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Simplicity: 2048 (bags) - Type:Crafts
Review submitted in Handbag Contest Contest    printable version
Viewed 203 times
Review rated Very Helpful by 7 people   
Reviewed by:fourkid
photo
Friend of PR
About fourkidstarstar
FL USA
Member since: 8/30/08
Reviews written: 88
Sewing skills:Intermediate
Favored by: 7 people
patterns reviewed: 73
Bio: more...
Report a problem with this review
Posted on:2/11/13 7:02 PM
Project Photo:photo
Pattern Photo:Simplicity 2048
Simplicity Pattern Info
Pattern Rating:Highly Recommend
See other patterns in this category: Accessories    
Current Tags What is a Tag:
Fabric:Corduroy  [See other projects in this fabric]
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Pattern Description:
An easy purse (view B) or messenger bag (view 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?
They were very easy. I don't even have any notes I had to write in for confusing places or changes. I did manage to have my pleats facing the wrong direction - but only I would know that (and now the rest of you do too!)

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
The bag is open to many creative interpretations. The cover photos look plain, but a lot of additions can be done. I would prefer the handles to be narrower at the point where my hand holds them; they are a bit wider than I like right now, but I think the leather will mold to my hand after a short time.

Fabric Used:This bag was made with all thrifted components. The main part of the bag is a fairly heavy corduroy. The accent panel and straps are leather ~ I cut apart a thrifted leather coat that had been given to me (wrong size - icky style). The bag lining is a mystery, given to me some time ago. The tab ring is from an old thrifted purse I took apart. The lining is fused with interfacing.
Leather panel
Tab and ring closure
Lining

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I added a tabbed closure. The bag (view B) has no closure and I don't care to have the top of my purse totally open. It was very simple to add a tab at the same time as I basted on the handles. I found a ring of some substance I removed from a thrifted purse and used it in the tab to hold the bag closed.

I did not add pockets inside (the pattern has none), but this would be very easy to do. I carry most of my purse contents in small interior pouches. I did mean to add a cell phone pocket - then forgot - but I have a pouch for it as well, so no worries this time.

I had no leather pieces large enough for the full handle. So I cut the pattern into three sections, sewed the leather pieces together by barely overlapping them and then treating it as one piece. I chose to cut the handle into three pieces so that I would not have a joining seam in my hand as I carried the purse. By using three pieces the joins are well away from where my hand holds the strap.
Three piece handle
Making the handles
Handles completed

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I probably will sew it again. I definitely want to make the messenger bag. I have a thrifted black leather skirt to cut apart and have been looking for a messenger bag pattern to use with the leather. I did not realize until I looked at the direction page that View A is simply a messenger bag. It looks more like a purse on the envelope.

Conclusion:
I really wanted a brown purse. This meets that need. I enjoyed making the purse - it was easy and looks nice. It would have been even more simple if I hadn't added the leather accents, but I am glad I took the time to make that work.
Purse
Pattern envelope
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16 Comments      Login to Add a Comment
sew2006 said...
Thank you for a great detailed review! Love the bag, was amazed to read it came from thrifted items.
2/11/13 8:38 PM
treefrog said...
The leather accents look great and I love the pleats on the front. Looking forward to seeing the messenger bag.
2/11/13 8:48 PM
jannw said...
Great!! The corderoy looks so good in a bag..wht a good idea ..and I love the leather accents!!
2/11/13 9:07 PM
Renren said...
Very nice. The leather accents and the lining really make this a great bag.
2/11/13 9:16 PM
BJ1400 said...
Great bag and love that it was made from recycled items.
2/12/13 9:13 AM
HDWen said...
Amazingly thorough review and so many extra's you put into this. Love all the thought to cut apart a Coat and make this stunning purse from -- the extra closure is such a great detail. Thanks
2/12/13 10:38 AM
charid dawn said...
I'm going to have to do this.
2/12/13 8:32 PM
biochemistress said...
Nice! I love that you recycled leather; so many people are afraid of it. You also did a great job adding the extra details. Thanks for the thorough review!
2/13/13 7:16 PM
katlew03 said...
Love the combination of corduroy and leather, as well as the colors.
2/13/13 9:25 PM
Aroura said...
Thank you for the wonderful review, your bag turned out marvelously! Very RTW and stylish. That you used so many thrift items makes it that much more awesome. Great job!
2/15/13 10:42 PM
Sewncooknmom said...
Absolutely awesome! I love your bag. The pleats. The corduroy. Everything is wonderful about your bag. Now I want to make this pattern. Thank you for the very good review.
2/16/13 2:59 AM
Margaret said...
Great-looking bag! Love the leather accents. I'm glad piecing the handle worked out.
2/16/13 10:19 AM
butterflyfly said...
What a lovely bag! That's a great idea to recycled thrifted items..There are a lot of leather jackets in local charity shops - now I know what I could do with them :)
2/16/13 8:03 PM
GwenH said...
This is a standout! The leather and corduroy mix is inspired. Looks much more stylish than any of the pattern pictures.
2/18/13 11:02 AM
slmstyle said...
Great handbag! I love the upcycled leather details mixed with corduroy. Makes it a casual luxury bag. Nice work!
2/24/13 0:04 AM
radollrose said...
I love this!! Great job with all the details. I'm even more impressed now that I read that you "thrifted" all the pieces for this. Besides your valuable time, a basically free purse!
2/27/13 9:47 AM
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