I tried out a new purse pattern today. I'm pretty picky about my purses, and I have made a couple. The one I'm using right now is embarrassingly worn, if truth be told. It's time to make another.
A friend of mine found this slouch bag pattern online, and wanted to try it out. I liked the look of it, and thought I would give it a try too.
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Emily's Slouch Bag |
So here's the bag I finished today. It is a light denim on the outside, and a cotton blue and tan floral on the inside. For a trial run, it went pretty well, but there are definitely things I will do differently when I make it again. And I will. Soon.
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The pattern for Emily's Slouch bag |
First of all, this bag is bigger than I want to carry. I added seam allowance to the pattern (plus a little, to be honest) and I think the next version will just be the pattern, and then it won't be as wide as this one. If a paperback fits, it's wide enough!
Second, I lined this one, and I'll line the next version, too. PLUS I think a little light interfacing will help it feel sturdier.
Third, the straps definitely need to be longer. I cut them longer than the pattern, I thought, but when I looked again at the pattern pieces, I noticed that there is a section missing. Dang it! This version will be fine as a shoulder bag, but I like a hands-free cross body bag. I've never had the strap on a shoulder bag stay on my narrow shoulders and it always makes the bag more of a hassle.
Finally, when I sewed this one together, I didn't do it in the right order. This is a lined bag, and some how, I didn't remember ALL THOSE BAGS I'VE SEWN, sewing the outer layer and the inner lining layer, and then sewing them together.
Some of the features that I WILL keep? Pocketses, (Hobbitses need their pocketses...) of course.
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Pockets along the side panel |
And
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A pocket for bigger stuff, too |
I love pockets in a purse! Along with those, I currently have some rings that I can clip my keys to, and a handy dandy take along shopping bag that comes is awesome.
So is this bag a fail? Sorta. I mean, I won't be using it. On the other hand, it is a perfectly serviceable bag, so I'll be donating it to the almost always ongoing bag collection at Cruces Creatives from Charitable Crafting. Am I disappointed? Sorta. I mean I need a new purse, but I'm still going to make one. I learned a lot making this one, and I think the next one will be a keeper.