Customize An Ensemble Part 3: Miranda Day Bag With Shoulder Strap and Pocket Closures
by admin — 20 Comments » Lazies, Sorry I missed you last Monday. As it happens sometimes, life gets in the way of living and I simply had too much on my plate. Back to our ensemble…You know how I love the Miranda Day Bag. I wish I had one for every outfit in my closet. Miranda truly is my day bag when I’m out and about for a full day of it.
Miranda Day Bag, Lazy Girl Designs # 123
Comfy on my shoulder
I made two alterations to this Miranda. First is the addition of my favorite, double-padded shoulder strap from the City Bag design. This assures comfort on my shoulder for a fully loaded bag and a full day of fun. The construction of the strap is easy and attaching it to any open-top bag is a breeze. The City Bag shoulder strap has a double layer of batting from seam to seam. Fabric is wrapped about the batting. No tube to make and turn – I wouldn’t do that to you!
For ease in sewing, I remove the batting from the last 1/2″ of the strap, making it easy to attach. Sew in place at the side of the bag. Match the final stitching to the topstitching around the top edge of the bag and the strap blends in nicely as a permanent addition. If you don’t have the City Bag pattern, use the shoulder strap or handle instructions from a pattern you like.
Blend the stitching with the existing construction.
When not in use, you can see that the shoulder strap is long enough to hang under the bag when carried by the handles. Or, simply tuck the strap inside the bag and under your goodies, or even under the Bag-E-Bottom.
Shoulder strap is long enough to hang
below the bag when not in use.
Secure pockets
Finally, I like to add flap closures for two of the inside pockets. It’s a little more security for the wallet pocket and a privacy pocket (things I don’t want the world to see when they glance in my tote).
I use my tutorial from here and place the flaps on pockets near one end of the bag. Flap closures are easier to add than zippered closures during or after construction.
Add flap closures to pockets.
Why these two pockets
If you are anything like me you’ll understand when I tell you that I can experience pocket confusion with too many closed pockets to search for an item. I cannot remember what is where if I can’t see it. You too? I thought so. Two closed pockets is enough. I like them on one end of the bag, across from each other. If the bag is on my shoulder, they are the front end of the bag as it hangs by my side. I can reach in and grab what I need without taking the bag off my shoulder.
You can see the Miranda Day Bag here and the City Bag here.
Also see the City Bag details here.
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Enjoy!
Joan
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I had not thought about the pocket closures, what a grand idea!
Penny D in Chesapeake
Joan, I just wanted to tell you I sooooo love your site. Sincerely, Doris
I need to add the flaps to my pockets. I also added a zipper using the directions from the town purse to my miranda bag since things seem to always fall out of it. I love my town purse for every day, but the miranda bag is great for traveling and shopping.
I recently made a Mini-Miranda bag and used the fusable velcro. I followed the directions on the package and it did not remain fused. Any suggestions???? Needless to say I’m not happy and now have to come up with a plan B to get the flap to stay shut.
Also, I made the Claire bag and used a magnetic closure…… it must be the strongest magnet in the world…. it is a bear to open LOL
Thank you for your patterns…….. I must say they are very easy to follow.
Nancy
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Hi Nancy, I use a wet washcloth and wipe the fabric area before attaching the Fusion Velcro. That helps remove some of the chemicals so the Velcro adheres better.
Joan
I love this website…new to it….yesterday. HAGD all,
Just GORGEOUS! Now I need to get my DH to get out HIS sewing machine…
Now Helen’s remark just made my day!! A Lazy Guy, who’d a thunk it?
Great Site. Thanks for the velcro hint……
I, too, have used the fusible velcro with terrible results. I’ll try to hint. Hope it works since I have several packages of the stuff.
Katherine
I love my Miranda and so does my daughter. But, it does get heavy, I love the idea of padded straps. That will fix the only thing about it that was a slight problem. Not that that ever kept me from using it. It’s my favorite bag! I love your patterns, keep up the good work! Pam
I have also tried the velcro with less than perfect results and have several packets. Started using glue (E6000) and that works great. It is embarassing when the velcro comes off a gift you gave someone.
I get so many ideas and inspiration from this blog and responses. I love my Miranda and Mini also. I’ve made your Pretty Pouches in coordinating fabrics too. One I’ve made a little bigger than a 4×6 inch size and find it great to carry pictures of my grandchildren. I also made one to fit my camera and cords. Both slip neatly into my Mirandas.
I like the idea of a closure for one pocket to hold my cell phone. I’m often searching for which pocket I put it in.
Thanks for the great ideas.
Love the new additions to Miranda. Great ideas. Thanks.
Joan, What is that lovely fabric??? Looks like fall and I love it!
Hi Margaret, The fabric is a beautiful collection from Moda which has been sitting in my stash for nine years, waiting for my love and attention. Joan
Count me among those who have tried and had bad results with the fusible Velcro.
I bought the Mini-Miranda pattern on Saturday — can’t wait to start on it. I have made four Mirandas so far. Not bad for a pattern I bought on a whim because of its name. 🙂
One thing I’ve found — although the Bag-E-Bottom is *excellent*, if you can’t afford one or can’t easily get one, heavyweight plastic canvas does the job. Not nearly as stiff, but nicet and cheap. You can also buy plexiglass at Home Depot and cut it to fit. Cutting plexiglass is a pain in the butt, but it’s do-able. I’ve also tried Timtex, but the result wasn’t any better than plastic canvas.
Feeling the need to speak up for fusible Velcro. I’ve only used it on the Wonder Wallet and I did wash the fabric first. That stuff worked like a charm and I was oh so thrilled! Give it another chance ladies, hopefully it will come through for you.
Has anyone used the Miranda bag but made it larger?? I think it would make a GREAT diaper bag but need to make it a tad larger…anyone?
Can you add a zipper across the top of the Miranda bag? I prefer my purses to zip closed, but I love the size & shape of this purse!
I love my Miranda too! Love the thought of adding pocket closures! I have a new one in the works and will definitely incorporate that. I have a leather shoulder strap on my first one, love the look but I think the padded shoulder strap has a lot to be said for it. Thanks!!