I wanted to try making
The Cora Purse, which is a free pattern by Clover & Violet. It looked cute with the little zippered pocket outside. The pattern calls for a strap for wearing it like a purse, but it seemed too small for that to me. Inside is a divided section, which for a bag this small was a bit too much to have added. I also didn't make it patchwork. I ended up changing the way this was sewn together too because it seemed too flat, so I made the corners boxed instead of sewing pleats. I wouldn't make this again because I don't think adding a small zippered pocket to the outside of something so small was worth it. Nor would I add a divider inside a small bag again either and since this shaped zippered pouch is rather like so many tutorials and patterns out there already, I would use a better tried and true pattern instead of this one. Glad I didn't bother with the hardware and straps on this. But that's me, maybe you would love it?
I also followed the instructions to use flannel, but using fleece or foam would have given the pouch more substance and body as the flannel was rather flimsy. She only used interfacing for the exterior and not the lining, which also contributed to a limp bag. Sometimes I like to follow the designers instructions because maybe I could save $ on interfacing and fleece, etc. But in this instance I should have known better and it would have made a better bag with using interfacing on the lining and fleece instead of flannel too. Still it turned out looking fine.
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| Divider inside, which is totally unnecessary in my opinion. I am rather opinionated too, aren't I, LOL??? |
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| Bottom of the bag. |
I am linking this the the
Elm Street Quilts Bag It 2017.
Pin It Now!
I remember when I started sewing bags, doing everything to the letter and thinking I had done something wrong if it didn't turn out the way it seemed like it should. But then, after making a ton of bags, it's like something clicks and when you see a pattern like this you instinctively think "not doing that, that, or that, and why would anyone do that?" Lol.
ReplyDeleteI've seen lots of outside pockets for phones, but why not make that a welt pocket instead? What's the small zippered pocket for? Do they explain in the pattern fanfare? However, small purses like this are very on trend for 20-somethings.
ReplyDeleteGlad you tried it.
The small zippered pocket on the outside is interesting. I agree, not sure how useful the inside divider would be for a purse this size. I do love the fabrics and of course, your little extra touches.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, Daryl! With all your expertise on bags and purses, you know what makes sense and what doesn't. I do like the fabrics you chose, though. Hope you find a home or buyer for this one.
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a nice bag. It can be tough to figure out the right kind of interfacing to use, can't it? Thanks for sharing as part of Elm Street Quilts Bag It.
ReplyDeleteI don't always follow directions for project construction, and I rarely follow interfacing directions because my preference is to quilt bags on batting, and to use lightweight iron-on interfacing (which I buy by the bolt from Joanns when we get Stateside) for the linings. If I'm doing a design that isn't similar to something I've done before, though, I'm likely to pretty much follow the directions ... the first time I make the bag :D Your bag turned out pretty, but there are a lot of bag patterns out there - if I didn't enjoy the results of a pattern, I'd either change it up or just go on to the next one :D
ReplyDeleteDaryl I love your opinions on the bags you sew. You always have great improvements for them. I must admit this one is not my favorite for size and practicality. Pretty fabrics. Thank you for trailblazing. <3
ReplyDeleteyour experience with making this pattern is exactly why I love your blog. you are so good about talking about why you change patterns and what you think would improve it even more. Great fabric I love the color and pattern.
ReplyDeletetara