Rag Bag

Have you heard of a Swag Bag?  It's the goody bag full of overpriced fancy designer merchandise given to celebrities after red carpet events like the Oscars.  (The 2012 Oscars swag bag was valued at over $60,000... you can see what was in it here.)


My version isn't a Swag Bag, it's a Rag Bag.  And it has nothing to do with rags!  "Rag" is short for "Ragnar" -- which is a series of 200 mile running relays held all across the country.


This 1 minute video gives a good overview.  According to the Ragnar website:

Ragnar is the overnight running relay race that makes testing your limits a team sport. A team is made up of 6-12 individuals; each individual runs 3 legs. The legs of the race vary in difficulty and distance, from 2-11 miles, allowing elite and novice runners to run together. Over 2 days and 1 night, teams run across 200 miles of the country’s most scenic terrain. Pair that with crazy costumes, inside jokes, a great finish line party and unforgettable stories. Some call it a slumber party without sleep, pillows or deodorant. We call it Ragnar.

As a runner, I always seem to need more than sneakers.  There's my iPod, ear buds, phone, Garmin, protein bars, pre-race drinks, water, towels and a whole lot more.  I wanted to have a cute but durable bag to hold all of my running goodies.  I knew that Terri's Stuff Sack pattern would be perfect.

I chose denim fabric, since I run outside and this bag will spend a lot of time on pavement and grass.  I needed a dark, durable fabric.  I used pink as an accent to "girly it up" a little bit.  I struggled  with the piping, but I think that's because I used 1/4 inch cotton rope I found in my garage, rather than real piping cord.  It was a little too thick and stiff to sew around the circular base of the bag.  Next time, I'll definitely use the right materials!

I used Terri's measurements for the "large" stuff sack.  The circular base measures 8" across and my bag is about 10.5" high.


I added one pocket on the outside (complete with the Ragnar logo) and a row of pockets around the inside, to hold all my small items.  The main part of the bag will hold my water, small towel, reflective vest and lights (required for night running).  I also added a strap on the back for easy carrying, though I don't know that it was necessary and I'm not sure I'd add a strap the next time.

It's been a very long time (read: never) since I've made a project for myself, so I'm even more pleased to have tried this bag.  I think it's cute, it's incredibly practical and it's unique just for me.

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Linking up with: 

Crazy Mom Quilts for  "Finish it Up Friday" 

Confessions of a Fabric Addict for "Whoop Whoop Friday"

AmyLouWho for "Sew and Tell"

I'm looking forward to seeing what you've worked on this week!

~*~ May your day be full of Love and Ladybug Hugs ~*~