But I do have the bag completed and it is the very first bag that I've made! Now I have done plenty of sewing in my lifetime, but I still have never made a handbag. So this was a little nerve wrecking. But I'm happy with how it turned out.

I put myself in the beginner category both because I've never made a bag, but also so that I could make a simpler bag and not drive myself crazy. I tend to go overboard on projects. ;) Who? Me?

I wanted to make a bag from someone else's pattern that others have tried out and liked. So I looked for one that had a great shape but fairly simple construction. This pattern is by Artsy Crafty Babe and is called the Phoebe Bag. And it is a free pattern! You can find it HERE! It's a great little pattern. I think the size is perfect! I was a little distracted I guess when I was making the bag and kept doing some steps in the wrong order. Then I would think I had a better way of doing things, but I didn't. Oh well. That's why it's the first time making a bag!

The pattern calls for an interior simple pocket, so I pulled out some of my favorite shade of Tufted Tweets and threw it on the inside for a little fun.

The exterior fabric is from Just Wing it by Momo for Moda I believe and the green fabric was just a random print that I found at my quilt store that matched. I fussy cut the tab closer so that the trees lined up for a more seamless look. And then I threw on a pretty sparkling button just because everything is more fun when it sparkles! There is a magnetic closure in the tab, but I'd have to think about whether I would want to do that again if I make another one. (and I probably will)

Since I used quilting weight cottons for both the exterior and lining of the bag, I decided to use some fusible fleece help give the bag some weight. I like how it helps the bag keep that cute shape and it was a breeze to work with. I'm trying to explore different types of interfacing and fusible support. So this was a fun time to use a new to me product. And I also bought some scotch guard for the first time and put a couple of coats on the bag to help protect it from stains. I love that it doesn't change how the fabric feels. Genius!

So partner it is ready for you! I may even give myself permission to ship it a little early due to our move date. ;) And I have a yummy goodie bag of scraps all ready to go that I think that you'll enjoy. I know I like them!
Well, I suspect it's not for me, but I sure do love this bag - the pattern is fantastic, and the fabric is even more fantastic! I love it!! And fussy-cutting that tabbed part is super impressive, great job for your first bag :)
ReplyDeleteI love this pattern, and the fabric is beautiful! Great job! I have already downloaded the pattern to try. Thanks!
ReplyDeletewow! It is gorgeous! Thanks for the link to the pattern, I am going to have to make one of these :)
ReplyDeletehttp://loveaffairwithmybrother.blogspot.com
First handbag? It's gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThis is an adorable bag. I'll have to bookmark that pattern.
ReplyDeletePerfectly cute bag...might have to try it!
ReplyDeleteawesome job! (I really like that pattern too). :)
ReplyDeleteIt's really cute...
You did a great job with your first bag - I've never made one either and they kind of scare me I confess
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bag Thanks for sharing the process details too. I have never made a handbag either. Have you used a magnetic closure before? (I haven't).
ReplyDeleteThis is soopah lovely ... gotta have a go ... I just bought some buckram so I might use that instead of interfacing ...
ReplyDeleteIt looks gorgeous! Are you sure this is the first bag you've ever made...all I can say is wow!:)
ReplyDeleteWell done! Fabulous bag, your partner will be thrilled. Thanks very much for the pattern.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great bag! You are a natural at bag making. :)
ReplyDeleteI might copy you and make one of those bags too. Maybe even today if I can get a chance.
I love this - the style and the fabrics you chose for it. I have made lots of bags and find them so much fun.
ReplyDeleteLove the job you did on this bag. The print you chose is so pretty. I'm going to have to add this to my list of projects to try.
ReplyDeleteWow, first bag looks amazing! The fussy cut tab looks great, something I would never think of until after everything was finished!
ReplyDeleteI turned out so cute you did an awesome job on your first bag. WHOA!!
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job, Angela!! Awesome bag!!
ReplyDeleteThat is a really nice bag. I love the shape and that was a good idea to make it weightier (is that a word???). Anyway, very cute!! And of course an awesome job you did!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful bag. You did such a great job.
ReplyDeleteIt's such a cute bag. I ended up making a different pattern but this was one of the ones I considered. I love your fabric choices!
ReplyDeleteYour bag is beautiful, I can't believe it's your first one! I love to make bags and was looking for a pattern to make a bag for my sister in law so thanks for the link, this bag is perfect!
ReplyDeleteSOOOO excited to see this :) I have not been brave enough to try a bag, but I may get brave enough to try- it is sooooo adorable :) And I love the fabric- just perfect! (Now check one more thing off your list :) hehe)
ReplyDeleteJust sitting here catching up on few months worth of blog reading and I spy my new bag :D :D It's even greater in person! Thank you so much for all your effort during what was I'm sure a crazy time for you. Xx
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