Vale Crossbody Bag in Pixie Size~ ChrisW Designs Newest PDF Pattern

The Vale Crossbody bag by ChrisW Designs is her newest pdf pattern and it includes 3 sizes! Pixie, Petite & Midi sizes. I made the cute Pixie size. The Pixie is the smallest and measures 8 3/4" wide x 6 3/4" high x 2" deep. A perfect size for carrying minimal items, or for a teen, or younger child, or make matching mommy/daughter bags. Need a bit more room? Petite size would be great for you. Midi is larger still for the person who has more to carry or larger items to hold.

The bag closes with a zipper, has a back zipper pocket and and inside zipper pocket. The front has a slip pocket with a snap closure. An adjustable strap that clips on. 

Grab your pdf pattern while on sale. Scroll to bottom of this post for links.

I upcycled denim jeans to make this Vale Pixie size. It would have been much easier to make if I hadn't used denim because it was a bit too thick in places. The Midi size would have been much better in denim. I wasn't thinking about the thickness of denim when I chose it, but Christine added a mention of it in the final pattern so someone else won't choose too heavy of a fabric. That's why we test patterns 😉to find out where the struggles are, if any, besides the usual typos, etc.

The inside has a zipper pocket with a vinyl overlay. The zipper on the outside is the back side of the bag.

Check out the features of each size Vale bag & see the Tester's Bags here.

Blog post for the Vale Crossbody Bag, plus tester photos, info, video intro, video instructions and to purchase the pdf pattern here too. Pdf on sale for a limited time.

Happy bag sewing!

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Swiftly Tote a ChrisW Design Pattern in 3 Sizes: Small-Large-Mini

I tested the Swiftly Tote, a pdf pattern by Chris W Designs that comes in 3 sizes. I tested the small size, which I would say is more of a medium size than a small size. It is smaller than the large size though. The small makes a perfect handbag/crossbody bag too. I added the removeable adjustable crossbody strap so it could be worn as a crossbody bag, which is so handy. It has handles too and I made mine short as a grab handle because I wouldn't carry this on one shoulder, but if you make one, you can make your handles the longer size as in the pattern for wearing on one shoulder. 

Christine's signature phone pocket is a wonderful hidden pocket and you can choose to add one on the front and one on the back for 2 hidden pockets, or just add one where you want it. I added one on each side as I love the convivence of these pockets. I use them for keys.

Inside is a zipper pocket with an overlay. I used vinyl for the overlay, but you can use cork or any non fraying material you want to use.

The pattern calls for using vinyl, cork and waterproof canvas for the lining so that this bag is a quicker sew, since you wouldn't need any interfacing. I chose to use vinyl only as an accent for the base of the bag and the overlay zipper pocket inside the bag. I used quilting cottons and added interfacing and fleece stabilizer. You can make this bag any way you prefer and my preference is quilting cottons as they colors are so pretty and I have quilting cotton and I prefer to use vinyl or cork as accents rather than as a whole bag. That is what is great about making a bag is you can custom make it with whatever materials you want and add or subtract pockets or other extras.

The bag closes with a top zipper closure, my favorite zipper closure!!! I don't like recessed zippers as it is harder to access and see inside the bag, but this top zipper opens wide as you can see in the interior photos below. Why fight trying to find things in a bag? Now you don't have to. I added an additional divided slip pocket inside too. I wanted a simple slip pocket with a pen division in the center. You could use Christine's Pocket Supplement A pattern to add extra pockets to your bag too, especially if you make the larger version of the Swiftly Tote.

This bag is quick to make and you can cut most of the pieces out with a rotary cutter or there are SVG files included too for those who have cutting machines that make it easier to cut out your pieces. The pdf also comes with templates for all the pieces too, if you prefer cutting that way. Something for everyone. And there is video instructions as well as the pdf, so you can follow along  and sew with Christine. Rated for a Confidant Beginner Sewer/Sewist.

Here is my Swiftly Tote in size Small. The small measures 14 1/4" wide x 9 1/2" high x 3 1/2" deep.

(The large, which I didn't make, measures 17" wide x 11 1/2" high x 4 1/2" deep).

