Fat Quarter Handbag Gift Idea

Thanks to a great tutorial by Jennifer  on Sew Mama Sew, I have made a handbag, just the size of an iPad, handy for going out to a coffee shop and bringing tech. 

I like how it turned out and it was super easy. I am definitely making more of these in different sizes for Christmas gifts.

Photo from Sew Mama Sew Handbag Tutorial

Here is Jennifer's version.  The fabric is so cute.  I am not ashamed to say I went to three different fabric stores looking for it. I would have loved to copy this lock stock and barrel.

The steps Jennifer gives to make this are simple. Basically, it is just four pieces of interfaced fabric, four little tubes for attaching the handles, and some purchased handles. ( I put a snap in the photo, but I didn't end up using it.)

 Line up the handles on the first piece.

 Put the second piece over it, the sew.  Then, sew the lining to the outer fabric.  Jennifer provides step-by-step photos that cover the process.

The lining is the same material as the outer fabric. 

 Fits my iPad perfectly.

I already got the supplies I need to make a few of them for Christmas gifts.  I think on the next versions, I'll put a little pocket on them to keep some cash or credit cards, too. If I line the bags with a different fabric, I'll have far more than enough for pockets.  Quilting fabric prints are irresistibly cute and although I generally avoid them for clothing, I happily picked some out for this project.

Here is a link to the tutorial on Sew Mama Sew.  It is fantastic and you should make one right now. Thanks to Sew Mama Sew and Jennifer!