I just finished sharing several items from Pattern Parcel #6 and it’s already time for Pattern Parcel #7! This is the last one for the year, but one that I was particularly excited to receive – bag patterns!
Of course, I’d love to make them all…but with Christmas coming up, my gift sewing is taking priority. I decided to try the Evelyn Handbag by ChrisW. I’ve read consistently excellent reviews of her patterns and I wanted to test one for myself.
This is a really pretty handbag. It’s feminine shape and detailed styling make it look store-bought. It’s labeled as an intermediate pattern, which seems appropriate. There isn’t anything particularly hard about the pattern, but it requires attention to detail and slow sewing in many places. I would recommend that you put together a couple of other simple bags before attempting something with this level of detail.
The pattern has many pages, but only about 10 pages need to be printed. The rest of the pages are filled with great details to help you make a professional-looking bag. One of the pattern features that I particularly liked was the label tags for the rectangular pieces. It was helpful to keep the pieces organized, and I may try incorporating a similar tag system into my future patterns and revisions. Christine also includes a section of printable directions without all of the photos, so that you can have a hard copy of the directions without using up your color ink.
There are plenty of pockets for everything. The elasticated side pockets are just the right size for a phone. There is also an exterior zipper pocket and interior pockets on both sides of the lining. One interior pocket is a patch pocket with a zipper pouch on the front. I skipped the zipper for the interior pocket, and just added the patch pocket. Other than that, I didn’t make any changes. The pieces fit together perfectly and the construction techniques are efficient.
This is the first time I have used bag feet. They are applied like magnetic snaps. It’s a fairly inexpensive addition that adds a lot of class to the bag and something I will definitely use again. I ordered my hardware from Janelle at Emmaline Bags and was pleasantly surprised by the shipping time and the extra little gift Janelle included in the package.
I used a lavender wool herringbone for the main exterior. It’s been in my stash for a couple of years and worked well for the bag. It was thinner weight wool, so I made sure to choose stable interfacing and added the fusible fleece on all of my pieces. The interior leopard print fabric is a home decor weight cotton and the faux leather is from JoAnn Fabrics.
The Evelyn Handbag is part of the last Pattern Parcel of the year. I think this group of patterns is perfect right before the holidays, since bags make great gifts. There is such a nice variety that there’s really a bag for every need and every style.
Parcel #7 includes:
Barcelona Bag and Wallet by Pat Bravo
Butterfly Sling Purse by Emmaline Patterns
Evelyn Hangbag by ChrisW Designs
Midtown Messenger Bag by Betz White
Betty Bowler by Swoon Sewing Patterns
BONUS PATTERN: Daphne Bag, by Clover & Violet
Choose a price of $32 or greater for Parcel #7 and you will automatically also be sent the Bonus Pattern! That’s just over $5 a pattern. The Bonus Pattern for this Parcel is the brand new Daphne Bag pattern from Clover & Violet. The Daphne is a slouchy satchel that can be worn cross-body or as a shoulder bag. The zip top keeps your gear secure and the internal pockets keep your accessories where you need them. This is a brand new, never been seen before pattern and is an exclusive opportunity for Parcel #7 customers!
How Pattern Parcel Works:
Here at Perfect Pattern Parcel, we believe in supporting independent pattern designers. It’s our opinion that indie patterns are just, well, better than big box patterns, and we’re pretty sure our customers think so too. So, we allow customers to show their support in naming their own price for each Parcel. We also encourage customers to allocate part of their Parcel price to the charity Donorschoose.org in order to help classrooms in need. Pattern Parcel donates all profits after expenses from Parcel sales to the charity as well. It’s our goal to raise over $20,000 for Donors Choose this year.
Head over to the Pattern Parcel site for more details…
Want to see more finished bags from these patterns? Follow the blog tour to see what everyone is making and be inspired to create your own bags!
