Bags on the Run

My daughter's job has her constantly traveling.  I'm not sure if she is ever thoroughly unpacked.  She came across a travel bag that she fell in love with.  This bag was made with recycled denim and quite pricey, like around $300 (this bag was no longer available for sale).  She knows I have quite a collection of denim jeans that have been donate to me, so she sent me a picture of this bag and asked if I could make a similar bag.  Loving a challenge I certainly said yes and started drafting my ideas to duplicate this bag.  

Going through my stash I found two pair of perfect jeans (one in light denim color and the other in dark).  My preference is to use the fabric on the back of the legs, because it is usually in better condition than the fronts.  The photo of the bag showed the denim seams not matching up which I think added a fun detail.  Sewing the denim pieces together this way also makes the seams less bulky.

The outside of the bag went together quickly.  The inside lining included an inset zipper pocket.  It's been some time since I've sewn an inserted zipper pocket, but after a quick search through the internet it refreshed my memory and made this challenge a breeze.  Boy, what did we do before the internet?

Here is my bag version:

My bag measures 20 1/2" wide by 16" tall.  The bottom is boxed making it easy to stand up on its own and measures 15" by 6 1/2".  I also made a fabric covered foam board bottom insert to add more stability.  This insert can be removed if desired.  The handles are made from denim and measure 3/4" wide  and 26" long.  These handles are long enough to fit on the handle of her carry-on luggage or she can just sling it over her shoulder.  The bag will fit easily under the plane seat.  And of course this bag can certainly be usable other than flying.

The original bag photo had a leather ID key ring holder tag attached to its handle.  I made mine from one of the pockets of the jeans which I attached to the handle.

As you see in my photo above there is also a companion matching bag.  As I was looking through the leftover fabric from the jeans I cut up for this bag there was enough fabric to make a matching flat bag.  This bag is lined and measures 14" wide by 11" tall making it plenty big enough to carry a tablet, snacks  a way to sort travel belongings separately.

I can't wait to give her these bags when I she her in a few weeks.  It can be her "Bags on the Run".