Thursday, February 19, 2009

Laptop Bag Pattern arriving soon....

I spent a great deal of time developing some pocket instructions. I've spent even longer developing the pattern for the rest of the Laptop Bag. I'm embarrassed about just how long it's taken to make a pattern for what appears to be a straightforward-looking satchel style bag.
Ah... but the devil is in the DETAIL. There have been structural changes and pocket changes inside and out.
And finally I'm happy with an expandable pleated pocket on one side and a compartment pocket on the other.

And a patch pocket on the front of the bag (concealed by the flap).

There were lots of other things to work out (read: sample, tweak, sample, tweak.....sample tweaksampletweaksampletweak...), like the size relationship between the bag and the laptop sleeve insert (which can also act as a divider or document wallet)...

And the size relationship between sleeve and laptop....

Jiggling around purse feet placements to accommodate our NEW large pursefeet (watch this space for news on those!)... Getting the SHOULDER PAD right, getting all the tips and hints for using PVC, webbing and velcro throughout the instructions....

There are lots of finishing skills to learn with this pattern and the instructions (as always) are VERY VERY DETAILED. It's been a long journey, but the end is clearly in sight. There will be news soon.... which means I should do my regular giveaway draw for a pattern hot off the press. Leave a comment here and I'll draw a lucky winner when the pattern goes up on the website.

Edited to add: The fabrics are (brown bag) Lindsey by Timeless Treasures and (blue) You Got the Notions by Robert Kaufman.

Leah was one of my pattern testers for this one. She made a very teenage-daughter friendly version in this Alexander Henry skull print. I think it's fab. (It won the approval of said teenage daughter, too - it'll be her school bag).
...
PS. Update on Rainbow comfort Packs HERE....
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99 comments:

  1. jojoebi-designsFebruary 19, 2009 at 10:53 PM

    It looks great, I love the skull one!

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  2. Missie KrissieFebruary 19, 2009 at 11:15 PM

    yeah I think my brother could do with that skull one too!!

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  3. cassandrahFebruary 19, 2009 at 11:21 PM

    The pattern is gorgeous! Well worth all the time spent! I actually like the fabric from the first one best. I've never seen that fabric before .. will have to do some research!

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  4. mériFebruary 19, 2009 at 11:52 PM

    A giveaway? Count with me and thanks for the chance :)

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  5. Fiona February 19, 2009 at 11:53 PM

    All of your tweaking has certainly paid off. It looks like a great pattern.

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  6. Kristy JamesFebruary 20, 2009 at 12:35 AM

    I love the use of the of vinyl on the skull bag. I can envision lots of possilities with that. Also, I love how nice the binding looks. I'd love to hear more about how you attach binding (I always struggle with that). I just got a new laptop and may need to think about making one.

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  7. UnknownFebruary 20, 2009 at 1:07 AM

    Really nice. I know the pockets are devils sometimes but for a bag like this they will really come in handy. Is there one that's convenient for thumbdrives? (or maybe I can make a thumbdrive wallet to match.

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  8. Joyce in NCFebruary 20, 2009 at 1:36 AM

    Great looking bag. I'd love to have one for myself.

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  9. MartyFebruary 20, 2009 at 2:36 AM

    I've seen lots of laptop patterns, but this one look like it would be super functional. I would love to be in the drawing. Then I could ditch the laptop bag my hubby gave me with the computer. It's nice, but you feel like you're packing for a trip! Very heavy!

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  10. AnonymousFebruary 20, 2009 at 2:56 AM

    I got a laptop in October and still don't have a bag for it. Could totally use this pattern!

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  11. sweetpersimmonFebruary 20, 2009 at 3:17 AM

    I just love your patterns. The instructions are so detailed. I can hardly wait for this one as I have a few requests to make laptop bags.

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  12. Candied FabricsFebruary 20, 2009 at 5:26 AM

    It's obvious you've put a lot of thought into this design, as well as how to build this bag - well done! Can't wait to get one!

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  13. AnonymousFebruary 20, 2009 at 5:43 AM

    Well done Nikki! As always a professional and great looking design - I am looking forward to the release! Keep up the good work, Heather

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  14. trashFebruary 20, 2009 at 6:04 AM

    I think 2009 might be my year of 'the bag'. With all the inspiration you and u-handbag.com provide I am edging ever nearer to takingthe plunge.

