The Charlotte Purse

Poppyprint peeps already know I'm a certified bag lady. I've probably made over 50 bags and purses and never tire of them. Choosing coordinating fabrics, linings and closures is super fun for me. When Jennie of Clover & Violet asked if I'd like to test out their new Charlotte Purse pattern, it was perfect timing.

We will visit friends in Oregon later in the summer and when we saw them last, I received some very strong hints that a bag would be very much appreciated.  I really hope she likes it, because it did take quite a bit of time to sew up (note: I'm not above asking for something back if it's obvious it isn't quite what the recipient had in mind and it won't see any use). After all, I can always try again. It's not like I don't have a few yards of fabric here in different colours!  I've very open about my brown aversion, but this Echino linen blend has so much else going, it almost doesn't count as brown.

This purse is super roomy and has loads of storage. Both the front and back side have a full quilted pocket (I used fusible Pellon for batting).  The lining and main body fabrics are supported with lightweight, fusible woven interfacing.

On the inside of the main body, which measures about 13" x 12", there is a cell phone pocket on one side and a zip pocket on the other.  I love the construction of the zip pocket (below). The first time I used this method it was a bit of a brain-bender, but I've made them many times now, and always include this type of pocket in a bag that I design for myself. Sometimes it's fun to use an unexpected print to line this pocket but this bag already has a lot going on, so I stuck with Kaffe's Aboriginal Dot which is a fav lining fabric of mine.

It's the first time I've bound the top of a bag and I really like the finished look (not to mention getting to skip the 'turning it all right side out through the lining' process!). The fabric covered button and closure are super cute details that really make it for me, along with the functionality of an adjustable strap.  Thanks for the pattern Jennie - I will definitely make this bag again!