Airport Sling Bag x 2

Have you been following along with the On the Go Bags book tour these last few days? There are lots of chances to win a copy of the book for yourself, plus, you'll see some examples of bags and organizers made from the book.

On Monday, I shared with you my Cart or Stroller Caddy project from the book. Be sure to click HERE to see it and read about my inspiration behind the design. Oh, and you can enter my giveaway of the book there, too!

Today, I'm sharing another awesome project from the book--the Airport Sling Bag--designed by Janelle MacKay of Emmaline Bags. A few months ago, I was asked to sew up a sample Airport Sling Bag for Fall Quilt Market using some new Riley Blake fabrics. I couldn't say yes fast enough!

First of all, Janelle designs the most amazing purse and bag patterns, and I have been dying to make this purse ever since she shared a sneak peek of the design with me months ago! The Airport Sling was designed in mind with a woman who needs to keep her hands free and her items secure when she travels. The purse has an adjustable strap so it can be worn either on the shoulder or across the body.

Plus, when you use the Airport Sling bag, no wallet is needed. The purse has a built in zipper compartment with credit card clots, a passport slot, and space for a pen and cash. The interior of the bag is large enough for a book and a small bottle of water, or like when I used my purse recently, I stored a light weight sweater in it plus mints. The exterior pocket is the ideal size for storing your phone for quick access.

As the post title indicates, I made 2 Airport Sling bags. Riley Blake sent me a generous amount of fabric, so after I made the first one using the silver hardware from the Emmaline Bags Shop, I decided to make another with a few differences.

Here are pictures of the first Airport Sling bag I made that was displayed at Fall Quilt Market. Both the exterior and lining fabrics are from Woodland Springs by Dani Mogstad for Riley Blake Fabrics.

I was very partial to the exterior fabric, Woodland Geometric in Navy, but I wanted to add a bit more contrast to the exterior so I added this brown waxed canvas to the top and bottom trim.

I also used some antiqued brass finish buckles I recycled from an old bag.

On the second bag, I added an interior zipper pocket to hold loose change or other small items. This interior zipper pocket is essentially a small zipper pouch that is stitched down to the lining of the bag. Probably one of the fastest ways I've ever sewn an interior pocket.

To give the bag a bit more support and shape when it isn't fully loaded, I fused Pellon Shape Flex to both the exterior and lining pieces as well as the exterior zippered compartment.

I also opted to use a smaller, lighter weight button for the exterior pocket instead of the twist lock. All-in-all, the second bag I made is much more my style. I used it recently and loved everything about it! It may appear small, but it holds a lot!

Be sure to check out the Cart or Stroller Caddy project I designed for the book and enter my giveaway for a chance to win your own copy of On the Go Bags—15 Handmade Purses, Totes & Organizers (Stash Books) by Lindsay Conner and Janelle MacKay. Contest ends December 15th!

Have FUN sewing!