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  15. ImcombobulatedFebruary 20, 2009 at 6:23 AM

    What a gorgeous bag! I'd love to win the pattern. I'm still a fledgling seamstress so I'm relying heavily on patterns to teach me about sewing. Loving it so far!

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  16. Blooming BusinessFebruary 20, 2009 at 6:23 AM

    It looks great and well worth all the effort. I would love to win the pattern. Well done with all the rainbow bags too.

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  17. Leisurely LesleyFebruary 20, 2009 at 6:27 AM

    I would appreciate the chance to see one of your patterns. It would probably kick start me into action - I have a wee fetish for everything "bag".

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  18. AnonymousFebruary 20, 2009 at 7:45 AM

    I absolutely LOVE this pattern! Messenger style bags are my favorite and I absolutely love the details - especially the padding on the strap. How large of a laptop can fit into the bag?

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  19. VireyaFebruary 20, 2009 at 7:52 AM

    Oh, so gorgeous! I love it.

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  20. AnonymousFebruary 20, 2009 at 8:00 AM

    Oh Nikki I would love the opportunity to stand out from the crowd with a bag like these! It would be so much better than my boring black vinyl laptop bag that I have for work!

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  21. LaraFebruary 20, 2009 at 8:21 AM

    Ooh, so pretty! I'm looking forward to taking up sewing again once I submit my PhD thesis at the end of March. I'd love to make myself a pretty laptop bag to replace my boring old grey one...

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  22. Designs by DannaFebruary 20, 2009 at 8:21 AM

    What a great and detailed pattern you have designed!! The bags look great and very functional. I love the skull bag too:)

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  23. CurlyPopsFebruary 20, 2009 at 8:21 AM

    It's amazing how the 3 different fabrics give it a totally different feel. It's too hard to even pick a favourite!

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  24. Gay McDonellFebruary 20, 2009 at 8:32 AM

    Lookin Good! Great fabrics - I think school teachers will love these bags - even without a laptop - the clear vinyl and red skulls very effective!! WOW!!

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  25. WendyFebruary 20, 2009 at 9:50 AM

    Looks like time well spent, your samples look absolutely fab!
    And a very functional pattern. Thanks

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  26. AnonymousFebruary 20, 2009 at 10:15 AM

    I've been planning a bag for my laptop for a couple of months now. It needs to be as neat, useful and funky as the little notebook itself. I think this pattern fits the bill!

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  27. AnonymousFebruary 20, 2009 at 11:19 AM

    LOVE it! Have wanted to take the plunge with bags for ages - and now thanks to last week's sewing bee I've mastered drawstring backpacks and little satchels - that was the push I needed! (A couple more little satchels to drop in to you next week, too.) So this looks like the perfect bag to move on a bit and do more detailed finishings! I will be in the queue when the pattern's available :)

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  28. ChristyFebruary 20, 2009 at 11:51 AM

    L.O.V.E. them....as always. I was completely stymied by the handle pad on the last messenger bag I made. I very desperately would LOVE to win the pattern giveaway. All digits crossed from this point on.

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  29. AnonymousFebruary 20, 2009 at 1:51 PM

    It is the detail in the instructions that makes your patterns so amazing... well, that and how fantastic the end products look! Thanks for sharing what's in your brain with others!!!

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  30. lauraFebruary 20, 2009 at 2:00 PM

    I was wondering when you were going to release this pattern. Looks like a winner to me!

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  31. AnonymousFebruary 20, 2009 at 3:00 PM

    This bag looks amazing!! This would be a neat challenge for me.

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  32. ChristieFebruary 20, 2009 at 4:04 PM

    looks fantastic, I liked the look of the one Lara made too.

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  33. UnknownFebruary 20, 2009 at 5:01 PM

    Oooh how exciting! I've been waiting for this pattern and all your hard work looks like it was definitely worth it! Now to see where I can squeeze some extra days in the week for some sewing :)

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  34. SophieFebruary 20, 2009 at 5:43 PM

    They look fantastic!! I'm looking forward to that one coming out!!

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  35. MelFebruary 20, 2009 at 5:44 PM

    These look great! Great gift idea for the men too...not always easy to come across.

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  36. Aussie JoFebruary 20, 2009 at 5:49 PM

    Yah!! I've been waiting to make this one, worth the wait, it looks great.

    By the way, I made my carry on bag. I didn't alter one of your patterns (I used a free tutorial for an overnight bag) but I did use the instructions and tips from one of your patterns to make it sensational. It's on my blog.

