I have a lovely pair of shoes that are comfortable and cute but hard to match to the wardrobe. I decided if I had a bag that went with them there would be more chance of them being worn. I am not sure how I found it as I don't shop Etsy much but I came across a lovely bag pattern from a 'shop' called Charlies Aunt.
It is a pdf download so the pattern was easy to get, but then I needed to assemble the requirements. I wanted a cream coloured bag and I would have liked one in a nice textured fabric like a wool as pictured on the pattern, but did not have much luck finding that so I ended up with a really heavyweight calico for the bag outer. I also needed to get a magnetic bag closure and the interfacings. I used a stash quilting cotton for the lining fabric.
They recommend a quilted calico to interface the main body of the bag, but do offer alternatives. I was lucky enough to find some at Spotlight and I also bought some heavy interfacing to put behind the magnetic closures.
I found the instructions pretty helpful. They have a general section on bag making basics, like attaching the magnetic closures and using sew-in interfacing. It took a few weeks of hunting about to get the bits and pieces but only an afternoon to sew. I think this is a good pattern for a bag making beginner.
They recommend a leather hole punch to make the holes in all the layers to attach the magnetic bag closures, but I used my new Clover buttonhole chisel and found it worked really well. I have to say if you don't have a buttonhole chisel, consider getting one. My buttonholes have never looked so good!
This is the finished bag complete with bow.
They use fusible interfacing on the bag flap and I only had a lightweight one, but I ironed on two layers and it has provided the stability needed.
The inside of the bag has one pocket which is probably enough for a clutch.
A closeup of my label in the bag...
And finally a shot with the shoes. What do you think? Do they work together?
I would love to use this pattern again and I have some scraps of black wool I am considering using to make a bag but without the bow and with some other embellishment.
I am entering this bag in the August challenge contest and the review is here for those interested.
Ciao...
