Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Purse Palooza 2014 - Zombie Apocolypse!

Hi All, I am Teresa from ttBird Designs / Handmade.  When Sara asked me to blog about a purse pattern I was so excited and flattered to be chosen. I have followed Purse Palooza for a couple of years and I admire all the great work that everyone is doing out there to promote our art and create amazing pdf patterns for bag makers everywhere.

I selected the Bonnie Pattern by Alicia of Swoon Patterns.  To get me in the mood for Halloween, I selected Riley Blake's Zombie Apocolypse for my bag.  I just love this fun fabric.  I have a little more in my stash so I think a matching wallet is called for next. 


I love sewing bags and I am always on the lookout for a pattern that will appeal to my customers and myself.  This pattern is one that I would definitely carry on a daily basis because it has a couple of my major requirements for my ideal everyday bag, an outside pocket for my phone and the ability to carry a ginormous amount of stuff. 

This bag is great for an intermediate sewer, but with a little patience could be completed by a beginner.  The bottom of the bag has an oval shaped bottom, but do not be afraid.  I was intimidated at first but found that it really too difficult to attach the sides to the oval bottom. It really does make the bag look so professional when it is finished. 

The pattern is intended to be made with vinyl or décor weight fabric, which was a plus because I might just happen to have a few rolls of vinyl hanging around my “sweat shop”.   But don’t be afraid to make this bag in quilting weight fabric.  This bag has a slouchy shape that works fine with lighter weight materials.  I used quilting weight fabric and two layers of SF101 on the exterior of my bag and one layer of SF101 on my lining and I think it has the perfect amount of slouch.  


The pattern has a clear list of what supplies are needed to make this purse from start to finish and instructions with illustrations to get your through inserting the most unique feature of the bag, the welt zipper pocket on the outside of the bag.  The welt is constructed in an unconventional and much easier way than your typical welt pocket.





The interior of the bag has a slip pocket and an additional zipper pocket to store all those little things you don't want lost at the bottom of the bag. The top closes with a zipper or if you would like a magnetic clasp would do the job also. 



Thanks everyone for visiting my blog.  This is my first time on Purse Palooza and my very first blog.  I think that's a great start to blogging don't you?   And my biggest thanks go to Sara Lawson of Sew Sweetness for giving me this wonderful opportunity.  

Now get out there and make something!

4 comments:

  1. Found your 1st blog post through Sara at Sew Sweetness. I don't blog often and just started last Spring. But I love to sew - quilts and bags. Love how you made this bag! Cool!

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  2. The purse looks great: do you make many purses? I've thought about it, but the thought of putting so much work into it and then use it and wear it out makes me not want to do it. What has been your experience with that end of making purses? Thanks! Hugs, H in Healdsburg

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  3. HI Helen, I do sew a lot of purses. Some I sell and some I carry. I have found that the ones I make tend to last a lot longer than purses I buy from retail stores. Also, I can make them to fit my specifications. The outer pocket is non negotiable to me and I am always amazed by the number of bags that don't have one. I encourage you to try making a bag for yourself. If you are afraid of it wearing out maybe a little pleather or faux suede on the bottom of the bag would help. Hope you have a great day!

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