Parcel #4 Inspiration Tour Schedule:
Friday, November 7
Stitched || Sew Exhausted
Saturday, November 8
Made by Sara || Oliver’s Fancy || Strawberry Patch Ramblings
Sunday, November 9
from a box || Mia’s Creations || MOMENTS
Monday, November 10
owen’s olivia || While she was sleeping
Tuesday, November 11
Nutta || Radiant Home Studio || La Pantigana
Wednesday, November 12
Sew Fishsticks || Stacy Sews || Stitching Insane || GnomeAngel
Thursday, November 13
Needle and Ted || Patchouli Moon Studio || Sprouting JubeJube || The Crazy Tailor
Friday, November 14
Casa Crafty || A Jennuine Life || ‘So, Zo… What do you know?’
Saturday, November 15
Stitches by Laura || Rebekah Sews || Serger Pepper
Sunday, November 16
Blogs Like A Mother || Vicky Myers creations || Blossom Heart Quilts
Monday, November 17
Shanni Loves || So Sew Easy || GYCT Designs || Tiger In A Tornado
Tuesday, November 18
The Nosy Pepper || Keep Calm and Carrion || There & Back || Sewing Sober
Wednesday, November 19
Sew Like My Mom || Knot Sew Normal || Stacy Sews || sewVery
Thursday, November 20
Mimi’s Mom || Our Family Four || shades of BOLD || Modern Handcraft
Friday, November 21
Shawnta Sews || Lulu & Celeste || Amanda Rose || Robin’s Fabric Nest || House of Pinheiro
Sara, that lavender herringbone is beautiful. I’m looking at it in the picture and I just want to run my hand over it. Nice lining too! I’m especially fond of leopard prints. Your bag is lovely and the honest review is appreciated.
Thanks Jill! I love wool for bags. It’s naturally water resistant, so it works well.
Just lovely! I love your fabric choices and the faux leather adds a nice detail! well done!
Thanks Holli!
Oh, your version is lovely, Sara! I especially like the straps and the leopard print! I made this pattern up for my daughter, and she loves the bag. I’ve had the privilege of making up several of Christine’s bags, and her patterns are excellent and a pleasure to construct.
Thank you Krista! Everyone I’ve talked to loves Christine’s patterns. She’s built up a great reputation!
2 Evelyn’s posted the same day! I haven’t looked at the 3rd posting yet so I don’t know what that bag is yet. Love that herringbone you chose. I made 2 of these bags last year and love this bag.
I know! I just saw the pretty quilted Evelyn. I wondered who would be brave enough to try it (and with a knit fabric, no less). Though I haven’t made the other bags, my guess is that this is the most detailed and advanced pattern in the parcel. I love that there is a good variety of patterns for different skill levels in this bundle.
Lovely bag, very nice colour, and the faux leather give it a nice touch
Thank you Lorena!
Great job! LOVE your fabric choices! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the Evelyn pattern! 🙂
Thank you Christine!
So glad you tried Christine’s pattern out. I’ve not made this one just yet but have tested most of her other bags and love her patterns. Yours is very pretty in that lavender colour and the pleather straps look perfect with this fabric.
Thanks Maria! Your recommendation of Christine’s patterns was one of the main considerations in choosing this one.
Gorgeous blog! Off to follow! And thanks for stopping by! I’m trying to get out and about and connect with other like bloggers more – and the christmas call also includes ideas that make great gifts – so bag patterns and posts like this are perfect! ^_^
Thank you! I’ll see what I can think of!
Adorable version, Sara: really feminine but not too girly!
My fav parts are straps (I need to try faux-leather, sooner or later!) and the leopard lining <3
Hugs from Italy,
Irene
SergerPepper.com
Thanks Irene! I think you described it perfectly… Feminine, but not too girly is exactly what I was hoping for.
It is gorgeous in that lavender herringbone! I haven’t made this one yet but it is on my list, even more now with your review.
Love your new blog’s design, btw! 🙂
Thank you Sara! I switched to woocommerce and needed a theme that worked with it already. I tried to keep it similar but I have a few more personal touches I want to add.