Zippy Zabelia - my new everyday bag!

It's been a while since I made myself a new bag, so my trip to Italy this summer was the perfect excuse to try out a new pattern and treat myself too! I'm my fussiest customer and I had a tall order!

I wanted something lightweight and secure, on the small side to wear comfortably and not weigh down my shoulder, plenty of pockets to keep everything organised, in a neutral colour that could be worn with most of my wardrobe for all the seasons, oh and it had to be wipe clean! And I actually found the perfect pattern that ticked all my boxes! Presenting the Zabelia Triple Zip Bag by Celine of Blue Calla Patterns!

Released earlier this year, the Zabelia Triple Zip Bag pattern is constructed around many pockets! There are two zipped pockets in the front: I use the top pocket for my phone and passport (I turned my bag around at the airport) and the bottom more hidden pocket for my keys and hand sanitiser. There is a back slip pocket with the same curvy feature as the front, which I use for flat items like tissues.

See how that lower pocket is more hidden? Such a clever yet simple technique to achieve this feature and I love the curved top pocket too! I used these mustard zippers for a pop of colour against the navy, with circular "Handmade" zipper pulls. The top zipper opens wide for easy access and the zipper end can be tucked into the side of the bag or left out. The sturdy brushed bronze metal strap hardware completes a professional finish. All hardware is from Country Cow Designs and the matte finish, wipe clean, Blue Hills organic laminated cotton is from my own Shop.
 

The one thing I marvelled about this bag while on holiday was how much I could pack in to it without losing it's compact shape. I kept my lipstick, a little brush, a pen, sunglasses and reading glasses in the inner slip pockets, emergency paracetemol, plasters and pads in the zipped pocket, a foldaway tote and my pocket wallet in the middle and I could even store a bottle of water across the top and still close the bag! Lining is Pompei Mosaic Tiles cotton by Katerina Roccella for Art Gallery Fabrics. 

Here she is, in the food market hall in Florence! Such a neat and compact style!

Can you tell I'm impressed?! The one thing I would change, or rather add on, is an extra shoulder strap in mustard webbing which I can get from Country Cow Designs to match the zippers - because in the extreme Mediterranean heat the laminated cotton strap got a little sticky when I wore a sleeveless black dress and left imprints of suncream everywhere! You learn as you go! But that's the only thing I would consider changing - otherwise, it's a winner!

Fancy making one yourself? Pop over to Blue Calla Patterns for all the details. Want me to make one for you? Drop me a message and we can chat!