I've been coveting this pattern for awhile now. So, last week, with the long holiday weekend approaching, I decided to download the pattern and make some 'Market Bags' of my own over the 4th. And, I'm very happy with the results. This is a pattern for a basic 'shopping' tote bag with the addition of pockets on both sides and a pin-tuck at each corner, making it stand up quite nicely. Here's my first 'Jane Market Bag' ::
I've had these fabrics in my stash for 3-4 years now and think they came together to make an pretty English-Garden type bag. It's currently holding my knitting -- but I like to think it could have also held yarn & knitting needles for Agatha Christie as she traveled around Britain, solving all those murder mysteries. That little bit of fantasy makes me smile every time I look at this bag. Hey, you have your fantasies and I have mine.
Now for 'Jane Market Bag' II ::
I made one change on this second bag -- used a fusible interfacing on the handles, side & center pattern pieces and it gave the bag a bit more structure. The pattern instructions are very easy to follow and I'll definitely be making more of these bags in the coming weeks. I'm even thinking of 'up-sizing' the pattern for an even larger 'Market Bag' -- although the pattern size will hold a lot of yarn, groceries, library books, baby/child estentials or whatever you fancy. And, to cap it all off -- the Jane Market Bag folds neatly when not in use.
Both bags were finished in a couple of hours -- my favorite -- a quick sewing project! You can get your own bag pattern at http://rosylittlethings.com/janemarketbagpattern.html -- it's only $6 ( which is only 2 iced coffees from Starbucks or 3 large vanillla Diet Cokes - easy ice please - from Sonic ) -- however you choose to rationalize it -- this pattern is well worth the cost.
