Just in time before I will leave for my trip home to Germany I am happy to introduce you to my latest sewing pattern which is now available in my pattern store: the Rhine Valley Bag!
This bag is named after the region where I lived before I moved to the States. I actually grew up close to the area you see on the right-hand side picture and later moved to Mainz, which is a city right on the shore of the beautiful Rhine River, where I lived for eight years.
I actually made a similar version of this bag in the spring and took it with me to Germany. It was the perfect size for hand luggage on the long plane ride. I finally decided to create a sewing pattern and have to say I really love this bag! It is big, it is spacious but so handy at the same time! I hope you like it as much as I do :)
One of my favorite features is the recessed top zipper. Inside the bag there are two 3D shaped slip pockets which easily fit smaller items like your keys or your phone.
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Since I like making pleats I added two pleated pockets to the front of the bag. It is actually one large divided pocket, and each compartment closes with a flap and a magnetic snap.
I used store-bought (fake) leather handles for both of my bags but my instructions give you the option to attach fabric handles with rectangular rings in case you don't want to go with store-bought handles.
 optional: Rhine Valley Bag with fabric handles and rectangular rings |  Rhine Valley Bag with store bought handles |
The pdf file comes with 21 pages of instructions, 56 color photographs and 5 pattern pieces. All measurements are given in centimeters and inches.
The finished size of this bag is 30 x 45 x 10 cm/ 12 x 18 x 4 in (height x width x depth).
Supplies needed:
- Exterior fabric: 1 m or 1 yd
- Lining fabric: 1.30 m or 1 1/3 yd
- Fusible fleece e.g. Pellon 987F: 0.60 m or 2/3 yd
- Fusible interfacing, e. g. Pellon 931 TD: 4.20 m or 4.5 yd
- 1 zipper 46 cm (18”) or longer
- 2 magnetic snaps
- 2 faux leather handles, approx. 55 cm (22”) long
If not using store bought handles you will also need:
- 4 rectangular rings, 3 cm (1.25”) width
- Add 15 cm/ 5” of lining fabric to the amount given above!
Thanks to all the testers who helped me with this project! Have a look at their bags, aren't they all amazing??
The finished size of this bag is 30 x 45 x 10 cm/ 12 x 18 x 4 in (height x width x depth).
Supplies needed:
- Exterior fabric: 1 m or 1 yd
- Lining fabric: 1.30 m or 1 1/3 yd
- Fusible fleece e.g. Pellon 987F: 0.60 m or 2/3 yd
- Fusible interfacing, e. g. Pellon 931 TD: 4.20 m or 4.5 yd
- 1 zipper 46 cm (18”) or longer
- 2 magnetic snaps
- 2 faux leather handles, approx. 55 cm (22”) long
If not using store bought handles you will also need:
- 4 rectangular rings, 3 cm (1.25”) width
- Add 15 cm/ 5” of lining fabric to the amount given above!
Thanks to all the testers who helped me with this project! Have a look at their bags, aren't they all amazing??
Ree from Sincerely, Ree used an animal print for her bag. She says this bag will be perfect for travelling. She acutally made a cute hat using the same fabrics, so please make sure to pop over to her blog and have a look!
Cara from Early Bird Stitches made this wonderful bag. Her items are always so well-finished and I just love the color combo of this one. ,
Tracey from Sew Chubby Cheeks made a "real" travel bag! Her fabric takes up the travel theme and I would say that this is a perfect bag to use as your carry-on luggage :)
This is PJ's bag. The yellow flaps of the front pockets make a really nice contrast to the blue floral print she used for the exterior. PJ also has an Etsy shop, so make sure to check it out!
How cute is the pattern of Susan's bag? I totally love all those happy dots :) Susan used fake leather handles for her bag which give her bag look a real professional finish.
Sarah from Prairie Girl Knits chose this really great color combo for her Rhine Valley Bag. I mean, a big bag made entirely with pink lining? Awesome!!
Silvia used a really cute animal print for her bag. The lining actually shows chicken and roosters! She used fake leather handles for the first time and they turned out really nicely.
Marcia from Sew Inspired chose this really colorful floral print for her Rhine Valley Bag. Marcia teaches sewing classes so I am not surprised that her bags always look so well finished!
I love the pattern of Erin's bag! The tree theme is really fun and the colors match perfectly. I can totally see why Erin says she is a little sad to be giving this bag away!
This is Jenny's Rhine Valley Bag. She chose a floral print for the exterior and says she especially loved making the recessed zipper, as it turns out they are not that hard to make. I am glad to hear that :)
Janet said the suede cloth she used for her bag was a little tricky to sew. She still managed to sew up a really cool Rhine Valley Bag!
Patti used braided handles for her bag. They go very well with the fabric she used, Heritage Studio Collection by Fabric Traditions.
How gorgoeous is that leaf print of Vicky's bag?? She actually had two fabrics at first and couldn't decide which one to use. I like her choice :) Vicky sells awesome things and blogs at Vicky Myers Creations so make sure to stop by!
Tonya used a fake leather for the exterior and matched it with a purple cotton for the lining and the pocket flaps. I agree with her that these two fabrics look wonderful together!
I really hope you like my new design. I always prefered smaller handbags but the big ones are really growing on me :) Are you more of a big bag or a small bag girl? I would love to know!
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