The Backgammon Bag ~ January’s Bag of the Month ~

It’s finally here!  The first bag in the 2016 Bag of the Month Club!  Say hi to the Backgammon Bag….

I had the wonderful opportunity to test this bag for Betz a few months back and have been hiding it, anxiously awaiting the day it was released so I could share.  Isn’t it adorable?!

The Backgammon Bag measures 16” W x 11” H (at center) x 2½” D when finished.  I love the shape of this bag because you can fit a TON in it!  Don’t let the final look trick you to think it’s smaller.

I followed Betz’s pattern to add 1 interior zip pocket,  2 outer pockets with magnetic snap and the twist lock closure.  I also made the longer strap so it can be used as a cross-body.

For my fabric choices, I used Essex Yarn Dyed Linen in Taupe (You can find it in my shop) as my main exterior and strap fabric.  It fuses perfectly with Pellon SF101 and looks so sharp on bags.  For my quilted pocket panels I used a mash-up of Art Gallery Fabrics.  The flap and interior fabrics are from Sara Lawson of Sew Sweetness’s line Fantasia, also from AGF.  Love that punch of color with the taupe!

My only change  in this pattern were the rings.  I didn’t have O-rings I liked with this pattern, so I used some trapezoid rings instead.  It changes the appearance very little while still creating a strong strap.

Changes in this pattern should be done with caution, as with any bag patterns.  Measurements can change along with thickness or softness.  Checking out the support links below will have thousands of ladies and gents offering you all sorts of tips to help you finish your January Bag!

If you are interested in purchasing the BOTM series, you can find it HERE. Most questions about the club are there as well.  There is also a fantastic Facebook group for people who are sewing along with the club each month.  You can see tons of tips, images and can get help with pretty much anything on there as well.  Check it out HERE.

Happy New Year everyone and thanks for reading!