Amy Butler: AB042SW (Sweet Harmony Handbag & Tote)  - Type:Accessories  | | Viewed 217 times
| 10 more reviews | Review rated Helpful by 1 people Very Helpful by 3 people | | Reviewed by: | Gigi1168 | 
| About Gigi1168 | | | | Member since: 12/3/11 | | Reviews written: 5 | | Favored by: 2 people | | patterns reviewed: 5 | | Bio: more... |
| | Posted on: | 1/4/13 1:55 PM | | Project Photo: |  | | Pattern Photo: | 
Amy Butler Pattern Info | | Pattern Rating: | Highly Recommend | | | | Fabric: | Canvas [See other projects in this fabric] | | Related Links | Click on  to add a link |
| Pattern Description: This pattern includes two sizes for either a handbag or a tote. Both bags have instructions for including several pocket options, including a cell phone pocket that sits on the outside of the bag, and open and zippered side pockets.
Pattern Sizing:
I made the tote, which is large enough to hold a large (15" wide) laptop with room to spare.
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?
The instructions were pretty easy to follow, but I think that they might be a little confusing if this is your first bag. I thought the instructions for cutting the interfacing were overkill (just cut your pattern pieces and then trim them down by eye).
The cutting layouts were helpful, but if using more than one fabric I'd recommend sketching your bag first to make sure you are cutting the right pieces from the right fabric.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I liked that there were a lot of options for pockets. I thought that there should have been an option for some type of closure on the large tote. I added the flap closure with a button.
I'm a little concerned about how the handles are inserted - there's just a line of topstitching holding them in place. But they seem pretty sturdy, so I guess won't worry too much.
Fabric Used:
I used two kinds of cotton canvas for the exterior, quilting cotton for the lining. The exterior pockets are lined with canvas and the interior pockets are canvas lined with quilting cotton. The fabris is from the Sweetwater Hometown line. I started with one yard of each and was left with what looks like enough to make an small matching zippered clutch.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I did not use the piping on the exterior pocket(too lazy), interface the lining, make a cell phone pocket or a zippered interior pocket. I also didn't leave the interior lining showing for a "fake piping" look, I didn't like how it looked.
I split one interior pocket into three sections and the other into two, and I added the flap with the botton to close the top.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I had a lot of fun sewing this bag, and I can definitely see making another. I might do an inset zip to close the top for the next one and I would probably interface the lining for a little more structure.
Conclusion:
I love this tote. The size is perfect for an overnight bag or laptop bag and all the pockets are a plus. I made it for my teen daughter and she pronounced it "super cute".
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5 Comments
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super cute! love your choice of fabrics!
1/4/13 3:19 PM
Very cute bag. You did a great job!
1/4/13 3:30 PM
Super cute
1/4/13 4:53 PM
Love it. Lucky daughter!
1/4/13 5:42 PM
It is super cute! Your fabric is great a great choice for this!
1/5/13 1:56 AM