The Ravenwood Messenger Bag is the February 2018 choice for the Bag of the Month Club.  This pattern is offered by Betz White.  For a list of the BOTMC rules and current designs, go to my first post HERE.

My fabric and hardware choices for my messenger bag.  I ordered my zippers from Etsy and my mesh from “By Annie’s” online.  I picked up the additional hardware,  the cotton fabric and duck cloth from Joann Fabrics and Hobby Lobby.

My fabric and interfacing all cut out and ready to go.  For me, this is always be the most time consuming part.  I like laying everything out so I can get an idea of where the pattern is heading.

Piecing together the bag front pockets.  Betz’s pattern shows a nice technique to getting the creases in the pockets the same size and evened out.

Installing the front exterior zipper pocket.

The back double zip tech pocket with flap, mesh and elastic cable holders.  I found this back part challenging.  I cut my zippers a little too short and I had to work around that when constructing the bag. [the bag called for a particular zipper size and I measured from end to end.  I should have measured from beginning of teeth to the end of teeth.  I would have then had the additional 1 inch I needed in zipper length.]

Installing the top zipper.

The sew strap tabs and gusset.

Attaching the grab handles.

Making the slip pocket and divided pocket for interior.

Attaching the lining to the exterior of the bag.  I am getting ready to flip the bag inside out.

Sewing up the bottom of the bag’s inside lining after I flipped everything.

The adjustable strap.

Bag Front.

Bag back.

Inside of the bag and pockets.

This was a very challenging bag.  I don’t know if I would have done it if it wasn’t for the BOTMC.  The club forces you to challenge yourself and try new things.  I notice my skill level getting better with each bag.  I am able to see the mistakes and hopefully avoid them in future projects.