A Monk's Bag

By -
Months ago, maybe six or eight even, I had the thought to make myself a bag in the style of the ones carried by Buddhist monks.  They are so simple, but with a graceful design.  They have room enough for a book or some crochet or an extra pair of pants for your small one in addition to your regular things.  The crossover strap is perfect in every way for a mother who may have to chase a child at any moment.
I found this easy tutorial.  I put it off.  I couldn't decide on the fabric.  I didn't need it that much at the time anyway.  The Bug was still in diapers and then he was in school.  And then a couple weeks ago we decided to pull him out.  So I could be with him all the time again, and I realized I would be wanting this bag.  And I should get on with it.  Really.

P1210382.jpg

It took about an hour total.  Cutting, ironing, sewing.  I changed a couple things.  I cut the straps as whole pieces and shortened them a couple inches.  I skipped the inside pocket in favor or a full panel outside pocket.

 P1210381.jpg

I really like it.  I have the strongest urge to paint the flower on the pocket.  I'm just unsure about the best way to do it.  Any ideas?

P1210383.jpg

Comments

Cindy said…
Fabric markers! This is beautiful Anilia. May I commission you to make one for me, too? Just like this one. :)
March 16, 2012 at 7:13 AM
Jayan said…
Hi, I am the proprietor of Eco Products, & there is a bid demand for Monk bags. If you want to see our products, please visit my website: www.ecosacks.org
July 5, 2012 at 5:23 AM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Hooray a Giveaway!

By -
Image
Happy 200 posts to me! I can't believe that two years ago I started writing this because I was wanting to craft and be part of the amazing crafting/blogging community I had discovered. These amazing , vivacious artists , mothers and creators . Everyday I would read their blogs and be blown away by beautiful pictures of wonderful things that they were creating. And they had other jobs like being mama or owning a shop. I was inspired! And then we moved into this wonderful house and a month later Senor gave me a sewing machine. I was floored because it meant he believed I could really create something. My family and friends have always been supportive but this was somehow different. Senor has this almost magical ability to take my ideas and help turn them into reality. Okay- before I diverge and wax on endlessly, let us just say, "And the rest is in my archives!" :) I am also proud to present little a! My new business! For this moment I am only taking special o...
Read more

Robinia

By -
Image
 Becky and I set out to make a couple of Robinia sweaters in mid-March, which took two months to complete.  Just yesterday, I wove in the ends and wore it.  I'm afraid to block it.   Specs: The Robinia has been making the rounds.  I couldn't see buying the tons of yarn it would take to create the three-strand yarn the designer used, but Becky found this chainette cotton blend, Cantata , that seemed perfect. I've recently realized that making the exact color combination that I liked in the first place is not a bad thing.  It means I get the garment I really loved in the first place. Mods: I made a size XS/S even though I could have made the M according to the designer but everything I knit comes out bigger than expected, even when I gauge swatch right on target.  (I think the blocked weight of the garment just is so much more than the swatch is what causes this, but it's just a theory.)  I didn't wrap any of my floats and it remains to b...
Read more

Chairs

By -
Image
So, we started with these: They were $25 at the Salvation Army for the whole set. I had been looking for chairs to replace the ones we had in the dinning room and knew the going rate for new, nice chairs was $150 to $200 and I knew I didn't have that to spare... So I bought some Amy Butler fabric in a perfect blue and green (it is called "spinach" what could be better for my house?) some black enamel, and some foam. And Seńor and I did this: I think they are gorgeous. Seńor guesses if we sold them we would have to get about $300 a piece to make up time and materials... I love that I now have designer up cycled chairs. I have coordinating place mats and napkins on the way (they are getting held up in the sewing room due to the American Craft Council being in town.) If you click on the pictures it will take you to flicker where you can see the steps of the transformation.
Read more