I started this bag at the Bagineer Retreat (read all about it here) but I'm the world's second slowest sewist, so I didn't finish it that weekend - don't worry, it's not a particularly long make, I'm truly just slow and easily distracted by all the fun we were having. I'm pretty stoked about finishing it though because the fabrics I chose really match the weather and season right now. 

This is one of the newest patterns from Emmaline and I'm sure it's going to be a hit. There are so many pockets and compartments, and unlike most flip/foldover bags, this pattern is written for dimensional fabric! That's right, the body of your bag and the part that flips over can both be going in the right direction, so feel free to use horses or faces, or whatever directional print you choose. 

It works great as a cross-body bag, or shorten the adjustable strap and wear it on the same side. I used cork for my bottom accent, but you could use fabric too if you want. The bottom accent is a great place to put a metal bag label. I used the script style "handmade" in the copper finish to match the rest of my hardware.

I chose to use the optional edge connector strap anchors, but you can make your own out of fabric if you prefer. FYI: these are a newer style and easier to install than the older version. 

This bag has so many pockets! The fold over flaps are large zippered pockets, there's a "hidden" pocket at the front (I used pink bananas because life's too short for serious pockets) and then in the main compartment of the bag, there's a slip pocket and a zippered pocket. 

Here's the part of the bag I'm proudest of...that zippered pocket. I can normally do these but never really think they look great and almost always have the pocket lining peeking through along the edge of the box. I did this one at the retreat and Janelle gave me a tip to add a bit of moisture and roll the seam between my fingers, then finger press and press with iron, each small section at a time. It took a bit longer but so worth the extra effort. Oh! I used my new Jaylilly Handmade zipper templates too and it made that part super easy too. I also love the cork accents to hold the magnetic snaps - that little extra feature just makes the finished product look that much more professional. 

This is the front of the bag. I added the optional rivets at the edge of the hidden pocket. I love how it ties the pretty copper finish together to all parts of the bag and, functionally, it adds some strength to a potentially high stress area. I've already discovered this pocket is perfect for my phone.

Here's the back, in case you're wondering.

Pattern: Emmaline Bags, The Double Flip Shoulder Bag PDF
Hardware: Emmaline Bags, The Double Flip Shoulder Bag Hardware Kit in Copper, plus small rivets and metal bag tag, also from Emmaline Bags.
Fabric: Lavish Collection by Katarina Roccella for Art Gallery Fabrics, from Sitka Fabrics
Cork: Natural Cork Fabric from Sew Sweetness 

Last month we had a "Bagineer" Retreat/Workshop and there was so much going on I don't think I'll be able to include it all in one post. I had plans of showing my version of the bag we made but I think I'll save that for later this week so I can share everything we did during the weekend. The weekend was held in Kamloops, BC (aka "The 'Loops") and even though I've been there several times, this was my first Springtime visit, and the locals tell me its the best time to come, because the snow has melted and the summer heat (and accompanying brown lawns) hasn't started yet. So very scenic and I really enjoyed my weekend there. Like many years, the river was quite high and some areas were blocked off. I couldn't quite get over this as a usual occurrence, but the locals seemed pretty unfazed by it.

Before I get any further, I need to shout out from the mountain tops how amazing and generous Janelle from Emmaline Bags is. Janelle came up with a bag pattern for us to sew at the retreat. The Double Flip Shoulder Bag is a new pattern and well, you'll have to wait for my next post for more details, but you'll love it! Janelle wowed us Friday night with a trunk show, where she passed around samples of many of her bags for us to touch and feel, and talked about her design process.  On Saturday and Sunday, she joined us at Katja's Quilt Shoppe to answer questions, offer tips and give demos for certain steps. Also, Janelle is so funny and modest; she's such a treasure to be around, truly! Oh, the goodies! Us lucky ladies were happy recipients of bag bling courtesy of Emmaline Bags!

We had 2 days in the quilt shop classroom space to sew and wouldn't you know it, I didn't finish my bag while I was there! I talk too much, but I had fun and I learned so much. Patricia did such a fantastic job organizing everything and I'm very thankful she persisted with this little idea we had and pulled it off! Others did finish their bags and worked on extra projects, or started on a second bag. It was really nice seeing different fabric combinations come to life and watch how others complete their projects. We even had some poetic musings from Line (aka Vanna White)!

Everything's more fun with prizes! We asked some of our favourite places and were generously given prizes to hand out. Thanks to Jay Lily Handmade, MM Cork Supply, Vinyl Cafe Ontario, Overseas Fabrics, and Emmaline Bags.

Each participant went home with a bag full of goodies from sponsors. Thanks toSwoon Sewing Patterns, Noodlehead, Emmaline Bags, Marsha's mom, Line for the lovely cards, and Patricia for the soaps! I made each bag, with canvas from Overseas Fabrics, and then had them screen printed by a local company,Locomotive Clothing.

Thanks to all who came, and to those of you who contributed your time and/or goods to our event. I hope we can do it again...see you next year?