Handmade Laptop Bag - Lupin Laptop from Blue Calla Patterns
Whatabout ye folks, it's Lee here. I am back again with another Blue Calla Pattern Bag. This time I thought I would try my hand at making a laptop bag. Early last Summer, my brother, Jamie (or Miwadi, as I affectionately call him) asked me could I make him a laptop bag for work. Being pretty new to bag making (and this is still the case today, teehee), I wasn't terribly confident about this request as I just didn't know where to begin or if there was even a pattern available on the world wide web for this type of bag. However, at that stage, he did say that if I wanted to forget about the laptop bag and make his son, Alfie, a Buzz Lightyear Backpack, he'd go with that instead. So, of course I made Alfie the backpack as I had already made a few of those in the past. But, I felt kinda bad that I didn't make Miwadi the laptop bag all because I wasn't confident enough to try to make one. Well, fast forward to now.....I wouldn't say I am any more confident in my abilities to make a laptop bag, but here one is anyway, teehee. I saw that Celine from Blue Calla Patterns had designed and made a series of YouTube tutorials for her Lupin Laptop bag. So, as per my usual, overinflated level of confidence, I watched the video series and immediately declared "I can make that no problem"....teehee. Now, there is a lot of cutting and ironing of SO MUCH interfacing in this bag, that the prep work took up 80% of the making of this project. The actual sewing of this bag is pretty straight forward, particularly if you take your time and follow Celine's steps exactly. The bag isn't actually that complicated to make. But, oh my giddy aunt, did I want to cry at all the cutting, ironing and interfacing, lol. But, now that I have made one, I would probably be a bit more confident and quicker the next time I make one. Just be aware though, that it is fabric and interfacing heavy, so it can rack up the price of this type of bag, if you plan on selling the ones you make. Particularly, as interfacing is pretty expensive stuff here in Northern Ireland & the UK.
Anywhoodles, here is the completed laptop, finally! My brother may be 34 years old but, he loves Super Mario. So I thought this fabric was perfect for him. Details of where I bought this fabric is below in my shopping list. I did say to him that if he didn't want a Super Mario laptop bag to bring into work meetings, that I would make him a more grown up version if he wants. But he said he'd use it as a power play, lol....He said he'd go into meetings and everyone would think he's all soft with his Mario bag and then he'd hit them with the tough negotiating...teehee.
And on the front, I added my wee "Handmade" tag as per usual. The bag has the 2 short carry handles along with an adjustable crossbody strap. This was the part of the pattern that I deviated slightly from. Celine says to use 1.5 inch webbing for this bag. I only had 1 inch webbing, so I went with that and adjusted the pattern accordingly. So, the part of the pattern that calls for a 3 inch strap connector panel, I made mine a 2 inch wide piece instead. So, once it was folded and sewn, it made a 1 inch strap connector. I also used 1 inch hardware too, rather than the 1.5 inch hardware that Celine suggests. It still turned out great and I don't think that that half of an inch is really missed on the bag.
Now that I have made this one, I would definitely make another one of these bags if any of my ones wanted one. I definitely would feel much more confident about making another one....even if I would dread all the ironing of interfacing, teehee.
That's it from me for now, Folks. Toodles Noodles ......Lee aka Crafty Loops xx
SHOPPING LIST
At the time of typing, the items I linked to are available. However, items stock changes all the time and with time marching by, some items I link may no longer be available from that particular seller. However, a quick Google search should help you out if my links are no longer working/available.
Lupin Laptop Pattern - Blue Calla Patterns
Super Mario Fabric - Victoria_luv2qlt, Ebay
Gamer's Fabric - The Cheap Shop, Tiptree - Ebay
Black & White Stripe Fabric - Agnes at Fabricco, Ebay
Black Faux Leather - Direct Home, Ebay
Bosal single sided fusible foam - carogojo, Ebay or check out my page & email Carol directly for orders
Metal Handmade Label - Amazon
Teflon non-stick foot, Amazon- for sewing machine. Works great when working with faux leather. This foot works perfectly with my Janome QXL605 sewing machine
Woven Fusible Interfacing - Celloexpress - Ebay
Jeans Needle - Amazon
25mm Buckle sliders - Amazon
Personalised, handmade stamp - Stampingallday
5& 1/2 inch Kai Scissors - Christie's Craft Shop, Ebay
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a stunning laptop bag with so much storage room, bet your brother is thrilled with it and can't wait for meetings now lol xx
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