M is for Margaret, and for mine

I've been in a bit of a sewing slump lately. Not to say I haven't been sewing, it's just been less inspired and more utilitarian than usual. There has been some disappointment with one recently published sewing book with incredibly poorly written directions that is receiving rave reviews around the craft blog circuit (more on that later) but mostly it's been a feeling of "meh, seen/made that before, why bother" when I think of starting a new project. I suppose I've been looking for that project that would reset my crafting mojo, if you will.

Internets, I introduce you to my new muse, the Margaret Sling Bag. The pattern is available as a free download from the very talented and generous Elizabeth of Oh, Fransson! And Internets, if ever there was a cure for the crummy craft book blues, it is an Oh, Fransson! tutorial. Perfectly written instructions that were intuitive and easy to follow, correct measurements for fabric and materials, it was a joy to cut out and sew. Fabrics are one of my favorite Good Folks prints and a gingham linen that I bought before A Little Goodness closed it's doors (anyone know where to go for interesting linen these days?) The vintage button is one that I've been hanging on to for a while, I'm so glad I was able to use it here. It must have been a bridle decoration judging from the bits of dried out leather I scraped from the back of it, but it cleaned up nicely.

I made the cross-body version because I want a hands-free summer bag for biking and yard sale season, but the pattern also gives instructions for making a shoulder bag. The strap fit my rather long torso perfectly; the bag sits right on my hip and is very comfortable. It's the perfect size for my purposes, I can fit my wallet, camera, note book, water bottle and a snack with plenty of room left to stash treasures found along the way. One little thing I might do differently next time is to make the internal pockets a little deaper and also to set them a little lower, but it's a minor issue. In fact, I'm already pulling fabrics for the next one.