Pattern Description: Package includes patterns and instructions for lined bags A, B, C, D, 10" x 5". A: front band with purchased buckle. B: front band and bow. C: pleated flap. D: pintucked flap with button trim. All bags have magnetic snap closure and detachable wrist strap.
Pattern Sizing: One size, 4 variations. I chose view C
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, I didn't really have a sense of the scale of the bags, from the pictures, so it was a little larger than I expected, but otherwise, it looks the same.
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, except there's a step that didn't seem to make any sense, where you have the purse bag attached to the lining bag, with only a small opening in the lining, to turn it all right side out and somehow you were supposed to understitch the lining. As far as I can tell, this is impossible without some sort of wizardry so instead I topstitched the upper edge when the bag was right side out.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? This was a very quick project to put together and the end result is charming, but the bag is pretty bare bones. There's no zipper, no pockets, just a bag with a flap and a single magnetic closure. Since you carry the purse by a handle on the side, I would be worried that small items would just slip out. If I sew this again, I will, at minimum, install a zipper, and I really think this would benefit from a few pockets, too.
Bag inside
Bag with handle
I do like the pleats, they are a bit fussy to sew and to set into the flap border that runs around them, but the end result is nice.
Purse flap
Once the bag is filled, the hair canvas causes the purse flap to kind of stick out from the bag a bit. It would be better to shape the interfacing so it curved into the bag.
Fabric Used: Two types of quilting cotton and interfaced with hair canvas. Looking at the closeups of the samples on the Butterick site, I'd say that choosing a print is probably wise. The satins in the samples are pretty unforgiving.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: The strap is meant to be detachable with a swivel clasp but I just attached it directly to the purse instead.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I enjoyed sewing this bag and I think the end result is charming but it's not as functional as I would like. It's a nice design on which to build but there are probably some better patterns out there for evening clutches. I just don't like the idea of having a purse that might not keep my items secure. I guess I can't say whether I'd recommend it. I'm pretty particular about the bags I use, after some hard learned lessons, but my preferences might not be someone else's.
Conclusion: A fun weekend project for a bit of instant gratification, but not a bag you are likely to use regularly. Could be a really sweet make-up bag or even a nice way to wrap up some small gifts, or arts and crafts supplies.
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