Wanting a project that I could start and finish in one day - today - and something for myself, I broke into the Amy Butler Love fat quarter stacks I had been hoarding since Crafty's sale awhile back. Out came this Oh-So-Happy purse in a short time! I don't get a whole lot of straight sewing time, so I don't know exactly how long it took. It's my easily distractible brain combined with parenting and homeschooling - many things to keep track of at one time!
Oh yes, that leads me to why I actually made myself a purse, which I forgot when I started this post. I was organizing coupons into my coupon holder this morning, which I always wish I had with me at the store, but I never take it because it doesn't fit in my purse. That, in combination with the fact that my current purse got a hole in the phone pocket, and I didn't want to fix it, and I didn't want to pay the price of a new purse {$40...really???}, I decided to make myself one this morning. So it's a good thing the coupons distracted me this morning. {goofiness intentional :}
This is the Pick-A-Pocket Purse pattern, which you can find HERE for free. It is in the Quilts and More Fall 2008 magazine, which means I have been wanting to make this purse for SIX years!! Six is the magical number - that's how many outer pockets there are!
The pattern calls for 2/3 yard each of two fabrics for the pockets and lining and an additional 1/4 yard for the straps, but I used two sets of two matching fat quarters plus one FQ for the straps. The straps have a seam at the top because the fabric was not WOF. I also extended the straps 7.5" (just cutting off the selvedge) and am so glad I did. Otherwise, the straps wouldn't be long enough to hang on my shoulder. I also used firm fusible interfacing; the pattern called only for firm batting.
Even with the yardage change, the outer pockets still ended up with the print direction going the correct way. The inside print did not, however, which is okay with that fabric. I could have done a better job at design placement and put the flower in the middle of the pocket rather than under the strap. I'll have to do that on my next one! This might become an addiction!
Here's the inside. No pockets and no closure, but for a first purse, I didn't want to add them and make it scary. I plan to add a strap of fabric and a button to the main pocket for closure and a tiny Velcro piece to two pockets for my phone and keys. I don't want them to slip out, though I'm not sure they would with the pockets being relatively deep. I don't think I'll mind not having an interior pocket as everything I carry there is already well contained in a wallet or small case.
Purse Stats:
- Pattern: Pick-A-Pocket Purse pattern, which you can find HERE for free.
- Size: 8 x 10 x 4 inches, perfect for an everyday purse.
- Fabric: Amy Butler Love from Craftsy.
- Value: Perfect perk-me-up gift for myself!
So what do you think - should I make some for my Etsy shop?
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3 comments :
Thanks for this post. The bag looks good. Some time ago I made a few bags to a different pattern but I've been wanting to do one with the straps going right to the bottom like you have. Thanks for the link to the pattern.
I've made this one too. It comes together quickly... a feature I enjoy. I don't mind not having pockets on the inside... sometimes it just makes for more places for that pesky phone (or keys or whatever) to hide! Love your Amy Butler prints!
This looks like a really strong design for a bag - I like the way the handles go right the way down. You have chosen such striking fabrics. It looks great!
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