For the third incarnation of this lovely bag I used some more Linen Union that was a gift from a friend. This time the fabric was a dark rusty Red with Off White print of feathers and eggs. For the lining I purchased 1 metre of a co-ordinating quilting cotton from New Threads at Weyhill Fairground.

Although I again used a Twist Lock fastening, having already made 2 bags with this mechanism I was now confident enough to place the Twist part of the lock before stitching the side seams of the centre panel. Thus I was able to avoid the fiddly step of insertion when panel seams have been sewn and the area is more enclosed.

To avoid the struggle of stitching the strap right sides together and then turning right sides out, I pressed the turnings in on both pieces and top-stitched in place, all with the right sides facing out so that I could ensure an even “faux” piping effect.

This time I did not use the swivel hooks, instead the bag is attached with rectangular hardware through the strap ends and the tabs. There is an “adjuster” so that the length of the strap can be shortened or lengthened according to my requirements be it shoulder or cross body.

I still refer to the written instructions which are set to one side of the sewing machine and I enjoy flipping through the pages from one to the next. I think that this is the last cross body bag that I will make for a little while – next on the “To Do” list is 1) finish some patchwork and quilting projects and 2) a dress made from Border Print fabric.