Indigo Go Anywhere Bag

Indigo Go Anywhere Bag, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

I've been thinking for a while now about making myself a new purse.  Of all the bags I've made for myself, I get the most use out of this one, which was made using Anna Graham's Go Anywhere Bag Pattern.  It's simply the perfect size for me.  I can keep my sunglasses, phone, and keys in the outer pockets, so I always know where they are.  It fits a lot but it's still pretty low-profile.  After a year and a half of heavy use, my first bag is looking a little worn.

The last few days I've been wishing I had time to make a new purse in time to take with me to Sewing Summit this week.  So, last night I decided to just go ahead and make one! Since I've already made this pattern, I managed to cut, interface and stitch up the entire bag in one night.  I absolutely love it!

Indigo Dyeing - Rocks, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

Indigo Dyeing, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

Indigo Dyeing - Rocks, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

I decided to use my very favorite piece of cotton/linen that I dyed this summer with indigo using a resist technique.  It was created using small stones and rubber bands. I had originally planned to use it in a garment, but I figured I would get a lot more use out of it in a purse.

For more information on indigo dyeing, check out my Indigo Dyeing Tutorial.

Indigo Go Anywhere Bag, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

I paired the indigo piece with plain cotton/linen for the body and lining.  For the handles I used a cotton dot that I also dyed with indigo.   I love how simple it is, I think it really lets the dyed print shine.

Indigo Go Anywhere Bag, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

I did my handles a little differently, since on my first bag the handles got thin from wear.  I used 4" wide pieces, folded the edges in and then in half again.  I also used SF101 and Fusible Fleece interfacing, so they're super sturdy! I am really hard on my bags, and I want this one to last a long time!

For the rest of the bag, I used SF101 on the exterior and pocket pieces.

Indigo Go Anywhere Bag, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

I really love how this bag turned out, and I'm glad I gave myself the night off to make it.  I haven't felt that fired up to make something for a while, and I needed it.  I'm excited to start using it! If you're on the lookout for a great bag pattern, definitely stitch this one up.  It's my very favorite purse pattern! Comes together really easily, lots of opportunities to customize it, and it turns out so cute!

You can find the Go Anywhere Pattern on Anna's blog, here.