Dear Jane,

Oh, how I love a good pattern!  This one is a new find from http://rosylittlethings.typepad.com/

Miss Alicia Paulson's design.  It was very simple to follow and took a little over an hour to complete.  The straps were the hardest part. You can purchase the pattern from her website via pdf.  

This is my first version and certainly not my last.  The center pocket is a vintage kitchen tea towel.  I used the ribbon trim from the towel to make the strap.  Some polka dots to add contrast and a vintage table cloth for lining.  Rick rack for trim and vintage button sandwiches for kicks.  

The pocket is nice and deep and has a twin on the other side.  There are no pockets on the inside.  Something I think that I will add to the next bag, a s well as a key ring clip.  I hate digging for keys.

Although I really like the pattern of the X stitching on the strap, I'm not sold on the idea of sewing straps on the outside.  Another thing I think I will change, move the straps inside and make them a touch wider.  They seem too dainty for this bag.  (It is highly likely that it is just me.)  The bag is substantial enough to need bigger handles.

This great tablecloth has been waiting for the perfect pattern.  I absolutely love the square base of this bag.  The pattern asks for a cardboard base, I used heavy interfacing pillow cased inside the lining fabric.

  

Now, I wonder how many people on my list will get this for Christmas?

I am linking this up to Sewing Christmas over at Sewn with Grace  http://sewnwithgrace.blogspot.com/.  A big thank you to Renee for hosting.