Hi All, I am Teresa from ttBird Designs / Handmade. I was really excited and flattered when Sara asked me to participate as a guest blogger for Purse Palooza again.  This year I decided that I was going to review a pattern that I had recently used to sew a diaper bag for a co-worker.  After looking at a few different patterns, we agreed that the Nappy Bag Pattern from Mrs. H (aka Samantha) looked like it was a good fit for her with a couple of modifications. I was really excited to sew this pattern and see how it worked out because we seem to be having a baby boom in my family.  I have two more of these to make before Christmas.

I gave her a list of what she needed for fabric for the bag and off she went to Joann Fabrics.   She choose a home decor print for the exterior and straps of the bag and quilting cottons for all the linings. I added the teal linen from my own stash for a pop of color.  All of the fabrics that she picked were all a great quality which made my job easier when it came time to sew the bag.  I know that Mrs. H doesn't recommend Home Decor for the exterior but I sew on my old Singer 15-125 Trudy and she didn't seem to mind all the layers. I also chose to use fusible fleece instead of the foam interfacing because I was more comfortable using that for a first time sew.  

Samantha designed the bag with lots of clever touches like piping (I'm a sucker for piping), the hidden security zipper pocket and key clips on the outside pocket.  I did think that we needed some larger pockets on the inside of the bag so I added them all the way across each side and two on the ends to hold bottles. 

I was really pleased with the pattern and the finished product.  The supply list and instructions were very through will lots of pictures to guide you.   I usually dread the sewing a pattern for the first time but I am proud to say that my seam ripper was not utilized once while sewing this bag! I would suggest this pattern for an intermediate to experienced sewer.  I think that it took me a total of about 6 hours from start to finish.  

I don't think this is the last pattern from Mrs. H that I will be sewing.  I have my eye on her Carpet Bag pattern next.  If you're interested in checking out Mrs. H and her Nappy Bag Pattern here is a link to the pattern and her website: http://handmadebymrsh.blogspot.com/2014/08/introducing-nappy-bag-sewing-pattern.html