My lovely doula Catrin asked me to make her a bag she could take to births, big enough to carry everything she could need. It just so happened that I was working on the Companion Carpet Bag pattern at the time, so offered to make her one of those.

The Companion Carpet Bag in Large

She chose a beautiful tapestry fabric from Turkey:


But when it arrived I had to send her a photo of the 'wrong' side because it was absolutely beautiful! As Catrin had originally asked for earthy colours I knew it would be perfect. Never under-estimate the 'wrong' side!


I used some cream piping to trim the front pocket which is fastened with one magnetic snap.
The handles are 71cm (28") brown leather from bag-clasps. Not cheap at £12.75 a pair, but the icing on the cake for this bag!


The frame channels are made from butterscotch coloured pleather (from my mother's stash so I can't recommend a supplier, sorry!)

As they are pleather they didn't need hemming or finishing off. Look how pretty the barrel covered spring hinges on the frame are! (You can buy the internal tubular frames from 3Dan)


These Companion Carpet bags open up nice and wide. Plenty of space to dip your hand in when you're in a hurry!


The pattern already contains instructions for the zipper pocket and also has instructions for a slip pocket. I added elasticated pockets though and will show you how to do this next week.


I used some antique brass coloured feet I got from Bobbin Girl although she's sold out now and wasn't able to get hold of any more. I love bag feet on a nice sturdy base!


I'm really looking forwards to seeing the versions as they're completed from Bag of the Club members, I can't stop making them myself!