I used cotton webbing for the grab handles and made my adjustable strap that is removeable from the main fabric. The turquoise fabric is a hand dyed fabric that I dyed years ago and was the perfect color accent and even matches the vinyl I used for the base and overlay.

Isn't she pretty? I used a turquoise zipper closure.

Vinyl base to tote.

Added divided pocket with pen pocket in center.

Vinyl zipper overlay pocket.

See how wide the bag opens up to see inside. Zipper overlay pocket and I added a divided slip pocket too with a pen in the center.

Hidden phone pocket on the front side.

2nd hidden phone pocket on the back side of the Swiftly Tote.

But wait there's more! After I tested the small, Christine asked if anyone wanted to test a Mini version and I gladly accepted. The Swiftly Mini is the perfect size for a crossbody bag. I made mine without the grab handles and just made a crossbody version with an adjustable strap. I added one strap tab with a hardware ring to the front and one to the back and added the strap after the bag was complete. I only added one hidden pocket on the back side (it's too small for a phone like in the small & large versions, but great for keys or a shopping list), an inside zipper pocket with a vinyl overlay, and a simple slip pocket with pen division inside too. 

The Swiftly Mini measures 11" wide x 8" high x 3" deep.

One strap tab on the front with ring hardware & one on the back to create a crossbody version.

Back side with the hidden pocket.

Bag opens so size and wide. Slip pocket with a pen pocket division.

Zipper pocket with a vinyl overlay. This vinyl is cool and looks like tan denim jeans.

Side view.

I used fabric that matched the crossbody strap I made for the base here.

Crossbody over an outdoor chair. Wish I had a way of photographing on me or someone else, but alas I don't. I took this one out to buy groceries on Monday and I love the size! It's perfect size for me. I love the top zipper closure so I can easily zip and unzip and see what's inside. 

Want to make one or all 3 sizes of the Swiftly Tote? Be sure to grab your pattern now while the pattern is on sale as a new release. Go here to purchase the pdf and to see all the testers versions and sizes, go here for the photos and the video introduction too. This bag looks so different in different colors and materials used. Christine even put the Pocket Supplement A on sale too, which can be used in the small and large Swiftly versions as well as other bag patterns that are about the same size too. The Intro pricing is for a short time only, so grab your pattern soon. Video Intro here, with tester photos too.

Happy bag sewing!

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Serendipity Hip Cross Body Bag (Updated PDF from ChrisW Designs)

Christine of ChrisW Designs (CWD) has updated the Serendipity Hip bag and wrote a whole new pdf and video too! I tested the first Serendipity Hip bag for Christine many years ago and had made several of them too. I tested the new updated version and can tell you it looks about the same, but has some updated ways it is sewn and a few changes making this bag easy to sew. It is a very popular pattern for CWD, so updating it was great!

The pdf pattern is on sale too and no code is needed. If you did purchase the original pdf pattern, you will receive this updated pdf version for free! 

Here is what Christine says about the new update Serendipity Hip:

Updates include a new top zipper installation method, better front zipper pocket construction, increased phone pocket size, optional Kam Snap to close the front pocket assembly, and the Strap Tabs have been relocated. The card pocket assembly has also been updated. If you have previously bought this pattern, you can receive the new version FREE! If it is a recent purchase, the files in your account will have updated. Alternatively, it may be in your old account HERE. If it is in neither account or has been purchased on Etsy or a different venue, please email me with your proof of purchase and I will email you the new files".

Even after I tested this, Christine made a few changes from feedback from some of the testers, so my bag has the strap connectors placed one on the front and one on the back, whereas they are both on the back now. You can watch the trailer video of Chris showing the Serendipity Hip and explaining the features and showing all the tester versions on her link at the end of Christine's page where you buy the pdf and read about the pattern here.

The finished bag measures approximately 8" wide x 10" high x 1 3/4" deep.

I used cotton fabric for my test bag. I love that print fabric and only had a small amount left, so I used it along with a purple Grunge accent fabric. I used the Grunge fabric above the zipper pocket too, whereas you can use the main fabric there if you desire.

Side view showing the bag depth.

