A new diaper bag!

Last week I finished up my diaper bag! I have to say, I'm really glad I stuck it out because it turned out really well. It's a very nice looking bag, if I do say so myself.


The pattern is one I found on etsy.com from Jenna Lou Designs called the "Mabel Messenger." I love the shape, size, and look of this design. I also love the adjustable strap.


Construction was a little bit of a challenge for me, but I think it worked out in the end. Really, the trouble was all my own doing. Worried that using all quilting-weight cotton would result in a too-flimsy bag, I went ahead and added a canvas interlining. As it turns out, the canvas was not necessary with all of the interfacing and the heavy-duty Peltex that was called for in the pattern, and it created a LOT of bulk that I (and my machine) had a hard time dealing with. If I make the bag again (I may... because I do really like it!) I would definitely just follow the instructions and see how that goes.


The pattern included just one inside pocket. I chose to add a few more-- 4 on the inside, and one on the outside. They worked out really well, and are a great addition to this design to make it a little more functional as a diaper bag.


Here it is, all loaded up. Stuffed inside: 1 cloth diaper, 1 diaper cover, 1 wet bag, 1 receiving blanket (makeshift changing pad), 1 water bottle, 1 tube of diaper paste, 1 container of Purell, 1 package of wet wipes, 1 extra pair of pants, 1 pack of kleenex, keys, and wallet.


And it was still nice and trim looking even when the flap was closed. Considering that all of this was bulky toddler-sized stuff, I think it will work even better for an infant. (I keep crossing my fingers that my boy will be potty trained soon...)


I apologize for the blurry picture. I'm not so hot at self-portraits. But hopefully you can get a better idea of the size/scale this way (and see my big belly, too!).

I gave it a test drive the other day when the boy and I took a visit to the zoo. It worked pretty well! I loved that it wasn't hugemongous like my Nappy Bag. It was able to hold it all and still look really good. At the same time though, I may need to invest in a bigger bag for any outings more than a couple hours long (or if I have to carry diapering stuff for two). So I'm still on the lookout for some pattern options. Maybe this one, or this? The thing is, I'm running out of time... only 9 weeks to go!

Indecision...

One of the things on my before-baby to-do list is to make a new diaper bag for myself. A couple months after the Boy was born, I made Amy Butler's Nappy Bag, and I have been using it ever since.


You can't tell from the picture above (because it was taken when it was sparkly and new), but it is starting to look a little worn, and I'm pretty tired of it. After three years of use, it is definitely time for something new!

I searched about for a pattern, and came across the Mabel Messenger by Jenna Lou Designs on etsy. I like the size, the shape and the long adjustable strap. I don't like the dearth of pockets-- but that is something I think I can remedy pretty easily.

At this point, I've got everything cut and fused and I've stared sewing.


Here's where the indecision comes in. The pattern calls for Peltex (a super thick, heavy interfacing) on the outer pieces. I used it. I'm not thrilled with it. It is super stiff. I mean, I like a structured bag and all, but this verges on the ridiculous for me. At first, I wasn't even happy with how it looked, but with some vigorous ironing, I've tamed it to a shape I like. So now it's just back to the overall feel and crazy structure that I'm unsure about. I'm torn (and here is where the indecision comes in):

Should I scrap it (since I'm not thrilled at this point) and start anew (keeping in mind that this would require purchasing more fabric, because I don't have enough of the outer for a do-over)?

-or-

Should I keep plugging along and see how it goes? If there is one thing I've learned from my Jane Stickle blocks, it's that what seems hopeless at first can turn out just fine in the end. And this bag could be like that too.

At this point, I'm kind of leaning towards forging onward, but at the same time, I'm really worried about the waste of time if it's turns out to be a bust. It's just stressing me out. I think I'll sleep on it. Maybe even for a couple of days.