computer bag

I have finally completed some sewing!  I {finally} got a new computer at the beginning of the summer, and I had the perfect fabric to create a great case/cover. 

Fabric: lightweight canvas - Rose Garden in Natural, Far Far Away II by Heather Ross for Kokka
Hardware: D rings, Swivel latches, Buttons, Belt thing-a-ma-jig
Other noteable items: Leftover batting, Fabric someone gave me that I used for the liner

I used the basic construction used in this bag.  I studied one of my messenger bags for help in construction.  I did not take step-by-step pictures since I'm behind on all my projects and getting them done is more important than remembering how I did them.  You really came here for the pictures anyway!  And those aren't really the best either, but they'll do.

The picture below is of the semi-functional button that keeps the messenger flap closed.  It's not a very necessary part of the bag, but since I only used one fabric pattern (instead of contrasting fabric) I added the buttong to add interest to the outside of the bag.  Looking back I should have used contrasting fabric in various places of the bag to make it even cuter.

I folded a piece of ribbon in half and used contrasting embroidery floss to keep in folded. I needed this ribbon to be smaller in order for it to fit around the button.

I used a vintage button from the jar of buttons I bought back in May.  I attached the button with contrasting embroidery floss.
 

I used to yellow buttons to keep the bag shut.  The buttons are the super cheap kind from Joann.  This is acceptable to the character of the bag since you won't see them much.

I did have a few issues with the button holes.  Since this bag is my own design and I didn't do a complete test run on each step of the bag, I ran into a couple measurement issues.  The buttonholes are a up at the edge of the fabric instead of being down at least half an inch.  Getting the fabric through the machine to make buttonholes took a bit of innovation.  I had to iron the fabric as flat as possible and then help guide the fabric more than you're supposed to when putting in buttonholes.

I used a natural cotton for the liner.  The fabric was given to me by one of my mom's co-workers. If I had really thought things through, the liner would include a pocket or two.  I guess I'll just have to make a matching clutch to hold all the small items!
 

I've used hardware before, but nothing quite like this.  I had to study another messenger bag to make sure I was doing the straps the correct way. 

This is from a belt buckle I bought last year at a garage sale for $1.  It's too bag for this particular strap, but for now I am using a safety pin to make sure the strap stays in place.  I'll come up with a better solution later. I like the extra character the buckle adds.  I had hoped to use it in a really great project.

I'm happy with the way the bag turned out.  I won't be using it to travel, but it will be great for the coffee shop.