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  37. MisteaFebruary 20, 2009 at 7:12 PM

    Just love the look of it, and a whole lot more stylish than my grey laptop bag. May just need to make one of those. Thanks for your generosity.

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  38. SueFebruary 20, 2009 at 9:17 PM

    these bags look fantastic, another one to add to my patten wishlist (only a few months till my birthday!)- you have done a great job Nikki ^_^

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  39. AndreaFebruary 20, 2009 at 9:40 PM

    great job. i would make one for each of my kids, a boy,9, and girl, 11. very cool street satchels for anything. you know we all love giveaways!

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  40. AnonymousFebruary 20, 2009 at 11:20 PM

    LOVE these laptop bags...all the things I look for in a good bag, and never find them all in one place....GOOD for you!Cannot WAIT to make some of these!

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  41. TonyaFebruary 20, 2009 at 11:51 PM

    I am loving this bag. I can't wait to make one.

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  42. AnonymousFebruary 21, 2009 at 1:51 AM

    That would be perfect for my laptop - I only have a dull black bag for it. I'll go and look out for fabric while you finish the pattern!

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  43. bethFebruary 21, 2009 at 12:21 PM

    Love it! Your daughter is a lucky girl. Hopefully, I can be a lucky winner!

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  44. PennyFebruary 21, 2009 at 4:03 PM

    Love it, can't wait to try one.

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  45. JulieFebruary 21, 2009 at 5:01 PM

    Your attention to detail is what gives me confidence when making up one of your designs! Keep up the wonderful work, and put me in your give-away draw please!

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  46. AnonymousFebruary 21, 2009 at 5:38 PM

    it is just fabulous! I know my daughter wants a messenger laptop bag! Wonder if I could get it done BEFORE she finishes college. She is still waiting for her quilt.

    oooh Hope I win.

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  47. AnonymousFebruary 21, 2009 at 7:32 PM

    don't have a laptop, but this will be great for carrying A4 folders to meetings, great design

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  48. Running ThreadFebruary 21, 2009 at 9:57 PM

    Brilliant! The fabrics look terrific and give each laptop bag a personality of their own. So well resolved and certainly worth all the tweaking and testing.

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  49. KatherineFebruary 22, 2009 at 9:16 AM

    Wow! What a great design, Nikki and I love all the different looks each fabric give. It's always amazing how much time goes into getting the pattern "tweaked", isn't it? This one is well worth all the time and effort. Well done!

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  50. UnknownFebruary 22, 2009 at 9:32 AM

    this is a fantastic pattern, the detail is amazing, can't wait to try it out.

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  51. AnonymousFebruary 22, 2009 at 9:32 PM

    You know how much I love this bag Nikki (I've just packed it ready to go to work tomorrow) but those FABRICS! You continue to be a fabri-holic enabler...the Kaufman one in particular looks great. And Leah has done a superb job on her bag.

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  52. AnonymousFebruary 23, 2009 at 7:05 AM

    Fabulous bag, would love to win a copy please. Hard bit for me, each of my three girls would want one (plus one for me!), but that's OK, it's all part of the fun. Thanks for the chance and good luck with future designs.
    Tracey

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  53. TaccolinaFebruary 23, 2009 at 8:07 AM

    Hope it's not too late to enter the draw for the pattern! I love that blue sample you made. Heck - I love th
    em all! -B

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  54. AnonymousFebruary 23, 2009 at 8:48 AM

    I have been waiting sooooo patiently for this pattern. All the pictures look fabulous. Well done

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  55. AnonymousFebruary 23, 2009 at 11:22 AM

    Hi Nikki,
    Just checked out Lara's New Laptop bag at work - Fabulous. I need to join in the fun!! Great work. If I win you can contact me through Lara!!

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  56. AnonymousFebruary 24, 2009 at 6:46 AM

    That looks really good! =)
    My favorite is the first bag pictured - the one with the flowers and the brown colors. Soooo cute!

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  57. AnonymousFebruary 24, 2009 at 5:20 PM

    Well done Nikki :) I was hanging out to see the finished project.
    I love the first bag you showcased, it's like a quilt, with different fabrics in similar colourways matching each other and making the bag pop.

    :)

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  58. SerenaFebruary 24, 2009 at 10:55 PM

    This is such a great design. I'm always floored by the beauty and details of your creations.

