I'm terrible, but really terrible at keeping secrets...so when Jenny Greene of Sincerely Jen Patterns asked me to test out her top secret, very important bag pattern last month for the Bag of the Month Club and keep it under wraps until today, well that for me was a test in itself!
So finally I get to let the cat out of the bag! Introducing the Duncan Messenger Sling!
Just looking at the design, you can tell it's an interesting construction, and in true Jenny style, a genius one at that. This is the March pattern for the Bag of the Month Club and intentionally a more advanced bag pattern than the previous patterns for this year's subscription, but don't let that put you off from trying something more challenging. (Update: the pattern is now available to purchase separately on Sincerely Jen's website.)
As with all Jenny's patterns, it comes with extremely clear instructions, diagrams plus a full-length video. With a simple needle change and more frequent use of the zipper foot for trickier parts, my domestic sewing machine coped just fine with the layers and different fabrics.
For the main exterior, I used this striking new matte laminate "Blue Hills" designed by Alison Janssen as part of her Sweet Beauties collection for Cloud 9 Fabrics. This is organic cotton with a thin layer of polyurethane making it water resistant. It's soft and durable, but without potentiallly harmful chemicals that may be present in oilcloth or PVC coated fabrics. I have a small amount of this fabric in my Shop, but it is also widely available on Etsy.
For the lining, I went with a heavy duty waterproof canvas which was recommended in the pattern and omitted the need for interfacing. I bought it from a shop on Etsy who were highly efficient, and it turns out they are local to me! I was very surprised at how easy it was to sew and also turn through at the end with no creasing. It also adds a nice structure and durability to the bag.
The bag features a comfy shoulder strap and I used slightly wider (1.25") webbing and hardware than the pattern requires, working with what I had available. There are two rings at the bottom depending on which shoulder you prefer to wear the bag on.
A side note about the front buckle straps - mine are slightly different to the strap shape in the pattern and without buckle hardware.
If you're wondering what will become of this bag, well my daughter Sofia thought it was so cool, so we're calling it an early birthday present!
Inspired to make the Duncan Messenger Sling yourself? You can grab the pattern over at Sincerely Jen Patterns.