Maddalena's Retainer Bag Pattern
In the SCA, royalty seldom stays still. They are off to peerage meetings, off to A&S displays, off to watch fighting, off to mingle with the populace. They need some items brought along with them like water, cups, sewing kits, aspirin, sun block, insect repellent, notebook and pen, tokens to be handed out, etc. But it just doesn't look right to have the Queen haul around a totebag or basket. So they have retainers, like ladies in waiting, to carry these items for them. Many of them use baskets to carry their stuff in, but when Tarrach and Fina won the Crown Tourney of the Midrealm, they asked me design some bags that would be easily carried, and with multiple pockets to keep things straight, that their retainers could use. I came up with a couple of prototypes, and a narrow bag with a long strap that could be worn cross-wise from one shoulder to the opposite hip was the winner. These bags are less stress on the arms. Last time I carried a basket over my arm at Pennsic my arm felt bruised.
A few people have asked me recently for the pattern. This is barebones, and is written for someone with some sewing knowledge. If you would rather purchase one of these bags already made up, please contact Baroness Lusanna di Cerchi at zanni@mad.scientist.com
It occurs to me that this style of bag could be ideal for carrying at conventions, too.
MADDALENA'S RETAINER BAG
Supplies:
1-1/4 yards bag fabric (canvas, tapestry, upholstery, etc – heavy weight)
1-1/4 yards lining fabric (heavy to medium weight)
1 piece of interlining (buckram, heavy canvas, plastic canvas, etc) 6" by 15" for bag bottom
1-1/4 yards of quilt binding or extra wide double bias tape to cover raw edges of bag bottom (optional)
Instructions
NOTE: Each square of the graph = 1 inch except for the pockets. The sewer can choose the size of the pockets per their need. To fit most waterbottles the pocket should be cut 12″ x 10″.
Bag: cut 2 of outer fabric, 2 of lining
Bottom: Cut 1 of outer fabric, 1 of lining and 1 of interlining
Pockets: cut 2 (pocket 2) for water bottles, 2 for misc pockets (pocket 1) of lining fabric
Water Bottle Pockets
For each pocket, fold over a quarter inch one of the narrower ends twice, press and sew. This is the top of the pocket.
Fold over the other 3 sides once and press.
Make box pleat on the bottom edge of the pocket.
Pin pocket to the right sides of bag lining. Sew.
Bag & Lining
Sew the top of shoulder strap of bag together. Press.
Sew the top of shoulder strap of lining together. Press.
Put bag and lining right sides together. Sew the long curved edges of strap together.
Trim seams, turn bag right side out by pulling through the strap. Press.
Open bag and lining out, putting right sides of bag together and right sides of lining together, matching seam. Sew.
Miscellaneous Pockets
Fold one of the longer edges of pocket twice. Press. Sew.
Fold other 3 sides of pocket once, press.
Center pockets carefully over the seam on right side of lining. Being careful to not catch bag, sew onto lining. These pockets are for notepads, pens, aspirin, etc. so you can stitch some dividers to create separate areas for these items.
Bag Bottom
Line up raw edges on bottom of bag, trim and baste.
Sandwich bag bottoms of outer fabric, interlining and lining together so that the right sides are facing out. Baste
Pin bag and bottom right sides together. Stitch. Trim excess away. If desired, cover raw edges with quilt binding or wide bias tape. Or serge edges.
Finishing
Top stitch along outside edge of bag a half inch from edge to strengthen the strap.
At this point you can add whatever bells and whistles you might like to personalize your bag. A D-ring with a clip sewn to the inside of the bag is handy for holding your car keys so they don't get lost, or a narrow ribbon with folding scissors sewn to the side is good.
Notes:
Pocket 2 is the water bottle pocket. It measures 10" x 12", and after the pleat is added for fullness, it measures 8" x 12". Put one on either side of the bag for balance. A cup or mug can go into the othe pocket.
Bottom is a narrow oval 5" wide and 14" long.
Bag is 18" wide, a total of 40" tall with strap, but body of bag is 13" tall.
