Vogue Patterns: 8274 (SHOULDER BAGS)  - Type:Accessories
Review submitted in Handbag Contest Contest  | | Viewed 342 times
| 11 more reviews | Review rated Very Helpful by 14 people | | Reviewed by: | Renren | 
| About Renren | | | | Member since: 7/20/05 | | Reviews written: 185 | | Sewing skills:Intermediate | | Favored by: 31 people | | patterns reviewed: 176 | | Bio: more... |
| | Posted on: | 1/30/13 5:23 PM | | Last Updated: | 1/30/13 5:24 PM | | Project Photo: |  | | Pattern Photo: | 
Vogue Patterns Pattern Info | | See other patterns in this category: Accessories | Available for sale on PR: $15.00 (See envelope)  | | | | Fabric: | Cotton [See other projects in this fabric] | | Related Links | Click on  to add a link |
| Photographs
gallery view
showing strap length
another photo, strap length vs. width of bag
purse, side view
purse, worn to the front
clip for keys (optional hardware)
magnetic snap (optional hardware)
dual slider purse zipper
dual slider purse zipper, installed
detail of trim/cording
trim at the top edge of the folding pockets
lining fabric, close up
interior view of lined handbag
another interior shot--trying to show 2 pockets
Portion of Bag Interfaced
The rules ask that we state the percentage of the bag that is interfaced. My bag is almost all interfaced, including the strap, the front and back of the bag, the gusset, and the triangular pieces that make the exterior pockets. The only pieces not interfaced are the two narrow strips of fabric that are referred to as "top" and are on either side of the zipper. I would say about 95% of the bag is interfaced.
On Recommendation
None of the choices in the pulldown window is quite right. This is a good pattern BUT there were so many thicknesses of fabric at one point that I broke 3 needles on my newer electronic Kenmore. I finally realized the machine could not power through the thicknesses of the project so I used my old mechanical Kenmore which performed superbly. For a project like this, you need real muscle behind the needle. That's the one consideration that keeps me from giving this a "highly recommended."
Also, I think Step 8 regarding the trim on the exterior pockets might present a problem--I discuss this below.
If you like the pattern and your machine can power through 10 thicknesses of fashion fabric and interfacing, have at it. (I would not recommend the pattern for a beginner--at all!)
(NOTE: I said 10 layers, but on recounting I realized at the bottom edge there are 13 layers: 2 for the back, 2 for the front, and 3 layers for each of those 3 pockets, so that's 13. You could use a lighter weight fabric and a lighter weight stabilizer, and that would help some, but this felt like between 3/8 and 7/16 inches of layered fabric/stabilizer the needle had to penetrate.)
Pattern Description:
"Package includes patterns and instructions for Bag A: 10" W x 12" L. Bag B: 14 1/2" W x 12 1/2" L. Bags C, D: 14 1/2" W x 12 1/2" L, two separate zipper compartments. Measurements are approximate, excluding straps. All views are lined and have inside pockets."
I sewed Bag A.
Pattern Sizing:
See description above for bag dimensions.
My bag, Bag A, is 10" W x 12" L. The side gusset is 2.5 inches wide but the bag expands a little wider.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
For the most part, yes. However, I wasn't clear on the darting on the inside darted pocket. I did what looked reasonable and allowed me to end up with the final pocket dimensions.
Also, I think Step 8, which instructs you to sew on the optional trim is probably too late for most kinds of trim to be added. I really think this step should be done prior to sewing the two outside angled pocket pieces together. If you do it early you can use the machine and embed the trim in the seam. My trim was meant to be embedded in a seam, similar to piping.
Another suggestion I would give is to sew the bag together up to (but not through) the step where you sew the front and back sections to the gusset and top. At this point jump to constructing the lining so you can get a practice run sewing the lining insert prior to sewing the more critical exterior parts of your bag. You'll understand how it goes together and become aware of any glitchy things you need to be on the lookout for.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
The bag, View A, gives 5 pockets--the 2 interior ones and the 3 created on the outside of the bag by fanfolding a long length of angled fabric. That's a lot of storage and it allows for easy organization.
