Fruity Handbag
The fruit fabric became a casual purse designed by Elaine Heigl. I chose a pattern that I recently bought during a Hancock Fabrics 99¢ pattern sale day. I’m really happy with the finished object and I only wish I’d bought enough fabric to make a matching wallet, too.
- Pattern: Simplicity 2685
- Fabric: 100% cotton
- Lining: same, 100% cotton
- Notions: short zipper and 4 buttons
- Pattern Description: Small tote that could be a shoulder bag or handbag
- Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes!
- Were the instructions easy to follow? The only part I had a bit of trouble wrapping my brain around was making the inside, hidden pocket. I simply followed the instructions blindly and it worked!
- What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? The pattern itself was quick and simple, but I would have liked a few more design features like more interior pockets. I don’t like that the purse doesn’t close, so I tried to add a magnet clasp, but after two tries, I was never happy with the result, so I gave up.
- Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I added more inside pockets to hold my cellphone and keys. I reinforced the straps/handles with machine stitching. Also, I used fabric covered buttons instead of plastic ones as shown in the pattern.
- Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I would sew this one again. I think if I make it again, I would modify the design to be more of a trapezoid shape instead of a rectangle.
