There’s something magical about sewing a bag that feels both timeless and fresh, and this month’s featured pattern does exactly that. The Gunton Messenger Bag, designed by the ever-talented Emma Brennan of Charlie’s Aunt, captures the nostalgic beauty of vintage style while giving sewists the opportunity to explore new techniques that feel wonderfully modern.
Emma, the creative force behind Charlie’s Aunt, has built her design reputation on weaving stories through stitches. Her patterns are like portals to another era, nodding to the past while never straying too far from the present. With the Gunton Messenger Bag, she’s designed something that looks like it could have been carried decades ago yet fits seamlessly into today’s lifestyle.
This is not just another messenger bag—it’s a statement piece. Structured, charming, and practical, the Gunton is the type of bag that makes people pause to ask where it came from. And that’s one of the things we love most about working with designers like Emma: her ability to dream up patterns that feel like heirlooms, yet are entirely accessible to the modern maker.
When you dive into this project, you’ll find yourself learning new techniques that give the Gunton its strength and structure. The process is just as rewarding as the final product, with each stitch bringing you closer to a bag that feels distinctly “yours.” For our version, we paired Bronze Rugged Faux Leather with Antique Hardware, a combination that highlights the bag’s vintage lines while adding durability and depth. It’s a look that feels classic yet fresh, and one that you can easily adapt to suit your own style with different fabric choices.
Your journey into creating the Gunton Messenger Bag begins with this interview, where you’ll see the ideas come to life and hear directly from the designer herself.
One of the joys of sewing is the chance to hear the voices of those who design the patterns we love. In our “Behind the Seams” interview, Emma shared not only her creative process but also her passion for patterns that tell a story. From choosing materials that complement her vintage-inspired designs to offering little nuggets of sewing wisdom, Emma makes you feel as though you’re sitting in her studio, sharing a pot of tea while sketching out new ideas together.
That personal connection to a designer’s vision is one of the things that makes the Bag Maker’s Club feel so special. Each month, members aren’t just handed a pattern—they’re invited into a creative conversation. You receive a curated kit with carefully chosen zippers, hardware, and contrast fabrics, but the beauty is that you still have space to make the bag your own. You pick your main and lining fabrics, ensuring that even when everyone is making the “same” bag, no two turn out alike.
There’s a wonderful freedom in that balance of structure and individuality. You learn new skills from designers like Emma, gain insights through exclusive interviews, and then translate it all into a finished project that’s unmistakably yours. It’s sewing at its most rewarding: guided enough to feel supported, but open enough to let your creativity shine.
The Gunton Messenger Bag feels like a milestone project—something to add to your handmade collection with pride. It challenges you just enough to keep things exciting, but it’s also incredibly approachable thanks to Emma’s thoughtful instructions and our community of makers who cheer each other on. Whether you’re drawn to its practicality, its vintage-inspired silhouette, or simply the joy of learning new sewing skills, the Gunton has a little something for everyone.
If you haven’t joined the Bag Maker's Club yet, now is the perfect time. Each month brings a new pattern, an inside look at the designer’s creative process, and inspiration to keep your sewing fresh and exciting. Members enjoy exclusive interviews, project ideas, and sneak peeks at what’s coming next. It’s a community built on creativity, shared passion, and the joy of making something beautiful with your own hands.
We’d love to “see” you in Club and can’t wait for you to experience all the exciting things ahead. You can find full details and sign up on our website—your next favorite project is waiting for you.
So, as you gather your materials and press that first seam, remember that you’re not just sewing a bag—you’re carrying on a tradition of craft, style, and creativity that links past and present. And with the Gunton Messenger Bag, you’re doing it with a touch of vintage flair and a lot of handmade pride.
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