Small Messenger Bag

This design is done. Sure, there are some minor things I can tweak, but the pattern is done. Now I can make matboard templates...finally. It takes so long to measure everything out on the fabric. Bam, bam, bam. Anyway, got this design done, the small one done (well, I might change that one a bit), hip pack most of the way done...and on to the big bag. Then I'll have a pretty sweet basic line.

Full of stuff:I'm debating on whether or not I should make the flap longer. I really like attaching the buckles to the edge of the flap--it makes more dynamic sense to me...but it feels kinda short sometimes. There's always the flap-extender piece option, but that seems kinda goofy to use... Maybe I'll offer a longer flap as a choice. We'll see. And my model-sister here. This bag's about the size of your typical bookbag. I don't have the back pad in...so it's kinda floppy.

I'm not quite set on a design for my bottle holder yet. I going to try something different next time...actually I still have to make one for the Traffic Cone bag... I really like the way it attaches to the bag, though--the loop and tri-glide: solid. You could also have a pump holster there, or a camera case...or anything smallish you want to strap to the bag. It kind of lies in that purgatorial area of coverage and exposure, though...which I haven't quite determined if I like or not. I'm sure, like most things, it offers a bit of good and wicked.
Pop! it comes out.

Close up on the strap buckle. That webbing across the buckle keeps the pad from sliding all over the place...without impeding buckle-release. Kewl. Oh, that's a Quik-Slip Keeper there from National Molding/Duraflex just below the buckle...keeping the end of the strap from waggin' all over the place. Right now I'm looking for the best places to put one. I like it there on the very end...where I think Pac also puts theirs. But, hey, they're easy to take off, so you can put it wherever...or not even use it...do thee ol' wrap and tuck. Compression strap close-up. And this is where the shoulder strap attaches to the corner of the bag. Note the bartacking there. The back pad pocket. This is the one for the previous bag...I just forgot to put these pictures on that post. Same design on this bag. About 8x10. No Velcro required. Just pops in. There's a little lip on the top that keeps the pad in there.