By the time I got the front and back pieces done, I realized it was actually a very well-thought-out design, with very clear, precise instructions. The pictures that were included in the pattern were quite helpful, too, though I wish I could have found and watched a video tutorial before I started; sometimes I need to *see* in order to more quickly understand…<\/p>\n\n\n\n Feeling a bit more confident, I decided to make an adjustable strap. I’d never made one before, and it wasn’t an option in the pattern. That said, the pattern had directions for an attached strap (but I wasn’t sure which length would be right for me) and it also had directions for making a detachable strap. Had I followed the directions for making a detachable strap–and then made it adjustable<\/em>–I would have saved myself some trouble….<\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead, I wanted to make an attached<\/em> adjustable strap, and I went to Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts to buy the hardware for it. To my surprise they didn’t have exactly what I needed in the store, so I decided to improvise….<\/p>\n\n\n\n Well, trip #2 to Jo-Ann’s (the same day!) involved getting more<\/em> hardware…. Despite carefully pinning and testing the position of the strap before sewing it to the bag, I still<\/em> manage to twist it! Of course I didn’t know<\/em> this until I turned the bag right side out when I was completely “finished”! Darn!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n To fix this, I had to cut the strap, untwist it, and then re-connect the two strap pieces by sewing them through a piece of hardware that matches the hardware on the other<\/em> side of the bag. Kind of looks like I planned it that way. \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n\n\n\n But hey, it all WORKED and my “Barbados Bag” is finished!<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are pockets everywhere! There’s a “hidden” slip pocket, as well as a zippered pocket on the front:<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are two slip pockets on the back, as well as two slip pockets inside. The top of the bag has a zippered closure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The finished size is 10-1\/2″ wide x 10″ tall x 2″ deep. It’s a good “every day” bag, as well as a perfect “vacation” bag, with room for everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Will I make it again? Maybe. It’s one that takes a lot of time to put together, so it’s not something I anticipate making to try to sell. But would I enjoy playing with other color combinations and fabric patterns? Oh<\/em>, yes! \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n\n\n\n Update: June 21, 2016:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I used this bag exclusively on a week-long trip to TN and FL and I LOVE it! I was able to fit my over-sized wallet\/checkbook combo in it, as well as my cell phone, keys, portable pharmacy and much more. I’ll probably make another one as soon as I get a chance. \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" I’m still a relatively new “sewist,” but I felt ready to tackle a pattern for a cross body bag from Pink Sand Beach Designs. I liked the look and the size of the bag, and I hoped I would learn … Continue reading ![\"BarbadosBag-060416-01\"](\"https:\/\/art-rageous.net\/artrageousblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/BarbadosBag-060416-01.jpg\")
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