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Vogue Patterns Bags 8942 pattern review by Raffey1

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Raffey1 starstarstarstar
Member since 3/26/17
205 Reviews (patterns: 196)
Skill: Advanced
Favored by 136 people
See all patterns in this Category: Accessories  
Pattern Description:
BAGS: Owl Bag A: 6 1/2"W. x 9"H. x 5"D.; contrast straps, bands and owl applique. Frog Bag B: 7"W. x 10"H. x 8"D.; front pocket and contrast belly, chin, straps and bands. Both views are lined. Measurements are approximate and exclude straps. Fabrics: Tweed and Wool/Wool Blends. Contrast 1A,1B: Synthetic Leather and Synthetic Suede. Contrast 2B: Velveteen and Synthetic Suede. Lining: Cotton/Cotton Blends.
This review is for a Snowy Owl bag ( his name, given by my friend Beth, is OwlFred) for the Handbag Contest 2025

Pattern sizing: See above, but I enlarged the pattern a little bit so is 8 inches wide, 10 inches tall, etc as I carry larger bags.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?yes, with my changes accounted for

Were the instructions easy to follow?yes

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Like: really cute design, and pretty functional especially a little bigger in size
Dislike: Not enough support materials recommended for the front panel so is very slouchy

Fabric Used:All are from stash
1. front body -Faux fur
2. front surrounds and smaller back pocket - upcycled leather suede
3. wings and back- lambskin leather
4. Zipper surrounds and strap- vintage Ultrasuede
5. feet, beak, eye surrounds, strap center- upcycled lambskin
6. Lining- paisley acetate lining

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
1. enlarged slightly (see above)
2. changed from backpack type straps to handle system -- this took some time and thought to work out, changing hardware and devising a "split handle" that I really like
3. added a second smaller pocket over the back pocket
4. I used a picture of a real snowy owl to be sure the beak was positioned where they have theirs, and I reshaped the beak pattern piece to have a downward hook shape as theirs is.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?yes, if you like the style, but consider different support. Sewing with leather is more challenging in multiple layers and not easily handsewn, so now that I have made it once, I know better how to work with that material in these thicknesses, and workarounds as needed.

Conclusion: Fun project! And functional as well.

See all patterns in this Category: Accessories  
49 Comments
Sharon1952 said...(1/26/25 4:30 PM ET)   
That is amazing! The face is so realistic. Congratulations on having an entry in early!!
  
bellasnanny said...(1/23/25 3:11 PM ET)   
love this,so cute!!!
  
AnitaH said...(1/23/25 7:54 AM ET)   
OMGosh, amazing!
  
MsIngie said...(1/21/25 9:23 PM ET)   
Your owl is sooooo realistic. You'll be the hit of the grocery store. You can also display it at work.
  
Seamingly Simple said...(1/21/25 4:43 PM ET)   
OwlFred is gorgeous!
  
Litapita said...(1/20/25 11:35 AM ET)   
Amazing! How cool with the extra xipper poches in the wings. And the face has a great expression.
  
Neutron said...(1/19/25 10:09 PM ET)   
This is a hilariously bonkers pattern, and it came out so well for you, especially considering all the modifications you made. Inspiring!
  
solosmocker said...(1/19/25 10:42 AM ET)   
Incredible! Just wow!
  
Devay said...(1/19/25 0:17 AM ET)   
Darling! You've managed to infuse your bag with the cutest personality!
  
blueviola said...(1/18/25 5:14 PM ET)   
This has to be the cutest thing I've seen in a LONG time! Makes me smile!
  
Raffey1 said...(1/18/25 2:47 PM ET)   
OwlFred and I thank you all for your kind comments!
  
SewPerfect said...(1/18/25 2:42 PM ET)   
Owlfred is so cool! Kudos to making it through a complicated make. Years ago, I made a cat bag, complete with claws/whiskers/sound (recordable small disc), out of mohair fabric and remember fighting the layers and such - but it was great to finish and give to my customer who was thrilled with it.
  
SewLibra replied...(1/18/25 9:01 PM ET)
I'm on it! LOL
Raffey1 replied...(1/18/25 2:46 PM ET)
Oh wow, the noise element is so funny! I will have to get SewLibra to make a hooting recording for us!
JEF said...(1/18/25 2:08 PM ET)   
Amazing!
  
