Take a closer look at my Sandhill Sling bag with Liberty lining & the other mods I added...
Happy New Year everyone!
Like most people at this time of the year, I'm re-evaluating how I do a lot of things, and this involves some organisation.
Specifically the processes of how I use things, and whether some of those systems can be improved.
One of those things that was pretty overdue was a handbag overhaul.
I'm a fairly low maintenance girl (if I do say so myself) and only have one handbag.
Yes, as in only one.
The one I've been currently using is a Colorado leather bag which is pretty large and heavy, even when empty.
It's recently started to fall apart, and while I still love how it looks, the way I go shopping now has really changed.
It's a lot more online and when I go in person I generally want to travel light and hands free.
So I started to research backpack patterns, and started planning to make myself a whole new set up.
I knew that I wanted to use the canvas that I waxed all the way back at the beginning of last year.
I made a bag for my daughter out of it and a portfolio...almost a year to the day.
If you're not familiar with waxed canvas, it's fabric that's coated with a wax and paraffin combination to make it waterproof and more durable. It's delightful because it adds a leather like cracked texture to the fabric, without all the hassle of sewing with leather.
You can buy this ready waxed, but I had a go doing my own because there were way more colour choices that way.
I made sure to wax a huge amount of fabric, because waxing it was a huge job and I was pretty sure I'd never want to do it again!
![www.arabesque-scissors.com/articles/new-year-new-bag-sandhill-sling-review-waxed canvas bag](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5f192aedb904c96a42204fb3/5ff69fc1293b5f6a81cf346a_Sandhill%20sling.jpg)
As soon as the Sandhill Sling pattern was released by Noodlehead Designs, I was smitten.
It was exactly the smaller size bag that I was after, and looked so cool to boot.
I had to wait patiently all year to have a couple of spare days, and all the hardware on hand to make myself a new bag.
I've always loved Anna's patterns.
They're extremely straight forward and well thought out and I love all the little extra notes she adds in to help you get the best results.
If you're familiar with the original pattern, you might have noticed I've added a few extra features of my own.
I've made my fair share of bags and pouches in my sewing time and am pretty familiar with how to add features I like.
And after all, if you're going to go to all the trouble of making yourself a bag, then make it exactly how you want!
![www.arabesque-scissors.com/articles/new-year-new-bag-sandhill-sling-review -zipper mods](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5f192aedb904c96a42204fb3/5ff5849bd18eb402de8e37f9_Front%20pocket%20mod%2001.jpg)
This inset pocket on the front is one of the changes that I made.
I'm a girl who loves her compartments and being able to easily reach what I need. This little extra pocket is perfect for my keys, and means no fishing around in the main compartment.
![www.arabesque-scissors.com/articles/new-year-new-bag-sandhill-sling-review - Liberty Capel lining](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5f192aedb904c96a42204fb3/5ff585033f0afa57009e2388_Front%20pocket%20mod.jpg)
I also seriously enjoy top stitching!
When I first learned to sew, and then learned to sew straight (probably when I was a teenager) I loved how adding beautiful top stitching to a garment or item just took it to the next level.
Since then, I love adding top stitching every chance I get.
So I added an extra vertical seam down the front of the bag, just so I could add in even more.
Inside the pocket you can see the first of the pretty Liberty lining peeking through.
It was a given that this bag was going to be lined with Liberty!
Seeing little flashes of tiny floral chic inside is so satisfying. I love being able to add that!
![www.arabesque-scissors.com/articles/new-year-new-bag-sandhill-sling-review - Liberty Capel blue lining is perfection](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5f192aedb904c96a42204fb3/5ff69365920fb554c16e027a_Main%20front%20pocket.jpg)
Another fabulous discovery several years ago was zipper-by-the-yard (or metre!)
This means that you can coordinate all of the zips on your bag exactly without the need to buy various lengths. You can also choose from a large range of pulls, from elegant to trendy. It's another way you can add a professional touch.
I chose the hardware for this bag to be the antique brass finish, and love the grungy look it adds.
![www.arabesque-scissors.com/articles/new-year-new-bag-sandhill-sling-review - double zipper for functionality](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5f192aedb904c96a42204fb3/5ff695504a25b5ce881ee8e5_Top%20zipper%20detail.jpg)
The top of the bag is a double zipper, giving you the option of only opening half the bag if you wish.
I added side tabs to each side so there's something to hold onto when closing. These are always a must in my opinion.
Are you ready to see inside??
![www.arabesque-scissors.com/articles/new-year-new-bag-sandhill-sling-review - gorgeous wiltshire lining](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5f192aedb904c96a42204fb3/5ff695f027176ca9ebb6b9c9_Bag%20lining%2001.jpg)
This makes me sooo happy!
Some favourite Liberty Wiltshire, in a feminine-but-not-too-feminine shade that matches the canvas perfectly.
I've also switched out the elastic back pocket that was in the pattern and put in another inset pocket.
I just thought the way I'd be using this bag, the extra zip would be more useful.
![www.arabesque-scissors.com/articles/new-year-new-bag-sandhill-sling-review- Liberty wilshire lining](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5f192aedb904c96a42204fb3/5ff6968d0a1d7d0a20c3c69f_Bag%20lining%2002.jpg)
I also interfaced all the lining (SF-101), and am so glad I took the extra time to do this. The little bit of added structure is great!
![www.arabesque-scissors.com/articles/new-year-new-bag-sandhill-sling-review - love that top stitching!](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5f192aedb904c96a42204fb3/5ff696db45252f6363eef457_Zipper%20tab%20mod.jpg)
![www.arabesque-scissors.com/articles/new-year-new-bag-sandhill-sling-review - d-ring options](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5f192aedb904c96a42204fb3/5ff696eaed739d3facd20beb_Bag%20rear.jpg)
I also chose to add a D-ring on each side, making it doubly functional as you can switch the strap to wear on either shoulder.
![www.arabesque-scissors.com/articles/new-year-new-bag-sandhill-sling-review - I'm pretty pleased with this!](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5f192aedb904c96a42204fb3/5ff69748330a85f1ebb0cda5_Bag%20with%20Me.jpg)
In short, I'm just stoked with how this turned out! The waxed canvas has exactly that feminine grunge that I love, and it's super easy to use.
The bag had its first outing today (to Ikea!) and I wore it cross-body as it's designed, and it passed with flying colours!
So comfortable, so easy to to grab everything, and just looks awesome!
![www.arabesque-scissors.com/articles/new-year-new-bag-sandhill-sling-review - Sandhill Sling by Noodlehead Designs](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5f192aedb904c96a42204fb3/5ff58434e2e4808033de5bf5_Sandhill%20sling%20IG.jpg)
I hope you give this bag a go - I highly recommend!
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