I noodled around Google and discovered a Handbag Raincoat was the answer to my dilemma. Some of the $20.00 to $45.00 designs were so pedestrian I knew I could design my own version. Below are the step-by-step instructions HOW TO make your own for a satchel design medium handbag 12-inches wide and 10-inches high:
SUPPLIES
Thin plastic sheeting
0.7 mil paint drop cloth from hardware store
Clear packaging tape
Cutting wheel
Cutting wheel base board
1-Sheet of paper to mark cutting lines
Tape measure
Wide mouth glass
Marking pen
Scissors
First measure your bag to determine the size to cut your plastic sheet. Measure from the bottom of one side over the top of the bag (do not measure over the top of the handles) and down to the bottom of the other side = 30 inches.
Measure from the bottom of the front of the bag up and over, through the handles and back down to the bottom of the bag. Notice how the bag is left open for this measurement to ensure there is plenty of room for you to open your bag and rummage around. = 21-inches.
Add 2-inches to each measurement so there is a little overhang past the bag when is it worn = 32-inches X 23-inches. Now cut a sheet of plastic to these measurements.
Next measure the size of the openings for the handles and the center access into your bag. Opening width is 12-inches, so I will cut a 10-inch opening. Take a measurement of the handles to the outside of the handle, in other words the widest point = 5 inches.
Mark these lines on a sheet of paper with a thick marker so they are easy to see through the newly cut plastic sheet (32 X 23) you will lay over the top as your cutting guide. Be sure the guide sheet is centered to the plastic sheet. After both sheets are centered, place weights on top of the sheet to prevent shifting while you are still working. Cut strips of clear packing tape 2-inches longer than your marked lines and carefully lay tape centered to each of the three lines with 1-inch running past the end of each line. Do this for each of the three lines. With a razor sharp cutting wheel and cutting board, slowly make your cuts through the packing tape and plastic sheet following the lines exactly. On the shorther handle cuts, make a 1-inch cross cut at each end for better fit over the handles.
Take a wide mouth drinking glass or food can to use as a guide to cut a rounded edge again using the cutting wheel over the cutting board.
Slide your new Handbag Raincoat over the top your your satchel bag carefully guiding the handles through the handle openings. If you measured correctly it should hang slightly past the bottom of the the bag and the plastic fits snug around the base of the handles protecting it from the foulest of weather. These measurements work for my bag but now you know how to scale up or down to fit your satchel style handbag. Have fun, make some for your friends too!
