Finally! Just 3 days short of my due date (um, one now), I managed to finish the first of the two diaper bags I've been working on. This one is for Phineas.
The "Daddy Diaper Bag" is definitely a generational concept. It's really quite normal for current new parents. Just google "daddy diaper bag" to get a sense of what's out there. But I've been met with a variety of interesting responses from our parents' generation - laughter (like I had made a joke), surprise, raised eyebrows, questions - when I said I was making Phin a diaper bag. Did fathers really not take their children anywhere on their own before they were potty trained back in the day or did they carry their wife's bag? I'm really glad norms have changed and fathers are now much more active parents and partners. Anyway, since Phin is already talking about the many things that he and Raspberry will do together, he certainly deserves a fun bag that he is happy toting around.
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| Sigh! Indoor photos stink! |
Orange is Phin and my shared favorite color. So, I used a bright orange 9oz cotton canvas that he picked out for the outside and a fun retro cotton print that has the sort of ads you would expect to see in the back of a 1950's comic book for the lining - x-ray glasses, toy rocket ships and spy gear. I think it's a fun combo.
Phin wanted a messenger/cross body bag and he also didn't want it to be too large, so I used
Vogue 8990 view C. There is nothing about it that makes it a diaper bag, and I sewed it with just a few changes to adapt the bag to Phin's specific requests and needs. It's a great pattern - just the right size, well constructed and versatile.
Hardware
I love using hardware in my bags. I think it gives a much more professional finish and makes for a sturdier bag. I understand why pattern companies don't use more in their patterns - you can't find a lot of specialty hardware at the local fabic or craft store. But I wish they did give more options since most hardware (buckles, sliders, magnetic snaps, webbing) can be purchased on Amazon. That said, this pattern uses much more than most - a big step in the right direction.
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| Adjustable strap: webbing, bar and slider |
For Phin's bag I used quick release buckles for the closures, I added a bar and slider to the webbing strap so the length would be adjustable, and I added feet to the bottom of the bag. I interfaced with fusible hair canvas and used artists plastic canvas to give the bottom of the bag support.
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| Quick release buckles |
Pockets
The view that I made of the pattern already comes with two terrific
pockets under the flap, which will be useful for holding little toys or
teething rings and other small things.
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| Teething banana in a pocket |
In addition, I made a few design changes to the inside of the bag to make it more suitable as a diaper bag. Phin specifically asked for a zipper pocket so he would have somewhere for his phone and wallet where they couldn't fall out. I rely heavily on Kenneth King's Craftsy class whenever I sew a welt, which
I blogged about back in January and there is a whole "chapter" on zippered welt pockets which I've been wanting to try.
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| Zipper welt pocket |
I also sewed a big pocket with an elastic top for holding diapers, wipes and such.
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| Multi-use elastic pocket |
Finally, though not a pocket, I added a lanyard with a D-ring for Phin to attach his keys since he carries them on a carabiner.
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| Keys |
Changing Pad
The one (very needed) accessory that I made was a matching changing pad.
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| Changing pad folded in thirds |
There are patterns and tutorials out there, but I used the finished inside measurements of the bag to come up with an appropriate size mat (14.5" x 33") instead. I cut pieces in canvas, lining and batting, and then trimmed the corners into curves using a round coaster as a guide. I laminated the lining fabric with
iron-on vinyl, which works surprisingly well. This way the changing pad can be easily wiped down. The whole thing is simply sewn together using bias tape around the perimeter.
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| Dragon the Hippo gets in on the act. |
Easy peasy!
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| Mischief maker! |
And that's it. After so much simple sewing, it was really nice to sink my teeth into a more involved project. Bags aren't difficult at all, but they do require slow and precise sewing, good execution, and the thoughtful use of hardware and underpinnings for structural support. Really, they are a series of small tasks. What was nice about sewing this while I have been on maternity leave is that I could work in little bursts when I had good energy and attention, making one pocket or component at a time.
After making six diaper bags for others over the years, it's nice to have finally made one that is staying here. And I was happy when Phineas commented that the bag was comfy to wear. I hope it gets lots of use.
