Sort of OT, but not exactly ;)

If you don't find a suitable pattern, Sandy, I know the author of two lovely books on bags quite well. Would you like me to contact her to ask if there is something similar to what you describe in either of her bag books?

Just let me know. Oh! her name is Susan Briscoe - you might have already seen her books?

In message , Sandy writes

You might check the Chelsea tote at Lazy Girls Designs. It is a convertible tote, the strap has a zipper (very easy to install) that separates it into 2 for use as a back pack. The strap goes through a loop on the other side of the back and cinches closed when you lift up the strap. You can also add tabs to the inside of the "sides" with swivel hooks to cinch the sides in if you want.

Pati, > I'm looking for a pattern for a backpack, which is the OT part of this

Here, I hope, is a link to the Chelsea tote on the Checker distributor site

Try Wild Things

Why not just use a backpack you really like as the pattern? If you're willing to destroy it you could use the dis-assembled pieces for a pattern. If not, careful measurements would work just fine.

That would work if I had a backpack!

Thanks, Pati. I did see that one, but while I like the idea of the zipper/strap it doesn't look very comfortable. :S

Jennell, that's really pretty! I'm going to see if they'll show me a picture of the straps -- it's a definite possibility! :) Thanks!

Thanks, Pat! I've never seen her books, but I'd definitely be interested if she had something like what I'm searching for. Thanks so much! :)

Val, this looks very interesting! Thanks! I'm going to play with it a little later. :)

and I've got both books and one day will make one - or even a selection!! There is a gorgeous zipped rucksac in her first book (21 terrific patchwork bags) with 1.1/4" webbing straps which she says is good for Quilt Shows - she even has a Quilter's Briefcase to match. She has done them with a mountain theme in lovely autumnal colours. There are a couple more in her second one but they have flaps over, not zipps. The patchwork on all her bags is a definite feature and although I haven't yet used one, her instructions look good. The second book is called 21 sensational patchwork bags.

The trouble with bags though is that everyone has such personal preferences - I have been looking for a new best black bag for about 4 years, and wont buy until I see the one that is perfect. That doesn't seem to exist!!

Sally at the Seaside ~~~~~~~~~~ (uk)

I've made a couple by this pattern/book and am very happy with how they turned out.

I love her books! I'm starting to feel the need to make a new bag and her books will be in the stack I peruse. Bag books are a weakness of mine. I have hordes of them.

Joan Hawley makes very easy to follow patterns. I have the Chelsea tote and plan on making it one of these days when I have finished up my QFOs

Thanks, Debi! Those are rather pretty, aren't they? :)

Thanks for the information, Sally! :) I'm not sure whether I prefer flaps or zippers -- I like how flaps look, but zippers are much more secure. I'll have to think. ;) They do sound lovely; as you say, though, bags are *so* personal, and we do all have our own preferences. It took me forever to find a black everyday bag a couple of years ago. Actually, I found one almost immediately that I loved, but it was $300, which was wildly out of my budget. LOL!

There was talk about Jenny Raymond here a month or so ago and I ordered her Easy on the back bag pattern. I haven't gotten to use it but it looks ok. there are 2 sizes. Bigger one is 20x13x5. There is an article about it:

You might check the regular Joann's patterns. I found a good McCall's and also Vogue one that I used to do James' ultra suede bags. I was surprised by what they had since I hadn't looked at those pattern books in so long. I think they are having a sale on patterns in their next ad. Taria

Sandy wrote:

Thanks, Taria. The Easy on the Back pattern only has one shoulder strap, which I'm trying to avoid; I want to distribute the weight over my two shoulders, since days get long at the big shows. I think I will, however, go to JoAnn's and look at what's available in the pattern books. That's a very good idea. :)