Conference Bag #2 -- Whoo Hoo!

A couple of months ago I made a Conference Bag from a website called So Sew Easy.  It was available through a series of video tutorials but there weren't any directions to print.  But the pattern and directions are available forever once you order so you can make it again and again. Here is my first one.  I used fabric I liked but I made the mistake of using stripes for the lining and not having enough fabric.  Making mistakes while cutting didn't help.  I pieced fabric together but I wasn't thrilled with the result.  I knew I wanted to make another one using the skills I learned on the first.  This first one does work nicely as a tote for my books and materials for Bible Study.

First attempt in cheery red with a rainbow striped lining

So while at Road to California, I bought material specifically to make another Conference Bag.  This time I wanted a little more sophisticated look.  Over this last weekend, I began the project.  It was time consuming but I wanted to take my time and make sure I was cutting and labeling everything correctly.  Once the cutting is done, the sewing doesn't seem as daunting.  I worked on the sewing over two days and I finished this afternoon.  I added a magnetic closure for the front pocket because I found without a closure, it wants to lean open.  All in all I am happy and now I have a new purse/bag. 

Second attempt a little more sophisticated with a magnetic closure on the front pocket