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  59. becFebruary 24, 2009 at 11:04 PM

    Ooh, I feel I'm pushing my luck right down the bottom here, but I missed the giveaway bit, I was too busy ogling the bag! Your patterns are converting me to a complete hand made bag collection- years of op shop collecting may be going down the drain! Of course, I'd love a pattern- who wouldn't? They're great!

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  60. Agneta quiltsFebruary 24, 2009 at 11:15 PM

    What a smart bag you've created! Love the looks and the solution for the inside. I would love to win the pattern!

    Agneta in Sweden
    agnetaquiltar (a) gmail.com
    http://agnetaquiltar.zoomin.se/blogg.html

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  61. UnknownFebruary 25, 2009 at 6:19 AM

    WOW!! This bag looks great (as do your other bag patterns). It looks like the perfect size for a laptop (or anything else I want to carry around). I love versatile bags! I have read soooo many great comments about your patterns and I am sure that all the blood, sweat and tears will be worth it as this will sell like hot cakes!

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  62. NancyFebruary 25, 2009 at 9:56 AM

    What a fabulous bag...love it.

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  63. AnonymousFebruary 25, 2009 at 10:35 AM

    How good would this bag look in a unisex tartan !

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  64. AnonymousFebruary 25, 2009 at 10:43 AM

    Great bag pattern. Well done! Love the blue fabric with girls over it - ideal to add a bit of fun to a business woman's laptop bag.

    Debi

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  65. AnonymousFebruary 25, 2009 at 10:43 AM

    Congratulations! This has to be one of your best patterns. The level of detail is exceptional. Love the first bag.

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  66. AnonymousFebruary 25, 2009 at 11:20 AM

    Way better than any of those boring ones in the shops! Thanks Nikki... you rock.
    PS I'd love to win the pattern

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  67. zofiaFebruary 25, 2009 at 11:26 AM

    This pattern looks fantastic Nikki.
    The orange and green one is my favourite, and I reckon the 'Ikea' one is great too!

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  68. UnknownFebruary 25, 2009 at 12:14 PM

    The design looks absolutely fantastic, great job! I especially like the orange and green, the orange fabric is just gorgeous. Might have to look that one up.

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  69. Kristin LFebruary 25, 2009 at 12:18 PM

    I've been wanting to make a laptop bag, so your timing is perfect! Winning a pattern would be icing on teh cake. :-)

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  70. AnonymousFebruary 25, 2009 at 12:25 PM

    I visited your shop and saw Leah's skull one - fantastic pattern with so many useful features. I like the last Ikea one. Looks quite unisex and inspires to create for all ages / genders etc.

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  71. AnonymousFebruary 25, 2009 at 2:17 PM

    The laptop bag is a TREAT!! As for the photo - I reckon the lovely berry coloured print (4th from the top). It shows the feet and the strap better than any of the other pictures and you should show off these great features. Mind you, I do like the bold grey/black print, and the blue ladies, and the red flowers and that one with the orange/olive combination and the.....

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  72. AnonymousFebruary 25, 2009 at 2:35 PM

    All of the Laptop Bags look great, but my favorite is the 4th from the top - the purple one. Love your work!

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  73. AnonymousFebruary 25, 2009 at 2:48 PM

    Wow just what I want! Love to be in the draw Nikki, thanks.

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  74. AnonymousFebruary 25, 2009 at 4:17 PM

    I absolutely can't wait to get this pattern -- it looks phenomenal!

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  75. Robin HäggqvistFebruary 25, 2009 at 8:52 PM

    I like the blue with women.

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  76. rebelrebFebruary 25, 2009 at 9:33 PM

    The bag is a great idea, well planeed, great design and fabric. Can't wait for the pattern!

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  77. BethFebruary 25, 2009 at 9:43 PM

    I love how comfortable this bag looks. Great to get the laptop in and out, and comfortable to carry, and nice to sit around while using the laptop.

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  78. AnonymousFebruary 25, 2009 at 9:58 PM

    Hi Nikki,
    I love the Ikea one.....you can see all the details....I just need to get to an Ikea store for some more stash!!!!

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  79. AnonymousFebruary 25, 2009 at 10:06 PM

    LOVE the professional look of this bag! My favourite...and my vote for pic for the pattern cover art is the dancing ladies with contrasting laptop sleeve no less! Brilliant as always!
    I think it might be time for a new bag...one for me...one for rainbows...