I also like the crossbody straps since shoulder bags never stay on my shoulder. The extra long straps mean the bag is easy to put in place--and it stays in place.
Fabric Used:
I used a home dec fabric by Waverly called "Aloha." It has very thick threads; I think it is almost a burlap due to its weight and the size of the threads used to weave the fabric. It is a 100% cotton screen print.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
The changes I made were as follows:
1) I added the trim to the exterior pocket sleeves in a very early stage. If I had waited until Step 8, per the instructions, it would have been impossible to add the type of trim I used. The trim had an edge, or margin, that is meant to be embedded in the seam. Pay attention to when you will want to add the trim! Evaluate your trim and make certain it can be added as late as Step 8 or if you need to sew it on sooner.
2) I added a snap hook for keys on the outside--it's actually a swivel dog leash clip I bought at JAF.
3) I added a magnetic closure for the top exterior sleeve pocket to help keep contents secure. It also should help ensure the bag does not gape open. (Now that I am done, I think there would have been no issue with gaping.)
4) I used a special "Purse Zipper" from JAF which has 2 sliders for ease of access to the bag.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I would sew it again although I found it quite challenging--but doable. I'll see how much I actually end up using it, however, before I commit to another one.
If you are confident your machine can sew through multiple layers of fabric and interfacing, and you like the design, it's a pretty good pattern.
Plus there are those other 3 views I haven't tried.
Conclusion:
The pattern has four useful looking bags. The exterior pockets mean you can keep paperwork and other essentials in easy reach and this feature makes it a good handbag for travel.
This is my first actual handbag pattern so completing the project is something of a milestone. I think the handbag will be useful for those times I need more than just a wristlet. It reminds me of a messenger bag because of the strap length and the fact it is a crossbody bag.
I look forward to making the other versions at some point in time.
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16 Comments
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What a great job! I love the fabric and especially love the musical lining. You took on a challenge for a first purse - and it came out great. Love all the details. Bunny (next door) said to say she will take a ride in your handbag any time.
1/30/13 6:06 PM
She's got a ticket to ride!
1/30/13 6:18 PM
Wow!! Great project..it turned out well..enjoy using it!! Love the trim.
1/30/13 6:22 PM
Beautiful bag!
1/30/13 6:48 PM
Wow! Great bag! Love the staggered front pockets!
1/30/13 7:12 PM
You did an outstanding job on this; I love the fabric and end result. I don't think I'd make this if I had to deal with 10 thicknesses of fabric, though. Great job!
1/30/13 7:41 PM
Awesome!
1/30/13 8:32 PM
really nice purse I love it, I have made a few purses and said never again just for the reason you stated. Yours is a keeper ;) great review
1/30/13 9:17 PM
That is a fantastic useful bag. Love what it looks like. Great job with all that details
1/31/13 1:50 AM
Great bag Renren .. and a very well written review. I love all the pockets in it. Very handy.
1/31/13 2:01 AM
This looks like a really nicely made bag! Love the trim! (Wow, 13 layers -- and I bet a lot of people would want to use home dec fabric with this too. BTW, sometimes I hand-turn my machine to go through a really thick area if I'm afraid the needle is going to get bent.)
2/1/13 6:30 AM
I'd like to rate this review VERY very helpful, but there is no button for that. :( I love this bag, you have talked me into wanting to make one! Really wonderful outcome for your very first handbag.
2/15/13 10:31 PM
Gorgeous bag! Like the choice of materials.
2/16/13 8:07 PM
Love the bag! Fabulous fabric and perfectly made.
2/21/13 1:17 PM
Very nice job. I have also sewn bags together and broken needles on my newer machine. I go back to my trusty Kenmore and she gets the job done most of the time. Very professional looking.
2/21/13 11:31 PM
I absolutely LOVE this bag, so useful! Thanks for sharing a great review!
2/24/13 4:53 PM