Messenger Bag Done

I am pretty excited - I finished up my messenger bag today.  I got the pattern at Pretty By Hand.  The directions were very clear and easy to follow - lots of pictures, which helps a lot!  I added a pocket with a zipper to the inside - and I used the quilt as you go panel directions found here.  They didn't differ too much from the way the bag pattern was written, but since I had a lot of canvas and not much fusible interfacing, I used the method that uses canvas.  Anyhow, here is the finished bag:

Front view:

 

 

And here's the back:

 



I had some old vintage embroideries that I added.  These pieces all had stains, so I actually soaked them in coffee to make them darker, and then cut them apart to use on the bag.  I was able to work around the stains.  I used raw-edge applique for the pieces on the front, and just basically sewed them down with a straight stitch.  I am hoping the edges will fray a big.

On the back, I stitched along the lace, so there shouldn't be any fraying going on with this side! 

 

I apologize for the poor pictures - so hard for me to get a decent picture this time of year!

 

Anyhow, this is a great pattern.  I will definitely be making this again.  I think next time, I will make the shoulder strap adjustable - the pattern doesn't give directions for that, but I have other patterns that do.