Not Bad for a Mere Crafting Wannabe

I've been in a creative mood the last few days, and I'm happy to report I actually finished a project! Saturday I had a quiet day at home and got inspired to design and sew a cross-body bag /messenger bag style purse for myself. I didn't have a pattern so just dove in, figuring I'd tackle the difficulties as they came along, which they certainly did. But yesterday afternoon, after a long stint with a seam ripper and a needle, I finally put in the last stitch. I'm eager to show you how it turned out.

Nifty, huh? I made it from a remnant of tapestry upholstery fabric I picked up at a thrift shop. I'd like to try and make others on this order, but I'll definitely make some changes to the overall design and method to make it easier. The strap is rather bulky, and my lining (made of green corduroy) had to be modified a few times to get it to fit properly. Even then it was a kind of a make-do job, but I have hopes of getting this bag just the way I want it, maybe using some bark cloth or a non-plush upholstery fabric next time. But I must admit I'm quite tickled with the outcome, despite the flaws.

If I get it figured out, I'll share the plans so you can make one, too!