I saw the Sew Alongs for the Amy Butler bags and knew I wanted to join in – you can find the Style Stitches book on Amazon, and it comes with all the patterns!!
So I just got the book this week and figured I wouldn’t participate in February, but then I really wanted to make that bag, so I just did! I liked the idea of using it for a craft tote (that picture in the book where it’s filled with yarn).
Pattern Adjustments
I made a few changes to the pattern –
–first, SOOO glad I looked through the flicker groups before I started – I saw that a lot of people divided the pocket and I thought that would be most functional for me. I also saw that someone added a ruffle to the front pocket, which I loved and copied:
— I also cut down the size of the whole bag. The pattern calls for a lot of fabric – I made this last-minute and used what I had on hand, so I had 2 pieces of Amy Butler Fabric that were 1/2 yard each. I made it work. The bag is still plenty big – especially since I don’t want it to be a “shopper”. The secret is that for the lining where you need more fabric than the outside (for the handles and outside pocket) I didn’t have enough so half-way down I used plain fabric (fabric – sheet – – it’s all the same – you know I love using sheets!)
–I didn’t put any pockets on the inside – since it’s half plain I knew I wouldn’t be reversing the bag. So I added a pocket to the outside – the one on the back doesn’t have a ruffle because I didn’t have enough fabric.
Anyways, I LOVE my bag – you should make one!!
Modified Version
I made a smaller version for a little book bag – the girls picked their fabric and helped sew it – here’s the neighbor, who LOVES hers. And a picture of my daughter, who sewed her own (I did the bottom – that part’s a little tricky – the rest is just straight seams).
LOVE IT!! Love the style, color, and the changes you made. I’m gonna have to remember that ruffle along the pocket thing — really adds!
I Love this bag!! Beautiful colors and the ruffles are so cute! Great job :o)
I love your fabric choices!! Can I just tell you that i have had that book for aaaaaages now and still haven’t made a single thing? I’m such a slacker!
I absolutely LOVE your fabric choice! And the bag is awesome. You did a really nice job!
So pretty – I am on the hunt for the book now!
yours turned out great. I have made two already!
That book is WAY up there on my list! I made the blossom handbag and I love it! (there was a free pattern on Sew, Mama Sew!) I really need to get it ordered. 🙂
xoxo,
Amy
This is awesome! Great job.
https://itsybitsypaper.blogspot.com
Hey there,
LOVE the bag and your blog. I was wondering what is the secret to making a ruffle? I have tried on the bottom of jeans and the ruffles don’t come out very “even”.
Thanks.
Love the bag so beautiful
Looks great! I really like the ruffle you added to the pocket. Thanks for linking up to the Sew Along!
Im swooning over the fabric you used, such a beautiful bag. And the ruffle was a perfect addition!
I love this bag it is so cute. When I get a sewing machine I’m definently going it make it. And I adore the ruffle you added.
REALLY love that bag! Great job! Must make one!
I finally went over and looked at all the “link ups” for the sew along! Let me just say, as cute as they are, yours is by far the cutest one! I just love the little ruffle! 🙂
So CUTE! I don’t know how I missed this when you posted it…I love the bag pared down. It really is a BIG bag sewn as instructed. I used it as an overnight bag…that’s the size. Now you’ve made it to be more purse-size. I love it!
I totally agree – this bag is too big for the average 5’2″ shopper – and I LOVE your ‘refined’ version!
going to work on my origami bags today!
You’ve totally inspired me to make one AND add a ruffle. I will give you credit, too – when it’s finally finished.
I love this! I must have missed this post, because I’m just reading it today – but I sewed my first bag yesterday and I’m so excited about it. Now that I’ve seen yours I think I’ll have to do one like it! Really beautiful. I can’t wait to give those pockets a try. ~Lori