Amy Butler: AB040FI (Field Bag ) - Type:Accessories
Review submitted in Handbag Contest Contest  | | Viewed 226 times
| 3 more reviews | Review rated Helpful by 1 people Very Helpful by 3 people | | Reviewed by: | biochemistress | 
 | | About biochemistress | | VA USA | | Member since: 11/8/05 | | Reviews written: 4 | | Sewing skills:Advanced | | patterns reviewed: 2 | | Bio: more... |
| | Posted on: | 2/3/13 3:11 PM | | Last Updated: | 2/3/13 7:41 PM | | Project Photo: |  | | Pattern Photo: | 
Amy Butler Pattern Info | | Pattern Rating: | Difficult, but great for Advanced Sewers | | | | 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! |
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5 Comments
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Very cute bag!
2/9/13 8:32 PM
Great job. Love the way you used the fabric and your sewing skills really shone through.
2/12/13 10:22 AM
Great fabric choices... Fourkid is right... Impressive sewing skills... your piping is amazing..
2/15/13 2:17 PM
That is officially the cutest gym bag ever!
2/15/13 6:14 PM
Love the placement of the fabric motifs, lovely bag!
2/15/13 10:40 PM