Click this image to download a PDF of this pattern.

I know this is my third blog post to talk about Spring Quilt Market, but my time there was filled with so many lovely surprises that I still have to share.

So... after spending almost all of my cash at the Lecien fabrics table at Sample spree, the next day I visited their booth to browse some more. I'm usually too shy to talk to people that I admire so much so I wasn't planning to speak up - just to linger as long as I could without being noticed. To my extreme anxiety which turned to delight I was noticed and I ended up meeting and chatting with Yoko. We talked a bit about how we might be able to help each other and came up with a plan that I LOVE.

Yoko gave me permission to share with you their 1 Yard Magic mini-patterns in exchange for me interpreting them in more detail (like specific cutting dimensions) using gorgeous Oxford-weight fabrics from Lecien. It was really a no-brainer for me and I feel like I am getting a way better deal, but she was really happy about it too, so why not?

First some background about the 1 Yard Magic patterns. Lecien Fabrics has just introduced them to promote their Flower Sugar Maison collection which makes me want to go plant a rose bush in my backyard so when the blossoms are all fluffy I can place them in mason jars all over my house. This fabric is my fantasy. I cannot lie.

Take note: The name Lecien comes from the French language. 'Maison' is French for 'house.' So the fabric collection is called Flower Sugar Maison and it features charming household objects including mason jars. So Clever. I have no words.

I know you all want to get right to the Messenger Bag tutorial and I don't want to waste any more time, but I do need to say again that I will simply be sharing with you my interpretation of the 1 Yard Magic patterns from Lecien. And this first time I actually came up with 2 interpretations. I could contact Yoko again and ask her which one is right, but I think it would be better for you if I just shared both! Because my first interpretation gave me 1 big bag and my second interpretation gave me 2 just-as-wonderful smaller bags. Wouldn't you rather have both?

Today I will share my first interpretation: 1 big bag from a yard of Flower Sugar Maison Oxford fabric.

Tomorrow I will share my second interpretation: 2 smaller bags. Make sure you check back and see!

This easy, easy, easy messenger bag just folds over to close. Did I mention it's easy? Like perfect for your first sewing project ever. Or when you are tired of your purse and you want a new one in 20 minutes.

These fabrics I used are not quilting weight cotton. Lecien's 100% cotton Oxford fabric is heavier, like cotton sateen or home decor weight cotton. That's what makes these projects so nice even though they are very simple. The fabric is only 42'' wide, so if you are using a wider fabric you will have some left over. You could still make these bags with quilting weight fabric, but your bag will be less sturdy.

1 Yard Magic Messenger Bag Mini-Pattern for 1 Bag...

Finished dimensions: approximately 17'' wide x 13'' tall, not including the 2'' wide strap.

So first I conquered this part of the diagram, cutting! I'm going to give you cutting dimensions that reflect my finished bag... not what I started out with. I started out cutting all 36'' tall pieces. My bag was way too tall, and that got me thinking that I could make 2 bags by interpreting the pattern another way... but that's for the next post.

Cut:

• 2 strips 3'' x 36''
• 2 rectangles 18'' x 24''

Sew the strap:

1. Pin the two strap pieces right sides together.

2. Stitch along both long edges with a 1/2'' seam allowance.

3. Turn the strap right side out and press.

4. Topstitch along both long edges about 1/8'' from the edge.

5. Press the ends of the strap over about 1 3/4''. Set the strap aside.

Sew the Bag Body:

1. Pin the two bag rectangles right sides together. Stitch around the long edges and one short end.

2. The inside of the bag isn't lined, so finish the seam with a zigzag stitch or serger if desired.

3. Fold, press, and stitch a hem at the top of the bag. I sewed a 1'' hem on mine.

4. Box the corners: flatten each corner by lining up a side seam with the bottom seam (feel this with your fingers). Move a ruler up and down until you can draw a line across the corner that is 4'' long.

5. Stitch across the line. Make sure you backstitch!

6. Trim the corner away 1/2'' past the stitching. Finish the raw edges as desired.

Attach the Strap:

1. Press the side seam flat, then measure and make a mark 8'' from the top edge. (it's hard to see my mark in this picture)

2. Pin one end of the strap with the raw edge folded under, just covering the mark that you made 8'' from the hemmed edge.

3. Sew a rectangle that is 2'' tall (to enclose the folded under part of the strap) and follows the topstitching on the strap. Then sew an 'X' in the center of the rectangle. Backstitch neatly.

Lecien's messenger bag has a cute little label on it, so I made one too by cutting the mason jar labels from my leftover fabric and using the technique that I shared in my 'Applique from Novelty Fabrics' tutorial.'

And there's your adorable new bag! Thank you Lecien Fabrics!

Come back tomorrow to see my 2nd interpretation of this same mini-pattern: 2 messenger bag totes from 1 yard of fabric. :)

Happy sewing!