Sneak Peek into Something New

I started on this bag as soon as my children went back to school last Monday. And boy, was I overeager to finish it. I know I shouldn't have been...the more I rushed, the more I made mistakes. I had to unpick time and again because I wanted my stitching perfect. Halfway through sewing, I had doubts I could even successfully complete this. Now that it's done, I can't really claim it's perfect but I am quite pleased and more so, relieved. I took pictures along the way with the intention of making another tutorial soon. It's quite a long, tiring process so I am really having second thoughts...unless I get very good feedback. I do need some encouragement and inspiration, you know.

This backpack design combines several aspects of backpacks I've seen in online tutorials and bag-making books. I call it the City Backpack. It is a small-sized backpack, approximate size being 11 3/4" (H) x 10"(W) x 5"(D). Something you can take to trips to the city, to the park or to go shopping with. Appropriate for a child as well. Oh yes, it is small, but even I was surprised to find how roomy it actually is inside when it is fully open.

I reinforced the bottom with template plastic. First time I tried this. The back straps are adjustable. Again, my first time. The outer fabric and lining are both lined with fusible woven interfacing. I've been using non-woven ever since, so this is another first. Yeah, the bag holds a pretty good shape and can stand on its own. It closes with a flap with a magnetic snap and the upper bag edge has a drawstring. I did not want a patch pocket on the front so I came up with some sort of slip pocket. The way I did that sprung entirely from my imagination...

On with the photos...hope you like it!

Front view
Side view
Flap open, Drawstring and magnetic snap closure

Inside view
Inside again, this time with some stuff
Would love to hear what you all have to say...