Pattern Testing

The lovely Lynda at Patchwork Promises asked me to trial a new bag pattern she has designed.
Seeing as how much I love making bags, how could I resist?

It is called The Lorraine Tote Bag and will be on sale soon, once editing and printing is complete. :)

A hunt through my stash of fabric resulted in some fun, bright lovelies being chosen, then I was off cutting and sewing!

Here is the end result. I am very, very happy with it! The pattern was easy to follow and accurate, it didn't take long to do (I worked on it whenever I had a chance over one weekend) and what delights me even more, is that I can easily make those little changes that I tend to do whenever I make a bag from a pattern. You know the ones..... add extra pockets, piece the outer fabrics, add little touches to make it "mine".   ;)
Because I was testing a pattern, I made this one exactly as the pattern stated. There are 2 options; one with handles attached directly to the bag and no handle hardware, and the version I chose, with handle hardware. It is a really lovely, functional bag without any added extras. The only extra was my button on the flap -  in this case, I used a large flat 4 hole button (black) and glued a bright aqua blue button (I cut off the shank and filed it) onto the centre.




Finished bag - posing could have been better....it isn't lopsided as this photo suggests. :)



Bag showing the base, which is quilted - I used black thread so it dosn't show up here.

Interior - I like light colours inside my bags so that I can find things easier and contrast pockets so that I see them straight away. lol

I am keeping this bag for myself! Of all the bags I have made (quite a few), none have been for me! Finally, I have one! lol

I'm thinking this bag deserves a matching make-up purse, so that just might be next. :)

Excitement! Parcel arrival!

Look what I received in the mail today. :)))

A little while ago, the lovely Megan from Whatever had a giveaway on her blog for this oh, so lovely bag. And I was the lucky winner! Oh my.

 

 

 

Isn't that inside fabulous? It even has a compartment (all stiffened and padded) for a tablet (or ipod or whatever). How cool is that? And lots of little pockets for all the things we carry, plus a large zip pocket behind them.

Of course, an awesome bag like this needs shoes to match..... so a shopping we went......

 

 

...and yes, I did buy a pair....lol. In reality, they are so close in colour, you would think they had been made in the same place. :)

Next on the list was some fabric for a new skirt to go with the accessories....hey, isn't that the way you are supposed to do it, not the other way round? ;)

I found this lovely organic fabric in Kate's online shop  (Kate Quilts - she has some truly yummy fabrics - go check them out!) . Perfect!

Alegria - Bouquet .... works soooo well with the bag and shoes ... and  the yellow is the same yellow!

Won't it look divine once it's made up?

Thank you so much, Megan, for giving me the chance to win this bag! From it has grown a lovely new Spring outfit to brighten my outings. :)