Its getting closer and closer to the arrival of my 5th grandchild. Sewing up a storm and getting nowhere. That ever happen to you?
I have been working on a diaper bag. I was following a basic pattern as a guide, but had to change many things to make it functional for my daughters needs. She has a toddler that will be 2 years old about 2 weeks after his brother arrives. This bag has to function for both kids.
I think I watched about 50 hours of videos on bag construction so I could get familiar with different aspects, then pick and choose what I needed for this bag. Construction took about 45 hours over a three week period.
I want to thank Vicki Lee Bags by Lynne for the exceptional videos that helped me make this diaper bag a success!
The original bag has 2 flat pockets on either side of the front. I needed a zipper pocket and slip pocket on one side. Also the original had no side pockets for water bottles. Since this would add an additional 4 layers to the side seams, I had to lower the side pocket so the piping did not hit on the same spot as the front pocket but still be deep enough to accommodate the height of the water bottle. Also had to figure out how to make the side pockets bellow out a bit without putting that seam on the bottom edge of the bag. I put 2 pleats on the bottom of side pockets but sewed it shut 5/8 above the bottom seam. This kept the 12 layers of the pleat out of the bottom seam. (No broken needle!). (Total outside compartments, 5 pockets and one zipper
On the inside divider I added a flat pocket divided into 2 small and 1 large pocket. Nothing on the other side of divider. On back inside wall I put a 14 inch zipper pocket and below that the 3 elastic pockets. On the opposite wall I put another flat pocket with 3 divisions. On the inside sides I installed 1 dimensional pocket on each end. One is for the removable bag straps and the other for diaper cream etc. (Total inside compartments, 11 pockets and 1 zipper)
The bag has a cross body removable adjustable padded strap and regular bag straps, which are removable as well. Then to top it off. I added top flap double zipper to close the bag and keep little people out of it.
My only regret is the flap pocket zipper could have been about 6 inches longer. If I had used a single zipper instead of the double zipper, I would have gotten those extra inches. The size of the bag is 20 inches long by 15 inches tall by 7 inches deep.
My grandson tried to sit in it. He opted for playing with all the pockets. LOL!
My daughter loved it so much she ran around the house looking for a good place to hang it so she could photograph it and put it on Instagram, etc. LOL.
Happy Quilting,
Grandma needs a nap!
Aileen in Florida
