H2o 2go Sling
This new in bag pattern (Linds Handmade - H2o 2go) is a really fun make, and something that you will want to sew up time and again.
The idea, as the name suggests, is that it’s the perfect shape and size to carry your water bottle when you’re out and about. However, the fabulous pocket on the front (two style options here) is big enough to carry a mobile phone, cards, keys, and whatever else you need with you.
I have used this bag a few times now, and it has proven itself to be perfect for a nature walk, exploring a National Trust property, and heading out for brunch with friends.
Measuring about 28cm tall (11 inches) and with an oval base which is approximately 15cm by 10cm (6 inches by 4 inches) it comfortably holds a large water bottle. My 1 litre bottle actually looks small inside the bottle compartment, so that gives you an idea.
So, let’s have a look at the construction. I’m not sharing construction photos here, because I don’t think that’s fair to the bag designer as there are lots of uniquely shaped pieces. I was really impressed with the level of detail, and the consideration in this pattern.
The pocket is added into a cut out section in the main body of the bag. This means that there are no raw edges to add binding to, and no fiddly moments of trying to attach a 3D pocket as a patch. Other patterns I’ve used which have similar pockets have been much harder to achieve a really polished finish. This construction method produced a professional finish without any headache. The only thing I would say here is that you do need a fairly small hand to turn the pocket through. I recruited my mum for this task, as she is much more petite than I am!
The pocket is the first thing to do in this pattern, and after that is attached it’s pretty much plain sailing to create a really lovely lined bag.
Talking about the lining. So, the pattern called for WPC (waterproof canvas) for the lining, which I don’t currently stock. As this pattern is designed for carrying water bottles I can see the appeal of it being waterproof/resistant. I decided to line the main body of my bag with quilting cotton, which I added Lamifix to. Lamifix isn’t waterproof, but it is water resistant and wipe clean, so it should help to avoid any minor leaks filtering through to that front pocket. The only downside, for me, with the Lamifix is that the bag is a little ‘rustly’ now. It’s not like you can hear me coming from a mile off, but I’m aware of it.
As I have had bank cards scanned/fraudulantly used in the past, I like to make sure they are secure. I added some RFID blocking fabric to the card holder section. This isn’t something I have stock for currently, but I am looking for a supplier so that I can bring that into the shop too. (p.s. yes, that’s a spork in my handbag - you never know where there’s an opportunity to eat something tasty!)
For the pocket, I used cotton canvas for the outer and the lining. I interfaced the lining canvas and this has given a beautiful structure to the bag. As you can see from the photos, it stands up really nicely.
I used a couple of scrap pieces of Peltex for the base to give extra structure and support for the bottle to stand in. I was on a mission to use up bits and pieces I have hanging around in my sewing studio! A great substitute for Peltex is the Vlieseline S520. Remember to add this to both the outer and the lining pieces for the base of the bag. It really does benefit from the added structure – those water bottles can be heavy when full.
For the strap, the photos shared with this blog post show mis-matched hardware. I was having a tough time deciding which colour webbing to use for the strap, so have tried out the strap from my Oxbow tote – then I haven’t got round to making the strap for the H2o 2go yet, and have been using the Oxbow one still. But, you know what – a strap is a strap! One day perhaps I’ll get round to making a matching one.
What about that label on the front? As I said, I was using up bits and pieces I had the sewing studio, and decided the include this beautiful Specky Seamstress faux leather patch that has been in my personal collection for quite a while now. What do you reckon, should we start stocking these too?
We have a growing and varied selection of iron on/sew on patches that this front pocket is just calling out for. See some of our selection below.
Products used in (or suitable for) this project:
