adjustable) so I can wear it cross-body or as a shoulder strap.