Friday 24 June 2011

2 4 6 8- I appreciate Anna

I have got to know Anna Graham of Noodlehead through Ringo Pie and she is the nicest person and the most generous blogger.   She doesn't know about this post so when she reads it, I'm guessing she will blush, but I love her patterns and I love her blogging.   She gives a lot of herself  and I admire that.  The majority of her patterns are available free on her website and she is always adding more.  This is my version of her 241 Tote Bag, available to buy by PDF 


My day bag which I take to work full of keys, money, tissues, granola bars, bananas and a water bottle is wearing thin so I spent a few evenings this week making this one.  The storage possibilities appealed to me.  I made the outer zipper pocket horizontal for my phone and added some batting to protect it.  Inside, I put in a key fob clip, I live in fear of losing my house keys or the ones to my work place so I always add a key fob to any bag I make.


Recognise the lining?  From my lucky win on Kat's blog , I have linked in to her great news that she has a pattern in a new Zakka Style book full of designers and cute looking makes.  Congrats Kat!

I just know that flash of pink and the little deer will make me smile as I reach for my phone.


I recycle fixings when I make bags- the strap, key fob clasp and the zipper were from some cheapo charity shop finds.  I have no idea where to find zips with bigger tabs, I can only source dress style zips- if you know of a good supply, please let me know!  The strap allows it to be shoulder or messenger style across the body.  It is all sprayed with protector- seems to work well, I've tried it before, and ready to go.  Thankyou Anna, the pattern worked a like a dream x

16 comments:

  1. Totally amazing bag Kerry!! Love the fabrics you used and the little changes you made. I've had my eye on this pattern for a while but held of just in case I got one in the goodie bag swap.
    Oh, and Anna totally rocks! {I should have perhaps started with that!}

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  2. Just beautiful! I love this bag, it looks great! I especially love the pink deer fabric!

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  3. Great job on the bag, love the fabrics of course! I've purchased the same pattern and the clutch one as well. They're great designs. Love all the work your RPie group does. I was just commenting on another blog about it. Very inspiring to everyone.

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  4. Great pattern, I have seen so many diverse versions being made - I love yours so much, the transistors are superb with the bambis!

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  5. Wow lovely bag - I've made the runaround bag recently and added a key clasp for my keys but it's not quite long enough - I love how yours looks, I might have to redo mine. Thanks for sharing.

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  6. Love your version Kerry! Anna is the bomb for sure. You're so right that she's super generous with her ideas. I am going to investigate spray protector. I just dropped my new 241 bag yesterday and got some road grease on it! Sad face!

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  7. Love the fabric, inside and out! so cute. I'll have to investigate making this one, at least after I am finally done with the AB Weekender Bag and have taken a short breather from bag making...

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  8. i really love it! and i bet you made anna's heart happy. having a friend compliment you always makes a person happy!

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  9. Too cute! I love the fabric - especially the transistor radios. That's so great that you recycle the strap and zip.

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  10. What a gorgeous bag! Love the fabrics you have used - the lining in the pocket is too cute!

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  11. oh kerry! you are so sweet. :) that made my day. And your bag is so so awesome! I love all the details you added to make it work for you! It's perfect!

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  12. I love the way you made your bag! I've had my eye on this bag pattern, and the way you made the strap adjustable is how I'd want to do it. :)

    Zipit on Etsy has long pull bag zippers: http://www.etsy.com/shop/zipit?section_id=7336332

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  13. This looks great - love your choice of fabrics and the lining one is a great surprise!! I like the re-cycling idea - I'd love to recycle leather belts to make straps with but havn't sussed out what to fix/rivet them with- any ideas???

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  14. That looks like a fabulous pattern - thanks for helping me find another lovely blog. I recycle bag findings too - am always on the look out for horrid charity shop bags with lots of clips, d-rings etc. I love the bag Kerry - gorgeous!

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  15. kerry:0) your post made my eyes tear...you are so awesome..thank you so very much for supporting me and my blog...I count my blessings for meeting you. And that bag you made...So Lovely! I wish you lived next door to me so you could teach me how to sew...your work is so inspiring!

    happy day, kat

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  16. Wow! Stunning "do" of my favorite bag, the 241! I learned a lot from reading your post about it, too. It has seriously never occurred to me to use protector spray on one of my bags. I've been so careful with my latest 241 because I'm terrified of getting it dirty. Now I shall buy some protector spray and improve its longevity. I recycle hardware, too. Nothing makes me happier than finding a 25-cent bag with nice hardware/strap at a yard sale.

    Love your blog!

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