Quay Bag

As an assignment for a non-credit certificate course I'm taking online through the Parsons School of Design, I designed this bag. I knew that if I liked what I came up with, I'd want to actually bring it to life, so I only incorporated materials that I knew I already had on hand. I also knew I've been wanting to use some scrap fabrics that have piled up, so I designed this to be made out of: the legs of two pairs of denim jeans that got cut into shorts this summer (1 black, 1 gray), some scraps of embroidered mesh from another WIP, and some scrap batting, quilting cotton and leftover thread from a recent art quilt project. The black jeans had ripped out knees, and I wanted to include those with some cool details underneath - I made patches to put under them consisting of one layer of quilting cotton and one of the embroidered mesh, which not only look really neat poking through, but help stabilize the denim, which has a little stretch to it that was only amplified by the rips.

From the sketches, I drew up the basic pattern pieces/dimensions and cuts needed, drafted the pieces, and then started cutting and sewing my fabrics as well as building out the base, which incorporates a layer of firm cork, layers of batting, and the inner and outer fabrics, held with some stitching, some spray adhesive, and some brass rivets.

I'm excited about how this prototype turned out, especially the quilted details, the patches on the front, and the closure. There are a few revisions I'm making to the pattern, particularly lengthening the back/flap piece. I'd also choose not to use the batting in the side construction--it's made it more difficult for the bag to hold its closed shape. Finally, I'd change up the strap (and I still might on this one)--I think I might like it better on a chain to match the other brass hardware.