Astrid Cross Body Bag from Everyday Style

by Cameron

I'm a big fan of Lotta Jansdotter. I use her first two sewing books regularly, so when her newest book came out, Everyday Style, I was eager to take a look. It does not disappoint. Lotta's trademark bright and colorful Scandinavian aesthetics shine through in the garments.

The book features several garment patterns, including a pair of pants and a jacket, a handful of very useful bag patterns, and some quick accessory projects. The photographs are lovely (and might inspire you to do some more globetrotting). I really liked that they showed each pattern on multiple people, none of whom are professional models, in a variety of fabrics.

I made up the Astrid Cross Body Bag. It's a very simple little purse, just big enough for your phone, wallet, and keys. I liked that the strap is installed with rivets rather than sewn on and that the top is closed with a zipper. It makes feel like a secure, hard wearing little bag - perfect for traveling. We have some great looking screw in rivets at the store now that would be perfect for this project.

I did make some changes. The pattern calls for a long leather strap, but I decided to make mine out of a cotton-linen blend. I also left out the interfacing. I thought the fabric that I used would be heavy enough to go with out, but I wish I had used some interfacing or heavy duty canvas as an interlining.

The fabric is a Japanese cotton-linen blend with a folksy paper-cut black and white design that I've admired since it arrived at the store. For the lining, I used a mid-weight cotton from Carolyn Freidlander's gorgeous new collection. If you haven't seen it yet, ask where it is next time you're in the store.

I'm excited to keep sewing from this beautiful book, and I can't wait to see what you make!