Sewin' nine to five
what a way to make a livin'
makin' ALL the bags
is all that I'm a dreamin'!
If you've never heard of the original 9 to 5 song by Dolly Parton, you'll be bellowing it out at the top of your voice when you've made (or while you're making) my latest bag pattern! Say hello to the Nine to Five Lunch Bag!
My original design evolved from this lunch bag that I made for my husband's birthday last month, after discovering that he was taking a tatty calico drawstring 'sack' with his lunch to work!
I wanted to make something that was sleek, stylish, unisex and didn't say "I'm a lunch bag", not that there's anything wrong with taking a packed lunch to the office or college these days! I chose an organic dry oilskin in Indigo from Merchant & Mills for the exterior which is wonderful to sew. For the lining I used a wipe clean, organic cotton Blue Hills from Cloud 9 Fabrics which does not contain any harmful chemicals or dyes.
With it’s generous boxy size, pockets and optional insulated fleece to keep food and drink warmer or cooler for longer, the Nine to Five Lunch Bag is ideal for storing your lunch, a small picnic for two, baby food and bottles, or even snacks for the family on a day trip.
There is a deep hidden pocket behind the flap which could easily hold your phone, a placemat, wipes, or maybe that book that you've been meaning to finish over your lunch break.
There is a nifty elasticated sleeve inside to hold a standard water bottle or reusable cup.
There is also the option to make a short carry handle or a longer, adjustable shoulder strap.
With 20 pages of step-by-step instructions along with 55 colour photos, the Nine to Five Lunch Bag pattern is perfect for the visual learner. And in case you’re wondering, there is also a sew-a-long video tutorial to go with the pattern as well. If you need any help, I’m just an email away. I also have a support group on Facebook.
Need some Nine to Five Lunch bag inspiration? Check out my Lookbook for more Nine to Five bags from my wonderful testers as well as what they think about my latest pattern! Don't sew, or too busy working from 9 to 5 to sew?! Commission a Nine to Five lunch bag from me or my testers instead!