Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Bowling anyone?

I am just so pleased that I finished my first real structured purse!

Janelle does an amazing job with this pattern. Very detailed, explained well, and lots of photos, which is really important for me!
Other than my own oops! where I put the pockets in the bottom instead of the top, everything went smoothly.

I used a jeans needle and the walking foot on my Horizon for the whole bag.
I also used purchased leather handles instead of making my own. Fabulous instructions for making the handles in the pattern! I did add the D rings on each end in case I want to add the optional long strap at a later date. 
It fits nicely over my shoulder with the 23" straps, but I'm not sure how comfortable it will be in the winter over a parka!
For the interfacing, I had to use what was available here!
I remembered a trick from last years Purse Palooza, and used a fusible interfacing over top of the Thermolam non-fusible in the lining, which was all I had.
I did the same thing with the heavy sew-in on the exterior-cut the sew-in smaller, and then fused the medium weight over it. That way, I didn't need to baste the sew-in. Couldn't find Shapeflex anywhere.
My exterior fabric is actually Cotton Duck.....from Walmart!!!
This was supposed to be a "test" bag, so I didn't want to go too expensive. However, it turned out so well, I am absolutely using it!
I also used Yarn Dyed Essex Linen in black for the trim, and for the lining zipper gusset.

I didn't look for Peltex, thinking I wouldn't find it, so I used a product I bought a couple years ago for bag bottoms.
. I now have enough Peltex to last me a lifetime from a LQS- Periwinkle!
I even put the feet on the bottom! There is a hardware accessory kit that you can buy from Janelle!
For the pockets, I made both of them zippered and the same size. Added a couple cute zipper pulls....

I was worried about joining the outer shell and the lining shell.
It looked really intimidating!
But, just going slowly, and following the instructions, did the trick!
The lining gusset added to the zipper gusset......
Pretty darned pleased with myself, I must admit! :-)
After I finished it, the dates for Purse Palooza 2013 was announced, and Joanna @ Shape Moth is going to feature this bag!!

Next up, is The Necessary Clutch, also a pattern by Janelle and can be found @ Emmaline Bags.
This clutch is also on the Purse Palooza schedule by Jess @ The Elven Garden 
That's all folks!

 

20 comments:

gpc said...

It's beautiful. You did a great job!

Flo @ Butterfly Quilting said...

It turned out beautifully! (my offer is still open though LOL)

Erica said...

Adorable! And I love your cute little zipper pulls, how fun!

Karen said...

Very nice! This looks so difficult. You have done an excellent job. It looks wonderful and sounds like it will get a lot of use.

Jess @ Elven Garden Quilts said...

It turned out beautifully Patti! I'm starting my clutch tonight hopefully, and having looked through the pattern a few times I agree - Janelle really knows how to put together an awesome pattern. Can't wait to see yours :o)

Julie said...

Love the bag...now I'm going to have try making one! The pull tabs are so cute.

Heather D. said...

It looks SO great Patti! I love the fabric choices and all the little details.

Janelle @ Emmaline Bags said...

OHHH! This is gorgeous! The bag looks so great and I'm flattered by your generous review, but remember - a sewing project is only as good as the lady sewing it. I just made that up, but it's kinda true ;) Thank you for choosing my bag and blogging about it, I love it. Janelle

nissaMade said...

Lovely! The fabric is awesome.. from walmart?! Great work on the bag, I'm sure you'll enjoy using it!

Melissa said...

It is beautiful! Congratulations!

Benta AtSLIKstitches said...

Well done Patti, a fab bag,!

ChrisW Designs said...

Great job! That fabric looks perfect for this bag! Christine

ChrisW Designs

Teresa @ http://twistfullyyours.blogspot.ca/ said...

I love your fabric choices and the zipper pulls ... LOVE THEM!!! You should be proud of yourself. This is beautiful!

Newbie Jen said...

What a great bag!

Pam @Threading My Way said...

You should be pleased with yourself. This is a great looking bag!!!

Pam @Threading My Way said...

I've featured your bag today, Patti...
http://www.threadingmyway.com/2013/09/threading-your-way-features_14.html

Patti said...

Your bag turned out beautifully! And I'm headed over to Emmaline Bags to check them out! Thx!

moira said...

wowsers, ms patti!

Paula@TheSassyQuilter said...

oh, man that is cute! I want one. I have yet to tackle a bag myself, but might have to give this one a try. Love the pearl bracelets too:)

Celtic Thistle said...

Fab bag!Certainly doesn't look like a test bag from here :)

20 comments:

gpc said...

It's beautiful. You did a great job!

Flo @ Butterfly Quilting said...

It turned out beautifully! (my offer is still open though LOL)

Erica said...

Adorable! And I love your cute little zipper pulls, how fun!

Karen said...

Very nice! This looks so difficult. You have done an excellent job. It looks wonderful and sounds like it will get a lot of use.

Jess @ Elven Garden Quilts said...

It turned out beautifully Patti! I'm starting my clutch tonight hopefully, and having looked through the pattern a few times I agree - Janelle really knows how to put together an awesome pattern. Can't wait to see yours :o)

Julie said...

Love the bag...now I'm going to have try making one! The pull tabs are so cute.

Heather D. said...

It looks SO great Patti! I love the fabric choices and all the little details.

Janelle @ Emmaline Bags said...

OHHH! This is gorgeous! The bag looks so great and I'm flattered by your generous review, but remember - a sewing project is only as good as the lady sewing it. I just made that up, but it's kinda true ;) Thank you for choosing my bag and blogging about it, I love it. Janelle

nissaMade said...

Lovely! The fabric is awesome.. from walmart?! Great work on the bag, I'm sure you'll enjoy using it!

Melissa said...

It is beautiful! Congratulations!

Benta AtSLIKstitches said...

Well done Patti, a fab bag,!

ChrisW Designs said...

Great job! That fabric looks perfect for this bag! Christine

ChrisW Designs

Teresa @ http://twistfullyyours.blogspot.ca/ said...

I love your fabric choices and the zipper pulls ... LOVE THEM!!! You should be proud of yourself. This is beautiful!

Newbie Jen said...

What a great bag!

Pam @Threading My Way said...

You should be pleased with yourself. This is a great looking bag!!!

Pam @Threading My Way said...

I've featured your bag today, Patti...
http://www.threadingmyway.com/2013/09/threading-your-way-features_14.html

Patti said...

Your bag turned out beautifully! And I'm headed over to Emmaline Bags to check them out! Thx!

moira said...

wowsers, ms patti!

Paula@TheSassyQuilter said...

oh, man that is cute! I want one. I have yet to tackle a bag myself, but might have to give this one a try. Love the pearl bracelets too:)

Celtic Thistle said...

Fab bag!Certainly doesn't look like a test bag from here :)