Guess I am just a Bag Lady Lately

Editor's note: After you read about these cute bags, head on over to Polka Dots & Rick Rack for a blogaversory celebration!

I have been sewing up a storm around here. Literally the lint dust is still settling and I seem to be finding pieces of fabric and thread everywhere. That is probably due to cutting all of those pieces for my house quilt (FIG TREE QUILTS) that I am working on, but that is a story for another day.

Last Christmas my darling husband bought me this Amy Butler pattern, Frenchy Bags. It came in a kit. Okay, so maybe....I ordered it myself for the computer fearing husband, but it still counts, right? This is the shoulder bag that came from that kit.




My almost-no-sewing-rather-have-her-teeth-pulled-out friend, Meg, went to a quilt shop with me in the spring. I showed her the bag pattern I was going to make. She really liked it and she loved the Amy Butler fabrics at the shop. So, she picked out some for a handbag version that I promised to make her for her birthday.



So, seeing that her birthday is TODAY. . .I kicked it into gear this week to get these projects done. I wish there was a picture of the two bags side by side. The handbag is a lot smaller. In fact, I worry that it may be a bit small for the size of purse my gal pal normally carries.
PATTERN REVIEW

• Amy Butler writes simple patterns for just about any level of sewer to follow.


• She uses diagrams, which I love.


• The pattern is already printed on sturdy paper.


• My only suggestion would be to use fusible interfacing and save yourself all of those basting steps.


• I also chose to sew sections into the interior pockets because I thought they would be TOO big, and this would help keep your purse organized.


• I love the pockets now.


• I will definitely continue to purchase Amy Butler patterns. They are a snap to follow.

OKAY, now Anna hold onto your thimble...but I installed my very first magnetic snap, so I think I might be ready for a zipper now. LOL Just to jazz up my shoulder bag, I monogrammed my initials on the bottom. I thought it turned out quite nice!

Finally, here is a picture of my husband's 7th grade cousin's messenger bag she purchased at the Pottery Barn outlet. I monogrammed her initials on the front. She chose the colors and font. I think she made some great choices.

This post is getting quite long, but I want to say how neat I think it is that ALL of you have read the Elm Creek series. Thanks for sharing. Well, I am off to create a whirlwind of cleaning around the house. Buddy is having a friend over in a bit and I'd like to at least have a start at it before that happens.