This bag turned out really nice! I'm very happy with all 3 sizes and hope you like them too.
The pattern can be found here.
This cute kitty fabric can be found here.
Style
These bags have a classic pleated style, with the security of a zippered top. Besides being secure, the zipper is hidden below the top--just like the Inset Zip Clutch Pattern--and looks really nice. If you've made the Inset Zip Clutch, you already know how super simple this type of zipper is to install!
The construction is easy and they go together surprisingly fast. If you have sewing experience, this is probably a 1.5 - 2 hour project. This will be another good production pattern for those of you selling finished goods.
The bags look nice in a print, wool, brocade, or just about any other fabric you are comfortable sewing. Make it casual in a fun cotton print, or really sophisticated in wool, silk, brocades, etc.
Sizes
There are three sizes. The small one is sweet and petite, but still roomy enough for your phone, a small wallet, keys, lipgloss, and a few other small things.
The medium one is well, bigger.
The large one is really quite big! The bottom of the large one is about the length of your forearm & hand stretched out.
A quick note about the large one: it requires interfacing 24"+ wide. Interfacing is meant for small pieces, so the standard is 20" - 22" wide, but it does come in wider widths. You can also cheat a bit by just letting the bottom corners of the A pieces hang off the sides and they won't be interfaced. These corners are pleated into the sides anyway, so I think you'll be ok just leaving them bare.
Topstitching
I didn't topstitch around the very top for this pattern. It was just really impossible for the small one, so I skipped it all together. You can still topstitch the medium & large, and with some fabrics it can be helpful. For example, on the large one in the brown wool, the fabric is thicker than quilting cotton, so the top seam is reluctant to lay down even with lots of pressing. In this case topstitching around the top will flatten out that seam and keep those pieces in place.
Quilting
Lately, I've developed a fondness for quilting linings. Just a few rows of stitches add some structure to the lining and keep it from being so soft and floppy. So this pattern includes muslin in the supplies. You can substitute scrap fabric or sew-in interfacing for the muslin.
The pattern shows quilting lines every 2" across the pieces, but you can quilt the lining in any pattern.
Strap
You might wonder why the strap is at the very end and inserted through the side seam and then sewn down. Well, because I kept messing it up! Most of the samples I made the seam of the strap ended up on the front side not matter how hard I tried to get it right. Along the way, I decided it is just easier to do it this way and avoid the frustration.
O-Rings
I will be adding some o-rings to my etsy shop, and have ordered more of the antique brass ones. You can also search the supplies category for: o-rings, oring, round ring, flat ring, round link, etc.
The pattern uses a 1" (26 mm) o-ring, but a 3/4" should be fine too.
Your local hardware store probably has solid o-rings available. They usually aren't the best quality, but they will do.
A 1" oval ring is also alright.
YEA!!!! Just ordered and I know what I 'm doing later.. made the other pleated front clutch over the weekend so this should go together easily! Thanks Michelle! Love the fabric too!
Posted by: Mary Ann B | January 24, 2012 at 02:58 PM
Thanks everyone!
This bag is making me feel really inspired. I think it is because it turned out so nice, and it is also my first pattern in a few months. It feels good to be productive!
Posted by: Keyka Lou | January 24, 2012 at 02:31 PM
Picked it up right away. It looks really nice. Can't wait to try it.
Posted by: Uli | January 24, 2012 at 12:57 PM
Yay! Ordering it right now...thanks..this is just such a nice pattern and I do love that inset zip and how easy it is to put in.=)
Posted by: Patty Darbee | January 24, 2012 at 11:50 AM
Super excited! I love your patterns and just got this one!!
Posted by: Christina | January 24, 2012 at 11:11 AM
Just got it, thanks!!
Posted by: SewLindaAnn | January 24, 2012 at 10:12 AM
LOVE this pattern! Just bought it (and 3 more!). Thanks so much for the happy little discount code today!
Posted by: Elizabeth | January 24, 2012 at 09:34 AM
Yay for new designs ~ this one is cute and love the fabric.
Posted by: elsa | January 24, 2012 at 08:00 AM
Thank you for the new pattern!! I love it!!
Posted by: Sasha | January 24, 2012 at 07:44 AM