Pattern review: Zippy Bag

This bag was such fun to make. The name of the pattern does refer to the zippers and not necessarily the time it takes to make. I spent one evening cutting out the pieces and another putting it all together. I love this Liberty of London print. This bag called for scraps of small sizes. I was able to use a liberty fat eighth for all three scrap pieces on the pockets and had enough left over to incorporate into the gusset piece of the bag pattern.

This is a Jen Giddens pattern, she tends to go heavy on the interfacing, practically every piece in this pattern is interfaced. She calls for a craft fuse interfacing in the pattern which tends to be more rigid. I used Stacy shape flex in black because frankly that is the only interfacing I like working with. Stacy shape flex is actually fabric and not synthetic giving it a nice hand and is easy to use, also great for apparel.  

Because I used Liberty I opted to keep the pattern choice to a minimum only using one fabric for the inside and two for the outside. You can mix and match the outer and inner zipper pocket fabric pieces and get really scrappy if you like. The other fabric used in this example are essex linen blend in indigo (outer fabric). The interior fabric is an art gallery print that is available in a half dozen other colors here at the shop.  

The instructions were great. I had no problems or questions, the diagrams and sewing steps were easy to follow. This is an intermediate pattern, a great skill builder for sewing zippers! 

I am happy to have a purse that is more finished and not so much of a giant bag. The size is perfect for the basics (9”wide by about 12” tall). The long strap is comfortable to wear across the body leaving my hands free and the purse secure. 

This purse will be on display at the shop. Stop by and check it out.

Happy Sewing! 

By April