Large Diaper Bag

A few weeks ago I found a pre quilted piece of fabric at our local Jo-Ann’s.  It was so pretty and unique I bought the last 2 yards of it. (It was on clearance too!) I took it home and pulled out my college textile books to see if I could ID the fabric.  I couldn’t. From what I can tell it has a look and feel of starched linen, but has a sheen that tells me it has some synthetics in it.  I should have done a burn test on a sample but did not. That’s an activity for another day. I decided not to wash it and started to plan what I wanted to make with it. A few days later, my diaper bag prototype was created: I have been wanting to make a larger bag for my shop and thought about making a diaper bag as well.  This one can be both! It’s large enough to hold a mom’s baby necessities, but can also function as a good overnight or day bag.  Since this is just a prototype, there are still a few things I want to add and change, but I’m happy with how my idea worked out. The straps and bands on the front are a natural linen. I used 1 1/2″ rectangle rings to connect the linen material.  See the quilting on the fabric?  It’s a beautiful pattern and the tread is a thick dark grey-green color with a lovely shine.  For the interior I used a soft cotton yellow gingham. I wouldn’t use it for future bags, but it works on my sample. The next prototype I am thinking of adding a large zipper on one side and a seam-to-seam pocket on the other.  Or should I add just all pockets? What do you think? I added two exterior gusset pockets for baby bottles or keys/cell phone. I’m going to add an inch or so to the side pocket next time to make the pocket a bit more roomy.  I am also thinking about top closures as well.  A large magnetic snap seems logical for this one.  I could technically add a zippered closure, but with the shape of the bag top it may look funky and a pain to use.   This bag is still on my studio table waiting for the next step.  I needed to put it aside so I could finish a bag for a blog hop I’m doing later this summer and two others I can’t share yet……..stay tuned though because these two backs are fantastic!!! What are you all up to today?  I’m off for a haircut then in the studio to clean up and start a new bag.  Thanks for visiting and have a great Monday! Cindy