Because it’s all about the bags, ’bout the bags, ’bout the bags…
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
As I’m certain you’ve heard about Perfect Pattern Parcel by now, I’ll go over the details in condensed form:
PerfectPatternParcel is about supporting independent pattern designers.  It’s also about supporting Donorschoose.org charity which helps classrooms in need.  You get to name your own price for each parcel, and decide how to allocate the price you pay between charity and these amazing indie designers.  PatternParcel has a goal to raise over $20,000 for Donors Choose this year, and with your support they can do it!
If you choose a price of $32 or greater for this Parcel you will automatically also be sent the Bonus Pattern!  That’s only $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!
I chose to sew the Betty Bowler by Swoon Sewing Patterns because I wanted a cute bag to use as my camera bag. Â This is definitely an adventurous bag to make! Â I’ve made a few bags, and that cupcake backpack I made was definitely good practice for this project.
I won’t lie to you, I had some choice words a few times while making this, and I may have even called Betty some not so nice names. Â But… now that I’m done and the difficult project amnesia has taken over, Betty and I have made nice and I’m totally in love.
There’s no one step that is particularly difficult or confusing, it’s just the very nature of how a bag like this is constructed with layers of interfacing and fusible fleece, stabilizers, piping, etc. and it’s a lot to be wrangling through your machine.
Since this is my new camera bag, I made a lens cozy using a similar manner of stabilizing and padding as the bag itself. Â It’s like a little puffy coat for my lens – isn’t it cute? Â I’ll try to put up a little tutorial for how I made this – after our move to New Jersey is complete.
And since you can’t really take a picture of a camera bag in use using said camera, here’s a phone picture of the interior of Betty. Â Camera, lens, and my remote shutter release live in the main compartment. Â lens caps, battery charger, and a teensy tripod get to hang out in the open pocket. Â I’ll toss some Jennuine Design/A Jennuine Life business cards into the zippered pocket on the front.
I’ll make some kind of padded compartment for the camera itself, but for now I’m happy with it the way it is. Â The entire bag is lightly padded with fusible fleece and with the lens segregated to it’s own case it will be fine until I can make time.
If you’re up for a manageable challenge, then give the Betty Bowler a try. Â Or try any one of the other amazing bags in this parcel!
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
Nice job! Yes, bags can be challenging. Not because of the actual sewing, like you said, but because of the number of pieces and interfacing. With clothes, you can pretty much put together a basic top without directions after you’ve done a couple. Bags are all different, with different seam allowances and topstitching. I find them satisfying though. Your amnesia comment made me laugh. I’ve used that metaphor after birth, though I’ve never applied it to sewing…but it does happen that way with those “labor of love” sewing projects too!
Super cute! I’ve got a Betty in progress that I’m planning to use as a camera bag, too! I’m still working out the details for the padded innards to cushion my camera, if I figure out something great I’ll let you know!
You did a great job with your Betty Bowler. I made the same bag as part of this tour too and made a few changes. This bag makes a huge camera bag! But I suppose if you have a tripod, etc. then you would need a large bag.
What a great bag! I find zipper closures challenging because they make the final piecing more complicated and require absolute accuracy. This bag looks brilliant and your fabric selection makes it irresistible. The pattern parcel is a great idea for sewing Christmas gifts. Thank you for sharing that.
Camera bag?!?! Genius. Plus, your Betty is impeccably done.
You’re bag looks amazing. It looks so professionally made and I love the lens cozy.