How is it August first already? It's crazy how fast summer is moving along. It seems like once the kids are in school summers begin to move a little faster doesn't it? Or is that just me?
Well, despite my wish that this last month slooooow down it's likely not going to especially since, before we know, it'll be time to go school supply shopping, etc. although, we seem to be in the "last minute" camp as far as that goes. The onset of August also often begins the back to school sewing as well. Whether it be new backpacks, new snack bags or new outfits many will be buzzing their sewing machines this month to whip up some new handmades in time for the first day.
Earlier this summer Virginia, of Gingercake asked me if I would do just that...sew up a new handmade, one of her lunch bag patterns to be exact. I already have her "love you lunchbox" pattern I purchased it after seeing Gail's lovely version. I had planned to sew one up last year for Violet, but she found one in a store that she really wanted instead. So, this year I thought I'd sew Henry up a new lunch bag, a little something new for his new school adventure, but oddly they don't actually eat lunch there just a big snack (I've got to do lunch when he gets home, hrmph) so he doesn't need a new lunch bag either.
Well, then...new handmade lunch bags don't have to be just for the younger set, right?!
My mom's birthday was in June (yes, I'm always late for her gifts, well actually this one was on time!) so I thought I'd make her a new lunch bag to use at work. When I asked her if she would like one she said "YES!" She's been using the same tote for her lunch for the past 7 years, an apple stamped canvas bag I made her for Mother's Day and it is surely ready to be retired! Then I asked her which one she wanted me to make. Virginia has three different lunch bag patterns (all super cute!) the "love you lunchbox" (with a tutorial for a bigger version!), the "Waste Free Lunch Bag", and the Hobo Style Lunch Sak. There were severall emails back and forth before my mom decided on the Hobo Style Lunch Sak!
She requested green on top and pattern on the bottom and that was it...
For the outside I used green denim because it was the only solid green I had on hand (from Violet's green jeans) and a leafy linen on the bottom. I embroidered a few little hearts tucked into the leaves, just because, well I love her and I like to do that sort of thing.
I love this pattern because there are so many ways to customize it mixing and matching fabric and adding different trims, etc.
Speaking of trim... I just so happened to have the exact right amount of mini pompoms left from Violet's bucket hat last year to add as trim...
And I love it!
Inside, is lined with some Anna Maria Horner oilcloth that I had on hand, and blue chambray. I sewed a bit of coordinating twill along the seam as added detail...
And, instead of the velcro closure in the pattern I took one of Virginia's suggestions and added a little flap closure with my cutting scraps. Here is the flap pattern piece I drafted for myself (in case you are interested). I simply cut one piece of interior and one exterior and sewed them together with a 1/4" SA. I basted the flap (raw edges aligned) to one side of my exterior with right sides facing. I love the way it looks especially with the bright button.
This pattern turns out such a great little lunch bag! Virginia has some great suggestions of fabric choices and embellishment ideas. And, aside from being cute, it's super functional! I used insul-bright as my batting as she suggested to allow for an insulated lunchbox. And, just for good measure thought I'd test some of our lunchbox items to see how they fit inside...
A small water bottle and large bento box fit snuggly and a thermos and small water bottle leave plenty of room for extras!
I couldn't wait to show my mom so I emailed her a picture, she loves it and is happy to retire her old lunch bag, but now...I don't want to let it go...
Of course I have no need for one...But, it totally would be a super cute purse too!
Yup, adding that to my list!
Go check out all of Virigina's patterns, get making those lunch bags and happy August!
*Note, I was given Hobo Style Lunch Sak pattern to sew and review, but my opinions are all my own.