LynnMc said...(1/18/25 1:56 PM ET)   
This is so adorable!
  
Nannerl said...(1/18/25 12:36 PM ET)   
Oh my goodness, I love this bag! It's so cute, I might use it for decor purposes! Really topnotch sewing here, all sewing details look so well done.
  
EleanorSews said...(1/18/25 11:10 AM ET)   
Sooooo precious! Or is that sew precious!
  
cindyann said...(1/18/25 10:51 AM ET)   
Precious!
  
SewWil said...(1/18/25 9:27 AM ET)   
Very cute AND functional. What more can you ask for?!!! Great job!
  
KBT Sewer said...(1/18/25 9:05 AM ET)   
Very cute
  
Clareew said...(1/18/25 8:53 AM ET)   
Love it
  
Camerio said...(1/18/25 7:42 AM ET)   
Love it!
  
AnneM said...(1/18/25 6:49 AM ET)   
That is adorable!
  
Annie P said...(1/18/25 6:01 AM ET)   
Gorgeous!
  
SewLibra said...(1/18/25 2:11 AM ET)   
Whooo whooo whooo made this super cute bag? Why it was Raffey1! This is awesome!
  
Raffey1 replied...(1/18/25 5:09 AM ET)
You are hilarious!
Kidnotes said...(1/17/25 10:03 PM ET)   
Now that's a perfect bag for you Meredith! Soooo cute!
  
wingamajig said...(1/17/25 8:35 PM ET)   
Wowowow! Now this is a great looking bag!
  
rieski said...(1/17/25 7:01 PM ET)   
Duplicate - sorry.
  
anae said...(1/17/25 6:22 PM ET)   
What? What did you do, Raffey? This is incredible. The fabrics....the eyes... What?
  
lauraborealis said...(1/17/25 6:15 PM ET)   
So cute! He looks like he needs a hug (or it is just that I want to give him a hug?).
  
Shrinksews said...(1/17/25 6:01 PM ET)   
I. Love. This! Owlfred made me smile today ☺️
  
Cupid Dog said...(1/17/25 4:56 PM ET)   
Sooooooo darn adorable it's painful. Big smile from me!
  
arubalass said...(1/17/25 3:35 PM ET)   
OMG! So love your bag and so well done.
  
miss diana said...(1/17/25 2:43 PM ET)   
Oh that is just insanely cute!! How charming!
  
silverdell said...(1/17/25 2:26 PM ET)   
Haha, that's a great happy backpack! It will make you and everyone smile whenever you see it. What a lovely make!
  
rieski said...(1/17/25 1:48 PM ET)   
Hi Raffey - the frog really caught my attention. I love and collect those little critters!
  
Raffey1 replied...(1/17/25 1:52 PM ET)
Sorry I didn't also trace the frog or I would send it to you, Marie!
detroy said...(1/17/25 1:41 PM ET)   
Oh dear, how adorable!
  
Kiwirose said...(1/17/25 1:23 PM ET)   
What a wonderful creation! I imagine it took hours of work, but it is so beautiful :-)
  
jamSews said...(1/17/25 1:17 PM ET)   
How darling is this?!?!?!
  
Wingdingdilly said...(1/17/25 1:13 PM ET)   
OwlFred is such an adorable (and useful) little bag! I've loved and coveted this pattern for a long time for the frog version, there aren't too many made up Owl versions that have been shared, and it's nice to see! I really like your straps. Those are a neat look and the colours you chose are beautiful.
  
rieski said...(1/17/25 12:35 PM ET)   
That is one cute and complicated Owl! I'll bet that pattern is being sought after right this minute on eBay. Owl Fred is just too cute.
  
Raffey1 replied...(1/17/25 12:49 PM ET)
This pattern is really rare. I traced the owl, then sold the whole pattern to a fellow PR member who had tried forever to get it and really wanted the frog. Shame they don't reissue.
susanx said...(1/17/25 12:21 PM ET)   
Adorable outcome.
  
gloucester said...(1/17/25 12:09 PM ET)   
Oooh--I want one! So cute.
  
SewingTripper said...(1/17/25 12:05 PM ET)   
LOL! Love the feet.
  
LoveLilacs said...(1/17/25 11:20 AM ET)   
Wow! Awesome backpack. It looks so real!
  
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