Queen of Hearts Handbag

When I see a bag that somewhat resembles a bowling bag style...I get a childhood flash back.  It's a long story but perhaps my Mom and my Auntie N. might remember their bowling bag situation.  :) 
So, despite them, I was intrigued by this pattern.  There are two versions of this bag included in the pattern.  A bowling bag and a handbag (that fits over the shoulder).  I do have to say that my bag didn't really turn out like I thought it would.  I thought the front pleats would be different.  I guess it's a little difficult to tell from just the illustration that is on the pattern.  Queen of Hearts Bowling Bag and Handbag Pattern by Hot Patterns.
I also wasn't too happy with how the instructions have you construct the inside.  So, I changed it up a bit to have my seams on the inside of the bag vs showing on the inside of the bag.  It was tricky and involved some hand sewing.  I probably couldn't explain what I did either. 

The flower was just me playing around with fabric. 

inside

If this is your first time making a bag I strongly suggest that you DO NOT start with any of the Hot Pattern Bag Patterns.    I LOVE the style of almost all of the bags but I've found that many times instructions are left out or unclear.  I still continue to buy the patterns, even though they are on the expensive side, because of the great design.  You'll have to be able to take the pattern pieces and know how to construct the bag  by yourself.  I've spent many hours pulling out hair, near tears, with sores on my fingertips from pin pricks while sewing trying to follow the given instructions.  My seam ripper becomes my best friend/worst enemy.  When I'm finished, the bags are great! I almost always get compliments on the bags I make using a Hot Patterns-Pattern.  :)