When I told my dad that I was making mum a bag for Christmas, he wanted one too. Anyone that knows my dad will tell you his collection of ‘wee bags’ would rival Imelda Marcos’ shoe collection, but he decided he needed a new camera bag, a smaller one that the huge Billingham bag he usually lugs around (we’ll not discuss all the other camera bags he has). This was to be his holiday bag for a camera and a lens or two.
Nothing daunted, I set to making a pattern. My initial pattern thoughts had a separate padded lining, but then I had a genius idea to just include the padding within the bag itself. That was one of those genius ideas that hits when you’re in bed, and you blindly follow the next morning without thinking of the consequences. Like attaching the foam before attaching the straps and having to unpick. I wanted to make a raincover too, but that was another of those ‘genius in bed’ ideas that I hadn’t thought through, making it not impossible, but just that bit more challenging at the assembly stage o.O
I struggled to find good ‘man fabric’ in a nice, heavyweight canvas, but then I saw the Birch Organics’ ‘The Grove’ line, and I knew it would be perfect.
It finished at 10 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, and has an adjustable webbing strap.
When you open it up, you can see there’s a zipped front pocket, and a patch pocket on the flap to hold cards and batteries, and other small things. It also has 2 dividers to separate the camera and 2 lenses or flashguns.
At the back you can just see at the bottom where the opening for the rain cover is. It’s secured by velcro in there, but that wee bit of flap you can see is attached to the cover, and when pulled out goes all the way over the bag.
And here’s the cover in action, made of ripstop nylon and elastic:
Thankfully it seemed to fit the bill okay!
I have considered making a pattern for this if anyone would be interested, but I’ll warn you know, it will give you a bit of a wrestling workout ;o)
Not sure wrestling is for me but I'll bet there'll be loads of other takers. The bag is genius, well done on a fab make for your dad!
you are extremely clever!
You're a clever, clever girl. That rain cover is genius!
I really like this one.
Thank you :o)
genius and completely gorgeous (and the bag is lovely too:))
wow, that cover just blowed me away 🙂 fab!
It's fab, well done on working out all those tricky bits
Nice bag, it is an excellent present. I would love one like it but I am not that interested in the wrestle to get there.
Still laughing at your description of your Dad's bag collection…
Fantastic make Katy…you know me and bags , but Im sure there will be takers for the pattern idea!
This is probably my favorite of all the bags you've shared! I love the placement of the fabric (the little birds just showing beneath the flap is very cool). Lucky Dad!
You are brilliant. that is a very clever idea. I couldn't make a bag if my like depended on it, but I'm sure there are lots of people that would love a pattern for it.
Brilliant man bag! There must be a 'bag gene' that runs in your family! Jxo
Smart bag, lucky Dad too. I would be happy to test the pattern for you if you ever need it. A good wrestle with the sewing machine is never to be sneezed at 🙂
I love your bag you made for your dad! You are a genious!
Thank you so much :o)
Brilliant man bag and great cover ; lucky dad
Seems like you can't sleep at night LOLL. I could never do that because as soon as my head hits the pillow I'm unconscious. You did a brilliant job. I love the little pocket under the flap and the rain cover is genius, definitely a must for camera bags.
What a great job! I love the idea of a rain cover…I am always trying to come up with a plastic bag to keep things dry. Although I have a camera bag – nothing as spiffy as what you made for your dad, but I don't use it….I am too lazy to carry around lenses. If it does not fit in my purse or backpack, it does not go with me!
Aren't you a clever lass!!! Bet dad was delighted!!!