Darla’s Diaper Bag
I’ve long {as evidenced by photos at our California house!} debated whether to show this bag or not {will it be a pattern someday? Maybe, but the construction process needs a bit of tweaking!}. This diaper bag was made for a dear friend of mine before we both left California, us for New York and her family bound for Korea! While I did all the sewing, we carefully designed it together to fit the requirements she had for a diaper bag but was never able to find in a single bag.
She wanted it to zip on top, so I added a separating zipper, this way, when unzipped, the zipper dropped down to the sides, giving full access to the bag. While I love zip-top purses, I’d like there to be a completely open option, since with baby things one often finds a entire blanket {or, like yesterday, two Snoopys, Baby Stella, and shoes!} going into the bag and it will never zip closed that day.
My friend also wanted a divider in her bag, but not the typical lengthwise version. She had originally wanted three compartments, but, by the time the outside of the bag was constructed, the three spaces would have been too small. So, we opted for two, and the divider is actually partially removable {kind of like a camera bag}, so that she can access the whole bag at once, or have it separated out.
This was also my first experiment with a modified version of quilt as you go. I used the same materials from this Oh, Fransson! tutorial, but I prewashed my canvas to make the bag washable {because, seriously…all diaper bags need to be washable!}, and put my quilted panel together first, as I wanted mine to be symmetrical and match the other side. Though, I was really happy with how they turned out, I had a hard time sewing with them. So, we’ll see if that can be modified in some way!
I have a few more projects coming up, all baby/kid related! I guess that’s what being pregnant with two busy toddlers, and having pregnant friends will do to one! Hope your week is off to a great start!
That is a very clever diaper bag design! Where was it when I needed it 8 years ago?? 😉
Great design for lots of things besides diapers!
I love the zipper top as i’m a big fan of bags with zippers as they feel more secure when you are out and about. It looks like a great bag for a mum of toddlers – mum items in one side and toddler bits in the other. 🙂
So cute!
What a terrific bag! I look forward to more baby based projects.
I have been trying to make diaper bags for a local organization that helps young moms with an unplanned pregnancy to be able to keep their baby. I have made all the mistakes possible! LOL It is such a challenge to keep the costs down (since it is a volunteer project) but still make a usable item. I found a free pattern from a charity org. but it didn’t have inside pockets. The first time I tried to add them I forgot it would sew through the outside pockets too and I ended up with six long skinny outside pockets. Ooops, won’t do that again. I like your separating zipper idea. I was using magnetic snaps but the volunteer coordinator told me she never sees a diaper bag that is closed. I have been using quilting fleece between the outside and inside lining of the bag to give it structure but it takes me a week to make the bag–and that is without piecing the outside. Good luck with your project; I’ll be watching for any good ideas you might want to share.
Cute!