Monday, July 30, 2012

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.

Charlotte Purse by Poppyprint

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.

Charlotte Purse by Poppyprint

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.

Charlotte Purse by Poppyprint

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.

Charlotte Purse by Poppyprint

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!

25 comments:

Leanne said...

It's lovely, and I love the fabrics you used.

Kirsty @ Bonjour Quilts said...

Oooh, yeah, that's a good one. Great pattern, thanks for the heads up. The Aboriginal Dot is a great choice for the lining - I'd never thought of that. I love the way it looks with the turquoise zip, lovely colour combinations.

Heather D. said...

It's great!! I love the little touches like the label inside, and you're right about the brown - doesn't quite count!! I'm not much of a brown lover either, unless I'm making for someone else who likes it.

felicity said...

Nicely done - it looks fabulous!

Clara {Clover and Violet} said...

This is adorable, I love your fabric choices!!

Amy Friend said...

It looks great Krista! I really like your fabric choices.

Dianne said...

Sweet bag Krista! I especially love the floral fabric on the sides - tres pretty!

PinkGranny said...

Great bag. I like the finishing touches. I never thought of binding the top, and I like the zipper pocket.

Tracey Jacobsen said...

Beautiful!
I've got this pattern to make... and am looking forward to it! :)

♥Duff said...

I think you could make any pattern look good, but this one's outstanding! The Echino is such a striking choice.

JoyLeanne said...

Beautiful bag! I will have to look up the pattern some time. :)

Unknown said...

A lovely bag in lovely fabrics Krista!

Tamie said...

This is really pretty. If your friend doesn't like it, let me know.

Patti said...

Another wonderful bag, Krista! As always, your fabric choices make the bag!

lizzieslog said...

Very pretty bag. Was just going to order it but saw your comment about it taking a while to make.

Live a Colorful Life said...

You ARE certifiable, um, I mean certified expert bag lady. They still intimidate me...

Katie B said...

Happy bag! Your friend is sure to love it.

Carla said...

I wish I had the courage to try a bag. Yours is lovely!

Nina Lise@Mrs Moen said...

Well done, bag lady, your joy of making purses most certainly rubs off on the finished projects!!

Wendy said...

Oh, I'm jealous of you testing a Clover and Violet pattern, their bags are lovely. This one is beautiful, great choice of fabric

legato1958 said...

Your fabrics and piecing/quilting make this pattern POP!! So pretty!

sue
legato1958 at aol dot com

Elsa said...

Really love the bag and your color choices ~ turned out great.
Disappointed that I won't be making the trip to Seattle to meet up with your guild and the Seattle guild. I've got a friend coming that week to visit.

Jo Ann said...

Love the bag Krista! It looks like a very useful one to. I am sure it will be loved!

Katy Cameron said...

It looks great, bet you don't get to take back!

Frances said...

A handbag organizer would go along well with this pretty purse as you could easily get things you need in the shortest possible time.