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Other Other pattern review by LoveLilacs

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LoveLilacs star
Canada
Member since 5/19/21
20 Reviews (patterns: 19)
Skill: Advanced Beginner
Favored by 6 people

PATTERN DESCRIPTION:
The pattern for this bag is from the book "A Beginners Guide to Bag Making" by Estelle Zanatta and Marion Grandamme.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

The book has a good selection of patterns for really nice purses and bags (20 patterns).
Despite the title "The Beginners Guide......." most of the patterns are rated intermediate. The directions are brief and more photos of key steps would be helpful.

You will have to trace the pattern pieces as they are on one large double sided paper and the pattern pieces overlap (they are in different colors) The paper feels durable (like the old Kwik Sew patterns).

Unfortunately, you may come across some errors in this book. Each bag has a list of pattern pieces names/numbers that are required. However, they don't always correspond to the pattern piece.
Example: For this bag, the list shows the flap as number 4 yet the pattern piece itself is marked 2. There already is a pattern piece marked 2 (side gusset).
There was also an error regarding the handle. The pattern piece tells you to cut 2 handles with tapered ends but then the instructions direct you to turn in 1/2" on each side, fold the handle in half like bias binding, then top stitch each end. The handle would only have been 1/2 wide and you would end up with half tapered ends!.


ABOUT THE BAG:

The pattern for this bag is a trapeze shape with side gussets and a flap that is held closed with two magnetic snaps (one in each corner of the flap). The interior has a center zippered pocket, in essence providing three distinct compartments. There is one small handle at the top of the bag.

I really like that the book gives a brief history on the origins of the bag. Some of the following information is from the book and some from my research.
Apparently, it was first introduced by Hermes as a saddle holder. It was redesigned several times and was renamed the "Kelly Bag" when Grace Kelly used it in 1956 to cover her baby bump from the paparazzi. After the photo appeared on the cover of Life magazine, the bag became the world's first "It" bag. It was so iconic that a French sculptor elevated it to art when she cast a bronze statue of it. It was later sold at a French auction house for a large sum of money.


Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Yes, except for the changes I made.


Were the instructions easy to follow?

Yes and no. See above "About the Book".

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

Love the vintage iconic style of the pattern and the size of the bag. Not too big and not to small.
I didn't like the instructions and errors or the interior compartments.
I had a bag with interior compartments once and it drove me crazy. I am not always disciplined enough to put items back in the same compartment if I am in a hurry. Later, when I wanted to retrieve an item, it would invariably be in the last compartment I looked in.

Fabric Used:

The book used an upholstery fabric (62% polyester, 20% polyamide and 18% acrylic) for the exterior and 100% cotton for the interior. The book stated that no interfacing was required.

I used an outdoor type canvas for the exterior and 100% cotton for the interior and used a light interfacing. A heavier interfacing is required to keep the bag's shape and keep it upright without sinking in the middle. The black and white polka dot bow is an unknown fabric. It's stiff and feels like paper but it is very durable.

Hardware used:

The pattern called for two magnetic snap fasteners (one in each corner of the flap) and a 10" zipper for the interior compartment.
I used a turn lock instead of the magnetic snap fasteners and a 7" zipper.


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

Disregarded the incorrect directions for the handle and made my own.
In the interior, I omitted the compartments with center zipper opting for an open plan with zippered pocket on the back wall.
Instead of magnetic locks on the underside of the flap, I used a turn lock for a bit of bling.
Added a black and white polka dot bow to play up the vintage vibe.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Maybe. Without a shoulder or cross body strap it would not be an every day bag for me.
I feel adding such straps would take away from the vintage feel of the bag. I may try it again with a heavier interfacing and a statement color....red? turquoise? It is a fun bag for occasional use.
I would recommend the bag because it is a classic design, it's fun, and it just feels so feminine.

Conclusion:
I gave this pattern a 4 star. I love the pattern but deducted 1 point for errors.
Despite the cons of the book, I'm glad I bought it. For this pattern and a version of the Chanel 2 55 bag.


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13 Comments
bellasnanny said...(1/23/25 7:21 AM ET)   
this is such a stylish handbag, might consider making for my daughter who loves bows!
  
MsIngie said...(1/21/25 9:18 PM ET)   
Oh so chic.
  
Litapita said...(1/20/25 12:07 PM ET)   
Beautiful bag - very impactful. You might want to consider adding a separate book review for the book itself - I am sure some of the PR members would find that useful, especially considering the errors that you are pointing out.
  
LoveLilacs replied...(1/21/25 2:53 PM ET)
Good idea. There were errors in the other bag I made too. A book review has just been completed.
MelissaB in WA said...(1/18/25 3:48 PM ET)   
Oh I love your bag! It definitely has a vintage nod, which I love! Thank you for the helpful review.
  
SewPerfect said...(1/18/25 2:31 PM ET)   
Love it! A very vintage vibe - which I adore. Yes, books/patterns are sometimes a bit *off* in their measurements/instructions - much to our dismay when we've cut our fabric! I've learned to go to the website of the designer/publisher to see if they've put up any corrections since the design was new.
  
SewRaeMe said...(1/18/25 9:32 AM ET)   
Love this!
  
charliegirl127 said...(1/18/25 9:11 AM ET)   
Beautiful bag! You did a fantastic job on it. I also enjoyed the history of the bag.
  
BeeBee4 said...(1/18/25 5:26 AM ET)   
I am a fan of vintage bags and while your creation is stunning, it was elevated by that gorgeous bow. Great review and despite the pattern errors, you worked around them and your bag came out extremely well. Now you will need to find an occasion where you can show off your gorgeous bag.
  
Dorus said...(1/18/25 2:18 AM ET)   
I love this very much, great job.
  
SewLibra said...(1/18/25 2:14 AM ET)   
Classy bag! The bow adds that extra something. :)
  
silverdell said...(1/18/25 1:52 AM ET)   
This is one very pretty bag! The bow just makes it - it's a beautiful touch. It's a shame that there are errors in the instructions but you clearly managed to deal with them successfully. Great entry!
  
Raffey1 said...(1/17/25 7:59 PM ET)   
What an elegant bag you have created-- the bow is everything!
  
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