Aurifil Mystery Challenge :: Kaffe Fassett Messenger Bag Reveal

For April, the Aurifil Artisan Challenge was a mystery, so, of course I signed up for it! I was delighted to receive some fat quarters of Kaffe Fassett’s Collective Classics. These fabrics were so vibrant and colorful, I knew they needed to be a bag or clutch and have some hand stitching. I went back and forth on several ideas, and then, after making all my Chloe Messenger Bags I knew that was the project I needed to make. The gorgeous fabrics and the rainbow cork just went so well together! My favorite thread for sewing with cork is Aurifil 40wt thread in Beige 2314, it is nice and sturdy and a perfect match!

I used a Aurifil 12wt threads in Blossom Pink, Lemon, Mint and Lobster Red to stitch the outlines on a couple flowers and give them more dimension. I have always loved embroidery (if you’ve been around this blog for a while you’ll remember my embroidery quilts!), so adding some sweet touches to this bag was so much fun.

If you haven’t ever sewn with cork, I highly recommend giving it a try. It’s so easy, doesn’t need interfacing, and looks so professional when it’s finished. I’ve been using the Clara Cork Tote I made in 2019 daily and it still looks beautiful. Even though I love a patchwork bag, cork is my new go-to for carrying.

I styled this bag after a leather messenger I have that I love to use when I travel, but is sometimes a bit too small. Pairing the cork with a bright fabric gave it such a pop of color. I had hoped to have a pattern release for you today also, but, alas, my computer processor fan died and I’m afraid if I turn it on I will lose everything. So, the pattern will be forthcoming in the next few weeks!

I also wanted to share an image of the inside of the bag, it has a zipper pocket for the things you want to keep secure, but then is just secured with Velcro for easy access. I really loved putting this together and working with fabrics that I might not otherwise pick up. Stay tuned and sign up for my e-mail list if you think you’d like to make this cute bag once I can get the pattern ready! Happy Sewing!