Pattern Description:
There are 2 sizes to choose from and both sizes have the option of being finished with
- a tubular bag frame,
- a zipper top or
- a draw string closure.
I chose the tubular bag frame finish. Click here for more details. Pattern Sizing:
Small 8 x 12" (20 x 30 cm) or Large 10 x 18" (25 x 45 cm). I made the small bag using the tubular bag frame as the closure.
I bought the tubular bag frame from Ghee's online store.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes and that's the nice thing about this pattern.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes they are. This is the first time I've made this bag and I found the instructions simple and logical to follow on my own.
The handbag options were very clear and well written.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I didn't like this style when I saw the pattern. Once I saw it made up by a few of my sewing buddies - well - I had to make one for myself. They made their bag up in a Saturday tutorial session. That in itself speaks volume to me.
Fabric Used:
Leather pieces and silk lining
The leather pieces were remnants but gorgeous in colour.
The lining is a snake skin printed silk remnant so I've reinforced the lining with light weight interfacing.
I've used topstitching thread, a teflon foot, size 4 stitiching and dropped the feeder dogs to sew the leather on my home machine. The shoe repair guy did the final row of stitching to sew the lining to the leather. The shoe guys machine ran out of bobbin thread and at the end his machine needle broke. His work cost me $10.
I also bought 50 wonder clips because the small bulldog clips I was using for the leather were a bit bulky to sew with. Bulldog clips do the job if you don't have access to wonderclips. I bought the wonderclips through ebay.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I added phone pockets on both sides of the bag.
I used steam a seam lite 2 when putting the internal pockets together.
I also used double sided tape to seal the leather seams as I went.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes and Yes.
I have already ordered more handbag frames for a couple more of these beauties.
Conclusion:
Oh my. Even the men in my life think this bag is a winner. Maybe it's because I've used real leather.
If you want a bag that's easy to make ie stressless, go for this bag.
Amanda.Claire said... What an adorable bag! I am now the proud owner of a semi-industrial sewing machine and I hope it will conquer leather. Great idea to go to the shoe repair man. 12/19/12 8:01 PM
sfshaza said... That is a gorgeous bag! I love the spicy "fall" colors you used. 12/19/12 8:04 PM
velosewer said... Amanda: your semi-industrial machine will make sewing with leather a breeze! Congratulations. 12/19/12 8:29 PM
Renata said... Very professional looking bag. You have sewn for your family, and now that all these guys know about your leather/pleather sewing abilities, and having seen your fab jacket, dare I suggest what is next on the cards for you??? 12/19/12 11:11 PM
Sharonspils said... Gorgeous bag and looks even more impressive IRL. 12/19/12 11:59 PM
nicegirl said... What a great looking bag! I'm pretty jealous over here. 12/20/12 10:46 AM
Dilliander said... Very impressive! Such a lovely bag and so beautifully made. 12/20/12 4:00 PM
Schnauzer said... I love the colour combination you have chosen for this bag. It's gorgeous! 12/20/12 4:24 PM
QuiltSewSewSue said... Very nice - you are taking the leather sewing in all sorts of great directions! 12/20/12 5:12 PM
ConnieBJ said... I love everything about this bag!! 12/21/12 4:36 PM
JanElise said... Wow! I am so impressed! What a beautiful bag! 12/23/12 8:45 AM
laurac281 said... Very impressive! I've never worked with leather before, and it seems intimidating to me. Great job! 12/25/12 10:53 PM
What an adorable bag! I am now the proud owner of a semi-industrial sewing machine and I hope it will conquer leather. Great idea to go to the shoe repair man.
12/19/12 8:01 PM
That is a gorgeous bag! I love the spicy "fall" colors you used.
12/19/12 8:04 PM
Amanda: your semi-industrial machine will make sewing with leather a breeze! Congratulations.
12/19/12 8:29 PM
Very professional looking bag. You have sewn for your family, and now that all these guys know about your leather/pleather sewing abilities, and having seen your fab jacket, dare I suggest what is next on the cards for you???
12/19/12 11:11 PM
Gorgeous bag and looks even more impressive IRL.
12/19/12 11:59 PM
What a great looking bag! I'm pretty jealous over here.
12/20/12 10:46 AM
Very impressive! Such a lovely bag and so beautifully made.
12/20/12 4:00 PM
I love the colour combination you have chosen for this bag. It's gorgeous!
12/20/12 4:24 PM
Very nice - you are taking the leather sewing in all sorts of great directions!
12/20/12 5:12 PM
I love everything about this bag!!
12/21/12 4:36 PM
Wow! I am so impressed! What a beautiful bag!
12/23/12 8:45 AM
Very impressive! I've never worked with leather before, and it seems intimidating to me. Great job!
12/25/12 10:53 PM