I first saw this idea back in November last year, and really wanted to get it done before my trip. Alas, another of the things that had to wait. But after lugging around my camera and lenses in a really unsuitable way on the trip, I knew this would have to be one of the first projects I attacked this year. Then I ran across it again while browsing online and that was all I needed to get busy!
So here is my fancy new low cost camera bag.
Here's how I made it using the innards and a padded divider from an older bag, some cute fabric and a handbag bought on sale.
The main part of my bag is the inside of my old Tracy Joy camera bag (which no longer exists it seems). The main problem I had with this bag is that it was narrow, so when full with all my equipment it was difficult or impossible to close. I ripped out the inside portion which has a number of sewn in pockets, as well as the foam padding that was stitched into the sides.
I measured and cut a piece of fabric to fit over the outside of the innards, and stitched the foam padding to it. And by measured I mean that I wrapped the fabric around the innards and cut to suit!
I then turned it inside out, and fit the original bag innards into it
Then I folded in the top edge and stitched the two pieces together.
Finally, I covered the padded divider with some of the same fabric.
Basically what I created is a camera bag insert. I popped it into my new handbag and voila!
It holds my camera body with attached lens, two extra lenses, filters, cables, and other accessories. Plus space for my wallet, keys and cell phone. And when I get bored with this handbag I can just pop the entire thing into another one!
Is this something you think you might try? If so I'd love to see it! The two sites that I linked to show a couple other ways that you can do this, so be sure to check them out.
I am so happy. No more boxy camera bag!
