Tuesday 9 June 2015

Sewing fear number two ... conquered!

After successfully conquering my fear of sewing curves earlier this year, it was time to face the next challenge: making a structured purse/handbag. I have made a few tote bags in my time, but I wanted a bag with some more details, a different shape, and most importantly a zippered closure. 

Enter the Penelope Purse from Clover and Violet! I had seen this pattern being reviewed on Instagram recently, and I'd also read a few blog entries about other Clover and Violet bags, and how great the patterns were. Most importantly for me I could use the interfacing and fusible fleece that I had on hand (as I can't buy anything like that here and have to get it from overseas).

The final push came when a friend, who was leaving to return to America, said casually that she really needed a new purse. I knew I had to make one for her! 

I made a handbag/purse!

I just love the end result, and I was so reluctant to give this away in the end!
It wasn't a quick make, but the instructions were really clear and even the zipper came together without any trouble!

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Because I was a bit pushed for time in the end I didn't include the inside zippered pocket, but there is still a pocket which will fit a phone.

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The bag is very roomy inside, and it fits snuggly under your arm, nice and secure. 

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Now I just need to make another one for me!

Linking up with 

Sew Cute Tuesday

15 comments:

  1. How awesome to be conquering your fears and making such beautiful and useful items to boot! I really like the look of the size of the bag. Nicely done!

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  2. How nice that you made a last minute gift for your friend to cherish long after her visit is over. It's looks lovely and I might have to try one!

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  3. Great job conquering fears! It's the best way to grow in any aspect of your life. It would be hard to give that beautiful purse up; you're a great friend!

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  4. Definitely make one for yourself - its gorgeous!!

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  5. And what a stylish way to conquer the fear of bag making! You definitely need to make one for yourself!

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  6. It's turned out so lovely Deb and I can see why you'd want to make another for yourself. Such great fabric choices too! Jen

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  7. Lovely job! (I'm trying to conquer my fear of bags, too. Just today I bought some fusible webbing since it was on sale. On step closer...) :)

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  8. it's a lovely bag! Well done on tackling something new, so successfully!

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  9. Go you! Well done for conquering fears and making gorgeous goodies! it looks fantastic!

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  10. Well done, I still have a fear of tricky bags like this so i'm extra impressed by the job you've done with this one. I look forward to seeing the bag you make yourself too.

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  11. Love this cute bag and you did such a lovely job with those curves!

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  12. A very lovely bag! Now you really need to make one for yourself.

    -Soma

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  13. Isn't it wonderful when you can make something you are really proud of without having to go to the shops for supplies!

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  14. Gorgeous bag, I've bought this pattern and will be making it as soon as I'm home.

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