I did finish my Amy Butler high street messenger bag and have been using it as my handbag for a week or so now. It certainly wasn’t the easiest of things to make and would definitely rate it as a challenge.
Most of the parts of the bag pattern are supposed to be made up of 3 pieces of fabric: the exterior, the interior and the lining. I couldn’t see how this would give any support to the bag and in some cases you would have to sew at least 9 pieces of fabric together. To get around this I used and iron-on medium weight interfacing instead of the lining. I cut each piece of interfacing smaller than the pattern piece required – without the seam allowances. I then ironed this on to the exterior fabric pieces. This has given the bag the support it needs to keep the shape but without the added bulk.
 |
 |
The only thing that I am not totally fussed about is that the bag has a hanging interior pocket. It is quite bulky and does pull down the front of the bag where it is attached. If I made this pattern again I would consider attaching the pocket to the back inside instead. Alternatively I would actually make the pockets and compartments part of the interior of the bag, not as a separate piece.
Anyway … It is a good bag, very useful and quite comfortable to wear. The pleated pockets at the front are perfect for keys wallet and phone and alleviate the need of rummaging to the bottom of a deep bag to find them.
Wow, great job! Looks very spacious and practical.
I think the bag looks great! I love the little boys quilt, that quilting pattern looks fantastic, I’m wishing now that I saved up to have my logcabinstars quilt professionally quilted! I’m off to the S&C show at the GC on saturday, have fun!
Having seen this in the flesh, I can vouch for how beautifully this is made. You did an amazing job. You should sell them (hahaha).