Back side.

Looking down into the slip pocket and the phone pocket behind the zipper pocket on the front.

Inside has 4 card pockets and each pocket can hold a couple of cards if you want.

Empty card pockets.

A zipper pocket is located across from the card pockets.

Front zipper pocket.

The bag has a curved zipper main closure to keep contents secure.

The bottom view.

So there you have it. This is a popular style and size bag for carrying a few essentials. It can be made in all fabric like I did or in vinyl or cork or maybe just an accent bottom in vinyl or cork. So many combinations to choose from. Please do watch the video trailer to see how fabric choices from all us testers do make this sweet bag look so very different.

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Celestial Curve Bag with Cross Body Strap

I had sold the corduroy bag with the floral print that I made and tested for ChrisW Designs, but then she later asked about lengthening the strap of that bag. I couldn't do that as the strap was both sewn and glued in place. I had no more of that floral print corduroy left, so I offered to make her a cross body bag instead of the fixed shorter strap of the original bag. I did have thin wale navy corduroy, so she wanted it.

I made the strap in the same print as the lining. The corduroy would have been not only too thick, but the nap of the corduroy would end up in 2 directions on a strap, which I didn't like either. I like that the strap fabric looks good and then when the bag is opened, you see the same fabric as the lining, so it ties it together.

Now that I made it with a cross body strap, which I wanted to do for me too, I know it works, although I may still want to tweak it a bit more where the strap connectors are installed. Not sure what I would change for sure, but it is still rather thick in that area. I will think about it before making another one.

For some reason it photographed more royal blue than navy blue, but it is navy blue. I guess the sun makes it look more blue?

Inside is a slip pocket and a zipper pocket, plus the full gusset too.

The slip pocket has a bit of the corduroy showing as trim at the top.

There is a zipper pocket inside too.

Top view of zipper closure.

Side view of the bag gusset.

Bottom view.

I love this bag shape!

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Celestial Curve Bag(s) by ChrisW Designs

Celestial Curve Bag pdf (with video instruction too) is now available and it's ON SALE!  Designed by ChrisW Designs, who is a fabulous designer and has the best instructions! I tested these 2 bags for her. I love the shape and size of this bag! The bag features a zipper closure, a stand up handle thanks to the boning used in the handle, a full gusset both outside and inside, and a slip and a zipper pocket inside.

The exterior fabric requires 1/2 yard of fabric. I happened to have 2 fat quarters of the floral print (2nd bag shown) and could easily cut the exterior pattern pieces from those fat quarters. The first bag shown is from a large corduroy scrap that was also the right size. The lining take a bit more fabric due to the zipper and slip pockets that are inside the bag. Such a great looking bag in cotton fabric, vinyl or leather as you can see on the other tester's bags (links at the end).

This bag went together quickly and there is no hardware needed, just a couple of notions like a #3 zipper for the pocket and #5 zipper for the closure, plus interfacing, and stabilizers.

The Celestial Curve Bag measures 11" wide x 5 1/2" high x 3 1/2" deep.

This corduroy bag is for sale in my PayHip Shop.

This Celestial Curve Bag was the first one I made with the 2 fat quarters for the exterior. I love the bright happy floral print and colors of this bag! This one is for me!!!

The Celestial Curve Bag measures 11" wide x 5 1/2" high x 3 1/2" deep.

Side view showing gusset.

Such a pretty bag bottom 😂.

Inside slip pocket.

Zipper pocket inside.

I might even make a third bag, since I love the size and shape soooo much!!!! But I will have to find just the right fabric in my fabric collection first.😄

Hurry and grab this pattern while the pdf is on SALE!!!

You can find the pattern in USD on the International website here: https://www.chriswdesigns.com/.../celestial-curve...

Find the Pattern in AUD on the Aussie website here: https://chriswdesigns.com.au/.../celestial-curve.../

See the Introductory Blog Post here: https://www.chriswdesigns.com/.../celestial-curve...

See a full Gallery of photos here: https://www.chriswdesigns.com/the-baguette-bag-gallery\

Video Trailer with Tester Photos: https://youtu.be/DLaVm3grILQ

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