Pattern Description:
A Learn To Sew pattern. 4 different sized bags (one is a wristlet) that teach peicing skills. Bags are small to large - good variety
Pattern Sizing:
N/A
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?
I miss the days when they used the pattern piece number in the instructions. Might be helpful for beginners.
I didn't like the way they have you press the 9 patch seams open. That isn't standard for quilting. I did mine pressing to one side. That would teach how to *nest* intersecting seams and the importance of alternating the pressing directions. There were extra instructions on cutting and marking, since this is a beginner pattern.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I liked that the entire pattern was sewn with quarter inch seams. This made everything easier, especially the fiddly narrow, U shaped sides of the bag. They are joined to the one large piece which is both front and back. That U at the bottom is fiddly, but do-able.
The instructions have you quilt in the ditch of the seams, so that's good for quilting practice. Using felt instead of fleece gave me a less quilty look, but that's okay. I used invisible thread for that.
The result is very cute, and something both young and old alike would enjoy - depending on the fabric used. I made mine geared toward the younger set, to attract shoppers at Joann's, where I will offer the class. However, there is NO way we'll finish this bag in a 3 hour class -- but I digress.......
I HATED the way they have you do the strap. I much prefer cutting a wider strip, folding the long edges to center, then folding in half again. No interfacing needed with that method, either. I actually busted through the seam turning the tube, and almost had to re-cut the straps.
The strap is on the shorter side - you may want to lengthen it for an adult.
All the pieces fit together really well, no problems there. Watch the velcro placement. Mine seems to be off, and I traced very carefully. I used the iron on velcro. It takes 90 seconds to bond, but it worked great. If you do use that, be sure and adhere it before basting on the fleece to the flap. And, pay attention to sew the finished flap to the correct side of the bag. Hmmm, wonder why I mention that!
I liked that there were no pockets, since I was in a hurry. But you could always add one to the lining.
Fabric Used:
Quilting cotton - and I used felt yardage instead of fleece.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
None, but next time I will lengthen the strap. It's a long bag, and so you could wear it across the chest.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Well, yes, but not unless you already have 2 x 5 different 3 inch scrap fabrics that go together for the 9 patch. You'll need 7/8 yard of two additional fabrics for the front/back, lining, straps and sides. That's a lot to buy for one little purse!
Instead, I used half a yard each of two different fabrics, and cut them on the crosswise grain instead of lengthwise for the front/back, lining, straps and bands. I used a fat quarter for 2 of the patches, and the flap facing - then another FQ for 2 more patches and both bag and lining sides. You could really make this a *clown* bag and use different scraps for all of it. Then you'd only need quarter yards of two different fabrics, cut on the crosswise, for the front/back and lining.
I used a walking foot, so no problem. But, if teaching a beginner, you might want them to be able to sew on the lengthwise grain.
If you have a young person in your life, or if you just like small, longish purses, which do come in handy at times, yes again.
A young beginner will need adult help pinning and sewing the U shaped sides.
Conclusion:
Really cute little purse pattern. I like the other views too. I think it's a good pattern overall to introduce one to quilting, and bags.
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Pattern with more than 5 reviews!
Oh nice review! Thanks!
12/30/12 9:31 PM
Really detailed review and such a cute bag!
12/30/12 10:25 PM
Cute purse, Great review!
12/30/12 10:31 PM
Great review and bag!
12/31/12 7:20 AM
Great review for a great little bag
12/31/12 8:07 AM