Sewing Patterns, Pattern Review, Sewing Classes, Sewing Machines and Sewing Machine Reviews!
Platinum Sponsor: Fashion Fabrics Club
Huge Selection Fashion Fabrics at Discount Prices

[SIGNUP - FREE Membership & 1 FREE Sewing Lesson ]
[Sewing Classes|Shopping Bag Your Shopping Bag|Login|Help]
Sewing Review and Pattern Reviews Sewing Knowledge Base Sewing Patterns Sewing Classes & Sewing Lessons Sewing Machine & Embroidery Machinery Sewing Message Boards Sewing merchants Blog Help/FAQ About Pattern Review
Enter your e-mail address:




Advanced Search
Tags
New to PR?
Sewing Machines
Compare Sewing Machines
Sewing Machine & Serger Reviews
Embroidery Machines
Sewing Reviews
Sewing Patterns
Review Gallery
Sewing Books
Sewing Supplies
Sewing Websites
Sewing Stores
Sewing Class Reviews
Sewing Expo Reviews
Sewing Tips & Techniques
Sewing Podcasts
NEW!Fabric Glossary
Sewing Review RequestsAdd a Review Request
Your Account
Edit Profile
My Page
Favorites
Wish List
Pattern Catalog
Notifications
Friends of PR
Join Friends of PR
Find a member
Deal Corner
Photo Album
Calendar
Chat Room
Chat Schedule
Chat Transcripts
Sewing Classifieds
Add a Classified
Sewing Contests
enter contest
contest report
contest gallery
Favorite Links
reviews with comments
merchant gallery
article archive
newsletter archive
Craft Resources
contact info
shipping rates
returns & refunds
testimonials
Platinum Sponsor - Fashion Fabrics Club
Fashion Fabrics Club
Amy Butler: AB040FI (Field Bag ) - Type:Accessories
Review submitted in Handbag Contest Contest    printable version
Viewed 223 times 3 more reviews
Review rated Helpful by 1 people    Very Helpful by 3 people   
Reviewed by:biochemistress
photo
Friend of PR
About biochemistress
VA USA
Member since: 11/8/05
Reviews written: 4
Sewing skills:Advanced
patterns reviewed: 2
Bio: more...
Report a problem with this review
Posted on:2/3/13 3:11 PM
Last Updated:2/3/13 7:41 PM
Project Photo:photo
Pattern Photo:Amy Butler AB040FI
Amy Butler Pattern Info
Pattern Rating:Difficult, but great for Advanced Sewers
Current Tags What is a Tag:
Fabric:Cotton Duck  [See other projects in this fabric]
Related Links  
Click on to add a link
Pattern Description:
A ginormous tote bag with a zipped top and four large interior pockets, as well as a huge space in the middle. It is fully interfaced with either woven interfacing or heavy fleece.


Pattern Sizing:
one size (huge) 27"x15.5"x5.5"


Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
It did! I'm kind of proud that it did.


Were the instructions easy to follow?
This was my first AB pattern, and I had the same experience as other reviewers. The directions were very thorough, but very wordy. They could have been much shorter/easier to understand with the inclusion of a few pictures. That said, I ended up with a bag, so they're easy enough to follow. The zipper installation directions could have been a little more clear.


What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I really like the quality of the paper and the flow of the directions. She has you make the outer bag, then the liner, then you put them together via the zipper installation. The bag is gorgeous and a unique shape. I'm using it for a gym bag, so it was important to me that it be well-made. This one definitely is, with lots of interfacing.

I could have used a pic or two in the directions or on the envelope. Specifically, a pic of the zipper in a finished bag would have been helpful, as well as an interior shot of the bag. I only knew what to expect from a few pics I saw of other people's projects.

Fabric Used:
Home decor 54" cotton. I could see this being an expensive project if the fabric/interfacing is not on sale. I also used a thick sport zipper, SF101 woven fusible interfacing, and heavy fleece fusible interfacing.


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I didn't change anything, mostly because I wasn't sure how the finished product would look. I might change how the zipper fits into the yoke, or add a zippered pocket or two if I make it again. I might also put a key ring and zippered pocket in the yoke. The bag is so large it would be handy to have keys at the top, and maybe a phone pocket.


Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I definitely would not recommend this as a first project, or even a first bag project. If you've made a lined bag, then this is a nice challenge. The bag itself isn't hard to make, but you can't tell what you're working toward (see above). That was the only real challenge for me. Now that I know what to expect, I will probably make this again.


Conclusion:
Amy makes a quality pattern that results in a quality bag. I look forward to using this bag for many years, and to making more patterns by her!
thumbsup Pattern with more than 5 reviews!
Merchants on PR
Victoria Jones Collection
Timeless Hawaiian styles
Web site
Fitz Like a Glove Ironing Board Cover
Made In Australia
Deals!
SewBaby
Unique Sewing Patterns
Deals!
<< Previous      Next >>
5 Comments      Login to Add a Comment
leeak said...
Very cute bag!
2/9/13 8:32 PM
fourkid said...
Great job. Love the way you used the fabric and your sewing skills really shone through.
2/12/13 10:22 AM
lacroise1 said...
Great fabric choices... Fourkid is right... Impressive sewing skills... your piping is amazing..
2/15/13 2:17 PM
sarahsmile said...
That is officially the cutest gym bag ever!
2/15/13 6:14 PM
Aroura said...
Love the placement of the fabric motifs, lovely bag!
2/15/13 10:40 PM
Login
Online Sewing Classes
Clone Your Favorite Garment
Fee: $49.00
(Regular $49.00)
Clone Your Favorite Garment

Online Sewing Classes
Bust Adjustments
Fee: $39.00
(Regular $39.00)
Bust Adjustments

Simplicity 1921
photo
Review by rooskie on 11/13/12
Read Review

McCalls 6662 Pattern ( Size 3-4-5-6-7-8 )
McCalls 6662 Pattern ( Size 3-4-5-6-7-8 )

Details
Price: $15.95
Add to Bag Add to Bag

Simplicity 2146 Pattern ( Size 12-14-16-18-20 )
Simplicity 2146 Pattern ( Size 12-14-16-18-20 )

Details
Price: $17.95
Add to Bag Add to Bag

Vogue Patterns 8422
photo
Review by Flying Sea... on 4/2/08
Read Review

SewBaby Baby Doll Puppet Pattern
SewBaby  Baby Doll Puppet  Pattern

Details
Price: $8.95
Add to Bag Add to Bag

Sewing Workshop Tosca Dress
Sewing Workshop Tosca Dress

Details
Price: $22.95
Add to Bag Add to Bag


Copyright © 2013 PatternReview.com® , OSATech, Inc. All rights reserved.
Conditions of Use | Posting Guidelines | Privacy Policy | Contact Us