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  80. AnnettFebruary 26, 2009 at 6:34 AM

    This is an amazing bag...
    I have been wanting to have a laptop bag for a long long time!! Good to know you can actually make one yourself!!!!

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  81. AnonymousFebruary 26, 2009 at 8:05 AM

    Great pattern! I'm not too advanced with my sewing skills, but one of these days I'd love to try this out. I love messenger bags.

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  82. YanaFebruary 26, 2009 at 12:22 PM

    the bags look awesome!! one day i hope i will make one :) can't wait! Yana

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  83. BernadetteFebruary 26, 2009 at 12:29 PM

    Yet another fabulous pattern Nikki! Now I just need the laptop to go with it although I am sure I could put it to other uses.

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  84. AnonymousFebruary 27, 2009 at 12:34 PM

    I love the third bag, the one with the brown, blue, and white flowers.

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  85. UnknownFebruary 28, 2009 at 3:42 PM

    I love this bag. I have been looking all over for a laptop bag. Please have it out soon.

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  86. AnonymousMarch 2, 2009 at 1:48 PM

    Perfect for daughter's PhD grad gift!

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  87. AnonymousMarch 5, 2009 at 3:41 PM

    Wow, I just saw Leah's review on PatternReview and I had to investigate. I love it! I feel a pattern purchase coming on. Love coin purses you designed as well--this from a woman who normally shoves everything in her pocket!

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  88. JXJMarch 31, 2009 at 8:40 AM

    I think the pattern cover would look best using the Loft 1800 by Moda fabric bag. It is vibrant, but not over the top,and the most appealing to me - although they all look great! regards, jan.

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  89. JXJMarch 31, 2009 at 8:46 AM

    Great design. I think the pattern cover would look best featuring the floral moda print fabric in greys and pink - very stylish!

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  90. lindylineMarch 31, 2009 at 11:39 AM

    Having seen the bags ïn the flesh"so to speak, they're even better than the pics.

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  91. FibrenellMarch 31, 2009 at 11:58 AM

    I definitely love the first picture for the cover as it shows the crisp professional look of the bag and the browns/greens make it applicable to both male and female. Planned to make a bag for my daughter's new lap top but designing my own was way too much effort - thanks for giving me the easy way out!
    Helen

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  92. Jiandao@CraftsterApril 26, 2009 at 12:49 PM

    Those are ridiculously awesome! I do not own a notebook but am now tempted to get one so I can make the bag. Ridiculous! Now I just have to think which of my friends with notebooks I like enough to make one for. You are genius!

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  93. akkiDOJune 14, 2009 at 5:09 PM

    My 17 inch laptop is going over to Europe in september and I would love to carry it in such a wonderful bag!

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  94. Lynne And EmmaJune 17, 2009 at 10:41 AM

    Hi Nikki
    I love your laptop bags, all of them look great. I would love to win the pattern but can't wait and will have to buy it. The detail you have put in is great and I can think of some great designs to put on the front. I have just started a business with my daughter and our first bag is a messenger bag so this laptop bag is a great 2nd bag to work on.
    Keep up the wonderful patterns.

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  95. UnknownNovember 30, 2009 at 12:22 PM

    I've been searching all over the internet looking for just the RIGHT laptop bag, and here it is at last! Great fun: perfect balance of utility and charm. As a long-time sewer and member of the American Sewing Guild, I offer my congratulations. Kudos on a job well done! I'd love to have the pattern. When do you anticipate that it will be available?

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  96. zsJanuary 28, 2010 at 1:12 AM

    hai nikki,

    i really love your laptop bag & would love to win the pattern so that i can try sew it myself.

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  97. LisaMarch 4, 2010 at 6:21 AM

    Love this bag and I've been searching for a while. Can't wait for a shop date/ship date!

    Lisa

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  98. AnonymousJune 13, 2010 at 12:39 PM

    Can't wait to get this pattern and give it a try...can you do one as a kit with all the parts? Thanks!

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  99. AnnieJuly 15, 2013 at 6:34 PM

    This looks great Nikki, wouldn't mind having a go at this one! Sorry to miss you in the hols. Mum will be here at the end of July, so perhaps plan to come then and get some knitting tips.

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I LOVE to read your comments and they brighten my day. I can't respond unless your profile has an email address attached, though... And some days I simply don't have time to respond.... but I respond in a telepathic sort of way to each and every comment.
xxx Nikki