Haralson Belt Bag

Hubby and I have been trying hard to go out walking more often, and every once in a while, I find I wish I had a small bag to carry a few things in, something much smaller and lighter than my everyday Compass Bag. After looking around a bit, I decided to make a Noodlehead Haralson Belt Bag by Anna Graham. It can be worn as a crossbody bag, more like a sling, snug to your body, or as a fanny pack. The size - 9.5" wide x 2" deep x 7" tall, seemed just about right, and now that it's done, I'm sure it is.

For fabric, I chose echino dots by Etsuko Furuya for KOKKA for the exterior, and Wordplay by Michele D'Amore for Benartex for the lining. Both had been in my stash for a verrry long time. Luckily, I had the two metal zippers called for on hand - though instructions were given for zipper by the yard. And I used hardware I had on hand, so pieces may not match exactly, but I felt they were close enough.

The sewing of the bag went together swimmingly, except for a snafu or three with the hardware. TOTALLY user error! The first rivet I installed must have slipped, as the head was slightly smashed. Oops. I found a tool of hubby's that I was able to use to miraculously cut the stem of the rivet, so I could remove and replace it. Then, when I was nearly done, and had just turned the bag right-side out, I discovered the rivet holding the bottom closure piece (that I had just replaced) had fallen out. Soooo out came the seam ripper to open the bottom seam and reinstall that rivet again. Except then I realized that in replacing the rivet with the bag partially constructed, I caught the bag's main lining, which would have been very awkward when the bag was in use. An easy fix was to snip the lining around the rivet, that loosened the other side. In doing so, I had created a small hole in the lining, but after treating with Fray Check and sewing one of my labels over the top, isn't noticeable at all, and I think will wear just fine. What an ordeal! Obviously, purse hardware is not my strong suit, but I survived, the bag survived, and all is well.

The bag's front exterior had the most unique method to create those 'corners.' That Anna is a genius.

The only two changes I made to my bag were 1) using leather scraps for the strap holders rather than the webbing that was suggested; and 2) the leather pieces for the front closure were 1" rather then the 3/4" suggested, as that measurement fit my hardware better. I think both were fine choices.

So besides the hardware missteps, the bag was really enjoyable to make, as Anna's patterns always are. I'm looking forward to having and using the Haralson as an option when I'm out and about.