I came across my Bonnie Bucket Bag by Swoon Sewing Patterns that I hadn't had a chance to finish last year. I needed a new purse so I thought I would finish it for me.
If you haven't tried any of Swoon Sewing Patterns you should give them a try. Alicia has a lot of different types of bags, purses, and totes.
The patterns are well written and come in PDF's or as a printed pattern. I love using PDF's from Swoon as I can leave the directions on my computer and just print out the pages that have the pattern pieces on them.
On the Bonnie it called for a zipper to close the bag, but for me I usually don't zip it half the time. So I used a magnetic snap for the closure. The pattern also called for a welt pocket on the outside, I didn't really have a need for the pocket on the outside so I didn't add that to the bag. I did add a zippered pocket on the inside lining to carry my phone in. I took the time to add a second line of top stitching on the front band and added top stitching to the side seams. To add a little more structure to the bottom of the bag in the lining and outer bag I top stitched down the seam to the bottom of the bag. It gave it the more structure I was looking for and also gave it a more professional finish.
Of course since I like to add some my "Bling" to my bags I tried a new-to-me piece of hardware from Emmaline Bags. Janelle is always coming up with something new to add to my collection. Handmade with pride.
