The Emily Bag From I Think Sew

Wow, the new sew along on the Sew News blog caught me by surprise as it's coming right on the heels of the Colette Clover Pant Sew Along. Although it's close, I think you are REALLY going to enjoy this one....A LOT!!!! It's the Emily Bag from I Think Sew. I've made 2 and I'm geared up to crank out my third!

Just to prove that I've made 2 ;) Take note that the handle is a little longer on my second bag. I will talk about lengthening the handle in the sew along. The first is great, but I felt that the handle dimensions were just a little too short for sitting comfortably on my shoulder. This is an easy fix.

The bag is quite roomy. I took both with me to the expo last weekend. I used one as my tote for one of my classes and the other, well as you can see, it held more shoes than anyone really needs for 4 days away from home :)

 Just to show you how many shoes were really in the bag. I think I have a problem!!!!

 The first bag was lined with a faux leather and I topstitched all of my seams..

The bag has a great zippered pocket. If you've never inserted a zippered pocket, I encourage you to give it a try as it really isn't that difficult to do and it's a nice addition to the bag.

The second bag was lined with a cotton print.

The bag also has an optional patch pocket. I added the zippered pocket as well as the patch pocket to my second bag. I really like having both.

I made a few changes to the pattern by adding feet. These were purchased at Joann's Fabrics, so easy to find.

I also made a hard bottom for my bag as I wanted it to hold its shape rather than sag when I put my things inside,

 The hard bottom is removable.

 You can find the bag in the October/November issue of Sew News.

I have 2, yes 2!!! magazines to give away, so your chances of winning one is a little better!! Just leave a message on this post and let me know that you would like a chance to win. I will announce the winner on Monday, October 6, 2014. If you have won an issue this year, then you are not eligible. I would like to give everyone a chance to win.
You can find the pattern for the Emily Bag here. It's a downloadable PDF, so instant gratification :) Don't let the PDF put you off on the pattern as there is very little taping to be done.
The bag will make great Christmas presents, so this will give you an opportunity to get a jump on your holiday sewing.
I'll give you a link to the sew along as well as the Flickr page on Monday.