I have a great diaper bag. The only problem with it is that it is full of diapers. And crayons. And a couple of snacks. And hand sanitizer. And a baby sling.
But lately, with my youngest now two years old, I have begun to imagine a magical, mythical future where my bag has things like lipstick (I think I still have some somewhere), money (I wish I still had some) and empty space (I want some!).
Do I decided to sew an anti-diaper bag. It will not be waterproof to keep the messes in. It will not be black so that I can ask my husband to carry it for me. It will not attach conveniently to my stroller. It will be small and pretty and not have room to carry a menagerie of toy animals.
I used the Two Zip Hipster by Dog Under My Desk. It’s a great pattern that makes a real, professionally finished bag.
I would rate the pattern as intermediate to advanced. Nothing is particularly difficult, but it’s a very detailed pattern. This pattern uses 11 pattern pieces for the exterior, 7 for the lining, 15 of interfacing, plus hardware. There are 15 pages of really great instructions.
I also think that to do a really good job, you need a quarter-inch presser foot, a stitch-in-the-ditch foot and a good quilting ruler. These are all basic quilting tools, but not necessarily what an apparel sewist might have on hand. Everything needs to be done in a very precise manner to get good results, and these tools help a lot.
I used fabric from the Bungalow collection by Joel Dewberry. I love the colours – so vibrant! So hard to find thread to match. And the birds are really cute. Yes, I put a bird on it!
This is not a quick project, but the results are so, so great. I will definitely be making another (probably without birds).
Project Summary
Pattern Review: Two Zip Hipster by Dog Under My Desk.
Fabric: Swallow Study in Lavender, Empress in Grassland, and Stripes in Lavender from the Bungalow collection by Joel Dewberry for Free Spirit, courtesy Warp & Weft (now closed).
Finished size: 11” tall, 9” wide, 1.5” deep.
Cost: Pattern: 12$.
Project Sewing Level: Intermediate to advanced.
Modifications: None.
Results: Great.
The Finished Garment 
Oooh I love the peekaboo detail of the interior fabric! So nice, Shannon!
LikeLike
Thank you! I hate loosing my keys in the bottom of my bags, so that contrast is so necessary.
LikeLike
Super cute!! Love that it’s not massive as well… lol!
LikeLike
I know! It will take a little getting used to 🙂
LikeLike
What a gorgeous bag, and congratulations on graduating from a diaper bag!
LikeLike
Thanks! And thanks for the congratulations. It does feel like a small party is in order.
LikeLike
The birds are great. So is the bag. You did a fabulous job. I hope you enjoy carrying it.
LikeLike
Thank you! The fabric definitely makes the bag with this pattern. Now I just have to plan some sort of kid-free excursion.
LikeLike
Joli! =)
LikeLike
Merci!
LikeLike
Gorgeous choice of colors! I love it with the little bird in the front. No worries, diapers millennium will end eventually… 😀
LikeLike
Thank you! And that’s what the parents of “big” kids keep telling me. 🙂
LikeLike
very cheery, I love green and purple too. May you be soon to get much use out of it.
LikeLike
Thanks for the compliments!
LikeLike
I’m anti-diaper bag too! Small purses are where it’s at! The pattern matching is really well done. Cute cute bag!
LikeLike
Thank you! Glad you like it!
LikeLike
Love this! Beautiful choice of fabrics! I’ve made two versions of the 2-Zip Hipster and I just love that pattern–the instructions are so good and the photos so helpful. BTW, I made mine using only a standard foot and a zipper foot, so it is possible (though I’m sure it’s easier with some specialized presser feet).
LikeLike