alright here is my messenger bag, finished.
i used white 1000d Cordura for the inside and outside, it's tough and can handle any wear and tear you want and don't want to give it. there also is a lining of thin vinyl in between the inner and outer layers to protect items inside from getting wet. the front flap is held down by 2 inch think strips of Velcro and features an original design. the hexagonal tiles on the exterior are made of 1/4 inch plexiglass, providing lightweight protection for the contents of the bag, and the user if he or she are thrown from their bicycle. the shape allows the tiles to be close together, yet flex independently. all tiles are attached with Velcro, allowing the owner to remove them and replace with different colors, or different materials.the back of the bag and straps are padded with 1/2 inch dense foam for support and comfort. the shoulder is extra wide giving more area over which the weight of the bag is distributed, thus no more pinched shoulder nerves for the wearer.
the buckle is an original design. the steel hexagonal design flows with the rest of the piece and adds a nice counterweight in the front of the bag. the smooth cover lies flat against the chest, as to not impale both the hugger and huggie in a hug situation. to open the buckle all you need is a gentle but firm twist and the the cover swivels up. the bottom piece engages into the upper piece and tension keeps the pieces together. the cover slides back down, over the top and clicks into place for a secure closure. the buckle is removable for cleaning, repairing and replacing. 
the inside of the bag features a pocket for small items a pen holder that flips down, and an elastic strap to keep a beverage bottle in place.
along with the bag, i also made a matching tool folder. it holds my most used tools in place and lays them all out so i know what tools i have. 
my favorite part about this project was making something i know i am going to use and enjoy. especially the use part. this project required a piece that had to be functional and going into this project knowing that made me want to work harder and make whatever i made GOOD. i knew what i liked and didn't like about my current bag, so i incorporated those likes and redesigned the dislikes to make something truly up to my own standards. it related to something i am into [bikes] and therefore was really fun to work on.
now i just have to find more things like that to make...
i used white 1000d Cordura for the inside and outside, it's tough and can handle any wear and tear you want and don't want to give it. there also is a lining of thin vinyl in between the inner and outer layers to protect items inside from getting wet. the front flap is held down by 2 inch think strips of Velcro and features an original design. the hexagonal tiles on the exterior are made of 1/4 inch plexiglass, providing lightweight protection for the contents of the bag, and the user if he or she are thrown from their bicycle. the shape allows the tiles to be close together, yet flex independently. all tiles are attached with Velcro, allowing the owner to remove them and replace with different colors, or different materials.the back of the bag and straps are padded with 1/2 inch dense foam for support and comfort. the shoulder is extra wide giving more area over which the weight of the bag is distributed, thus no more pinched shoulder nerves for the wearer.
the buckle is an original design. the steel hexagonal design flows with the rest of the piece and adds a nice counterweight in the front of the bag. the smooth cover lies flat against the chest, as to not impale both the hugger and huggie in a hug situation. to open the buckle all you need is a gentle but firm twist and the the cover swivels up. the bottom piece engages into the upper piece and tension keeps the pieces together. the cover slides back down, over the top and clicks into place for a secure closure. the buckle is removable for cleaning, repairing and replacing. 
the inside of the bag features a pocket for small items a pen holder that flips down, and an elastic strap to keep a beverage bottle in place.
along with the bag, i also made a matching tool folder. it holds my most used tools in place and lays them all out so i know what tools i have. 
my favorite part about this project was making something i know i am going to use and enjoy. especially the use part. this project required a piece that had to be functional and going into this project knowing that made me want to work harder and make whatever i made GOOD. i knew what i liked and didn't like about my current bag, so i incorporated those likes and redesigned the dislikes to make something truly up to my own standards. it related to something i am into [bikes] and therefore was really fun to work on.
now i just have to find more things like that to make...
