Finally I am able to introduce to you Genevieve. My latest design messenger bag sewing pattern which is now available as a PDF instant download in my pattern shop! 🙂
If you have been following my blog, you will know I never seem to be able to do things the easy way ….I always have to complicate things for myself LOL……BUT…..for YOU that is good because it now means my Genevieve bag pattern comes with the option to make THREE seperate versions! (Or with a little imagination 4 or MORE versions!)
You can make the plain version, for a quick and easy weekend bag project. The Shaped Flap version for a bag with a difference or make the the Regular Version for a bag with that WOW factor where nobody will believe you made it yourself! In fact this design really screems out for customisation! You could even try some embroidery on the plain flap or perhaps make the sections without piping BUT in different fabrics…the possibilities are endless!

Features:
It is super charming with its piped details and loads of pockets OR make it simple and leave out the piping for a quick and easy project! Choose from two flap shapes! Complete with an adjustable strap, Genevieve closes with a magnetic snap and has a large slip pocket under the flap along with a smaller slip pocket for your mobile phone. Two interior slip pockets, a pen pocket and an interior zipper pocket to keep your valuables secure complete the ensemble! It’s a great weekend project that is MUCH easier to complete than it looks! Optional: Simply add some rivets for a really professional look!
Finished size = Approx. 36cm (14″) X 28cm (11″) X 7.6cm (3″)
Rated Basic or Intermediate depending on which version you make! (See info on ratings here!)


I was really impressed with the bags my testers made so I am excited to show them to you here! They never cease to amaze me with their wonderful workmanship, feedback and comitment to follow through despite my giving them short time frames to complete the project!
Ann-Marie of The Blue Artisan made this really AWSOME Regular version:


….AND the funny thing is I had been eyeing off the exact same fabric for this bag only I wasn’t sure how it would look (OK so it is no secret I find choosing the fabrics THE most difficult part! LOL) so…NOW I know and I LOVE it!
Jeanette has made the plain version and boy does it look anything but plain! Jeanette decided to do some embroidery on her flap and add a couple of flowers for decoration….It looks simply GORGEOUS, don’t you think?


Robin also made the Plain version with some really FUN fabric! Totally INSPIRING!


When Stephanie of My Calico Heart offered to test for me, her comment was that she would like to test the “Groovy weird shaped flap” one! LOLLL I guess you could say it is weired shaped BUT I prefer to think of it as groovy! Indeed her version certainly looks GROOVY to me! What do you think?


Liz from Moments also offered to test for me BUT at the time she contacted me, I’d already had all positions filled, so to speak! However…..the first round of testing proved to provide me with a lot of feedback and hence edits and improvements so then I emailed Liz to see if she could test the next corrected version for me….mind you, I only gave her two days to do it in…She joked, no problem, she doesn’t need to sleep! LOL
I didn’t really expect her to deliver because that really isn’t much time to choose fabrics for the bag and gather hardware supplies etc ….BUT…she really must not have slept because she sure did deliver and what a BEAUT bag at that! Well done Liz I must say!Take a look:


Maria from Mia Creates has made an absolute superb job as usual! I can always count on Maria to come up with something out of the ordinary! Take a look:

Isn’t it just divine? Take a look under the flap:

And side on:

I bet Maria’s daughter snaps this one up to add tto her collection! Luckily Maria is so far away from me otherwise I might just try to snatch this one myself! LOL
Last but definitely not least, Trish made this stunningly gorgeous version:

and under the flap:

Thanks ever so MUCH to my wonderful pattern testers and to my proof reader Rochelle of eSheep Enterprises for doing such an awsome job in such a short time! Without all of your help this pattern wouldn’t be what it is today!
If you liked what you saw, please stop by my Pattern Shop or Etsy Store where you can download the bag pattern instantly and start sewing your own version right away!
I LOVE THIS ONE!!!!!
Thanks Caroline! 🙂
I have to try this one after our move. I would love to know what fabric Liz used. All of them are beautiful.
Great bags! Love the yellow and grey fabric.. and that Maria always makes such great bags.. 🙂
Yes Liz’s fabric is gorgeous isn’t it BUT then so are they all! LOL
Thanks and yes….Maria always does! LOL
I love the flap shape Chris, it’s lush!
Thanks Samantha! 🙂
A versatile and great looking bag, Christine. I LOVE Maria’s version!!!
Yes me TOO Pam! It’s GORGEOUS, isn’t it!!!
Wonderful piece of work! Love this embroidery design.