Here it is, Spring Fling! Your perfect spring bag!!
That gave me some space in the pattern to write the instructions for a “clean finish” version of the inside zippered pocket which hides the edges of the zipper tape.
First up is Lindsay from LindsHandmade (Facebook • Instagram) These are incredible. She is so talented and was able to make a few minor mods to create this piece of artwork from leather and canvas. I am basically speechless. Just wow!
Darcy (Instagram • Etsy) couldn’t wait to make this after I posted it on Instagram so I had to add her to testing so she could make it sooner!
Reading through this post brings back lots of good (recent) memories! Not only was it fun discussing the pattern and seeing all the fabulous bags by the other testers, it was super fun sewing from this pattern! It was easy, and it turned out a simple yet elegant bag. I love mine and hope I have occasion to make another.
I felt privileged once again to test for DUMD! And yes, that Kay… she outdoes herself every time! 😄
All are so cute. Love the design, too.
I love to use classy handbags. I can change my bag every day that can be matched according to my clothes. Already I have 80+ handbag collection. I love the Gray and Sky one. How can I get these bags?
I have made several of your patterns and they have come out very nicely.
I am a very experienced seamstress– I’ve been sewing since I was 10 and am now 70. Some of your purses have been made to sell at a few craft shows with my sister who also sews.
That being said, I want to comment that your zippers and notched handbag tops are tedious and time consuming to sew. They turn out nicely but the hours spent can’t be recouped or justified with purse pricing. I would like to see some simpler construction that could be quicker to sew and that would not run up the labor for a purse that is going to be sold.
I have made your saddle bag and spring fling designs with the craft market in mind. I made your diaper bag design for a family member gift and decided it was way too complex to be feasible for the craft market. I made your get carded design and decided early in the process that it too would not fetch enough money to justify the price for the size of the wallet.
So my request is that you design some purses with selling at craft shows in mind. I like your designs but the construction techniques are very complicated and time consuming.
Thank you for reading.
Hi Pam! I appreciate what you are saying and I always do keep in mind those who sew and sell, but I try to find a balance between fast to sew and a professional finish. I actually tried to make this very fast to sew in other ways – it only has one main pattern piece (the panel is not pieced!) and it’s small and doesn’t have very many pieces to cut out.
When I create a design that does not have a completely secure top zipper (like the Sunrise Saddle Bag), I am asked almost daily to add one. Zippers are always time consuming when done properly but they seem to be the preference for most of my customers.
There are many people who sew several of my designs to sell, this one included. However the most popular for sewing at craft fairs are the Two Zip Hipster, the Zip and Go, either of the wristlet patterns, the BOTI drawstring backpack, and the Outta Time Tote. I have also seen the Takeoff Tote sized down to a purse size and with a straight across the top zipper you may find that one to be faster. Someone also suggested recently that the Quick Zip Lunch Bag in the larger size makes a cute purse. Hopefully one of those will suit your needs until I can design a few more! :)