Bag to Hold a Laminator

I bought a small laminator about a year ago. I wanted to make something to put it in to keep the dust off of it. I didn't need anything too fancy, just large enough for the laminator to fit inside. The laminator is not too large in height or depth, but it is long and none of the bag patterns I have would have been quite long enough. I knew I would have to enlarge a zipper pouch, but I wanted handles to carry the bag and a zipper closure. I didn't need pockets inside or outside. As I was searching around on Pinterest, I found a pencil pouch that had handles. I thought it was the perfect shape, but I would need to enlarge it and so that is exactly what I did!

The Pencil Pouch with handles is a YouTube video that is free from Sewing Times. I like her videos on making bags of all kinds. The pencil pouch she was making has a slip pocket on one side and a zipper pocket on the other side of the pouch. I didn't need a zipper pocket at all, so I decided to make the front and back of this bag the same with a slip pocket on each side. By doing that, the handles would be sewn the same too. If you watch the video, you will see how she uses 2 handle lengths and sews the handle on the zipper pocket side differently than on the slip pocket side. While I didn't need pockets, I thought a slip pocket might come in handy and looks nice. 

I did make the slip pockets using 2 fabrics and the lining fabric I folded in a way as to give it a faux binding look at the top, which I like. The back side looks the same, except for the Handmade label is only here on the front.

Zipper closure shown here.

Side view of bag. If I ever make another of these bags (in any size), I would topstitch the end grab tabs. They are just folded as per video instructions, but I thought they should have also been topstitched too, so I made a note of that.

The laminator and cord inside the bag. There is a bit of wiggle room at the sides and a bit more room in height. Better to have a bit more room than too little, right?😉

The bag is lying on the back side so that you can see it better in this view.

Changes I made to the pattern/instructions:

1. Enlarged the pieces by 70% so that it finishes about 14" wide x 6 3/8" high x 4" deep. The original pencil pouch finishes at 8 1/4" wide x 3 3/4" high x 2 3/8" deep.
2. Made the slip pocket with a separate lining to fold at the top as a faux binding and made a slip pocket on both sides.
3. Made the handles the same length and increased the width of handles to finish at 1" wide.
4. Added interfacing to all exterior and lining pieces, with fusible fleece to exterior pieces (except for the pockets and handles, grab tabs do not have the fleece).
5. Did not add the zipper pocket outside.

Thank you Sewing Times for your all of your wonderful videos!!!

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Cell Phone Cross Body Purse

I followed a YouTube video to make this cute little cross body purse. I didn't have enough fabric left to make a strap (I used a fat quarter), so I knit an I-cord strap instead. Since this is a small bag intended to carry a phone and a few essentials, I thought the knit strap would be fine to use for a strap.

I just love how it turned out. It is perfect for the minimalist who only needs to carry a few items with her. 

The bag measures 4 1/4" wide x 7 1/2" tall x 1 1/2" deep, with the sides being a bit expandable, so the depth of the bag filled with things inside would be wider if you carried a few thicker items inside, maybe expanding to 2"+. This bag is like a mini file cabinet with 3 separate sections to keep your belongings organized and easy to grab when needed.

The I-cord knit strap is 41" long. but has a bit of stretch too. It is not adjustable, but could be tied in the middle to shorten it if desired. I can certainly make one of these purses with an adjustable strap or a particular fixed length if anyone wants a custom one made.

Three separate compartments to keep organized and make it easy to grab your phone and other belongings.

The side when purse is empty. The sides can bellow out if filled with thicker items.

I used a Kam snap closure.

If you would like to purchase this Phone Purse or have one made for you in your color, contact me. I can invoice you through PayPal. Cost is $45. including shipping. This purse has SOLD

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