My First Sewing Project!

Since I haven't touched a sewing machine for 15 years I figured I need a simple project and give myself a chance to get used to the machine.
I also followed an advice on a sewing forum to start sewing something I need or want. That's a very good advice!
If I just sew something just for the sake of sewing I'll probably give up much easier.

I got a bag I use for carrying my photo portfolio. It's a rather nice looking bag, but it neither got any shape or offer protection. I would like the bag to be able to stand by itself.
So I'll see what I can do about that.

My first project is to make some padding for the bag to protect the content and give it shape.

Note: I didn't make the bag itself!

This is how the bag looks like now. It got no spine, can't stand by itself and just want to sleep once you turn your back!

The padding in pieces. Since the bag is more narrow on the top I couldn't just make everything in one piece and put it inside. Therefor I had to make it in multiple pieces and "assemble" it inside the bag.

Each piece have a 3mm acrylic sheet inside. The padding is made of an old fleece blanket which is glued on.

Assembled.
OK, I admit the velcro is not sewn on too nicely. But on the other hand they're not going to be visible.

The bag with the padding inside.
It now got a shape, able to support itself and shows much more confidence!

I think I may have overdid the padding a little. The sides have double layers and the bottom have four layers. I think one layer on the sides and two on bottom would have been sufficient.
On the other hand the extra protection is not a bad thing. If I die in a plane crash at least the portfolio won't be damaged

Overall quite happy with the result. Not all seams are straight, but thankfully most of them won't show