Uptown Madison Handbag

For the past several years, I learned to sew bags by following patterns.  I still like to buy patterns to learn new techniques.
The first bag patterns I bought were Amy Butler bag patterns.    I am very glad I got started using her patterns.  The directions are clear and include lots of illustrations.
This bag is from the  Madison Bags pattern.  It includes a shoulder bag version, a handbag, version, and a flower pattern.
Here is the Uptown Handbag.

This bag is made with Amy Butler Fabric.  Such cute stuff!  The flower on this bag is not the one included in the pattern.  The flower is made out of fleece. 
This is a neat bag however, I don't think I've used it once since I made this several years ago.   I've been carrying  bigger bags because I end up carrying my kids' stuff as well.    I like being able to just shove-whatever-in my bag and go.
Enjoy your day!

The Charm Clutch

This bag is made with Amy Butler's The Charm Clutch pattern. 
I changed it ever so slightly to make the strap cross body. 

The paisley fabric could be reversed so that the main was gold and the paisley was black.  So, I flipped the bottom gusset.

The top of the bag has a zipper closure.  I like zipper closures.  :)
The inside has two large pockets on one side and a sunglasses slip pocket on the other side. 

Clutch Purse

Here is another pattern I found online.  I was trying to get myself sewing again.  So, I made this clutch purse. 

I found this fabric when we moved and I thought it would be perfect for this style of bag.  The pattern can be found here.
Below is a pic. of the back and handle. 

The only change I made to this was I added a pocket to the inside.  I cut another font pattern piece out of the lining fabric.  I then folded it over 1/2 inch and pressed it.  Then I folded it another 1/2 inch and pressed and sewed it.  I then sewed the pocket to the back lining piece before sewing the front and back lining pieces together. 

Pic. of the inside and pocket.

Also, I think, if I were to make this again, I'd make the turning opening in the bottom of the lining instead of centered at the front where you sew the lining to the outside. The outside fabric is so much more heavier and bulkier than the inside. When I turned it, the lining fabric ripped and it was very difficult to get the edge to look nice where the turning opening was. 

This is really a good size clutch with a cute shape.  It is nice to have a handle.  Enjoy!

Frenchy Bags

This is the Amy Butler Frenchy Bags Pattern.  Originally, I wasn't too keen on this pattern.  I actually bought it because my mom liked it and wanted a purse made from it.  It kind of grew on me. :)

It is a pretty simple project to sew together. 

There are two versions a shoulder bag and a hand bag.

Here is the handbag: 

This is made from faux suede.  The inside is a silky fabric. 

There are are instructions to include two big pockets inside.  But on this small handbag if you include both pockets it becomes one big mess on the inside.  The pockets kind of combine together.  On the larger bag, you can divide the inside pockets by sewing down the center of each pocket to attach it to the lining   

On this small bag, I  made one pocket that I did NOT sew down the center. So, it is more of a divider--to separate keys from phone.  Again, sewing down the center of the pocket on the smaller handbag would make it too small to be useful--for me.  

The flower is not included on this pattern.  I created it by playing around with fabric scraps.

Here is the larger bag:

Enjoy your day!

Sophia Carry-All

Here is another Amy Butler pattern.  This one is the Sophia Carry-All.

 This is such a cute retro style bag.  I just love it!  It is fairly big for every day use.  So,  I use this bag to carry toiletries when I travel. Very handy!  I LOVE all the inside pockets.  Amy's bag patterns tend to include this wonderful feature. 

pockets are on both sides

The instructions were clear and included lots of illustrations.  The only issue was it is a pain to sew through all the layers.  But that tends to happen on many bag patterns.

Birdie Sling

Here is another Amy Butler bag.  Made from the Amy Butler Birdie Sling Patten. 

This bag is HUGE!  It also has 4 LARGE pockets inside.  It has nice thick straps. 

I used this bag for a weekend trip to San Franciso.  We ended up walking about 3 miles to meet people at a restaurant.  Prob. not the smartest thing to do...walk through San Fran when you really don't know where you are going and what neighborhoods you'll be walking through.  But we made it and are alive to tell our story.  LOL!  Anyway, my point in telling you this story is that this bag was wonderful it held everything my family needed and them some. 

I added the flower.  The instructions for this flower came in another Amy Butler bag pattern...the Madison Bag.

Everything Wristlet

I don't know what it is about wristlets, but I love to make them.  Until recently,  I never really used them. 
The pattern for these wristlets came from the book "Style Stitches" by Amy Butler.   The pattern is called the Everything Wristlet. It includes patterns and instructions for two sizes.

smaller version

 The smaller one I was able to use scraps for the outside.  Since the inside is mostly made from one long piece of fabric folded and sewn, I had to use a bigger piece of fabric. 

larger version

inside

The inside is pretty cool!  Both sizes contain card slots on both sides of an interior divider pocket (in the center).  The larger has a seam down the middle for two rows of card slots.   There is also a zipper pocket in the back. 
This is a pretty handy little bag.  The only thing I might add,  if I were to make this again, would be a pocket--maybe in the back--for sunglasses. 
The instructions for both sizes of wristlets are written together.  For the most part it was clear enough, but I did get confused in a few areas. Usually, Amy Butler patterns are very detailed with lots of illustrations and very easy to understand.  While there are illustrations and lots of detailed instructions, it did get a little confusing.  I had to re-read instructions several times to understand.  But, eventually I got it.  I still don't fully understand how to sew in the top and the bottom of the zipper because I couldn't reach all the areas needed to be stitched without sewing the pocket closed.  Also, when I made the larger wristlet, the measurements were off for the card slot section.   My other--well, I guess--issue, was OMG it is a pain to stitch the inside and the outside together.  But, I do LOVE the inside and outside design of the bag and I couldn't think of an easier way to put them together. 
I have made two styles of bags from this book.  Some of the bags I'll probably never make.  BUT, never say never, right?  I do feel that the book is an excellent value for what you get.  I'm not disappointed in my purchase.  There are a few other patterns from this book I'd like to try.
Here is the post of the other bag I've made from this book.

It's in the bag...

Happy Birthday...if you are reading this you know I'm talkin' bout you! :)
I am shocked that I now enjoy sewing as much as I do.  When I was in Jr. High took a sewing class.  I HATED it!  I tried sewing a few other times and still didn't like it.  On one occasion, the needle broke and flew into my eye.  I became terrified of the sewing machine. 

Then,  about 4-ish years ago, I saw a post where someone showed how to sew a simple tote.  I had an overwhelming feeling that I MUST work with fabric.  So, I made that little tote...and became hooked.  I can't seem to stop.  My favorite things to make are purses...maybe because I might have a slight addiction to them...or not.  SHHHH!  HAAA HAAA!  

As you might guess, I also like to give purses/bags as gifts. 

This is a birthday gift. 

There are two pockets on the outside...one on each side. 

Inside of the bag.  There are 4 large pockets.  She actually gave me the inside fabric for my birthday along with lots more fabric.  Ahhh!  She knows me well.   :)

 The pattern for this bag is in the book "Style Stitches" by Amy Butler. 

Several months ago, I made myself this bag.  I shrunk it a few inches all around. 

Happy {belated} Birthday!