I really enjoyed sewing this bag – beautiful fabric (Amy Butler, from the Nigella line), both in pattern and quality, and a terrific pattern (also Amy Butler – the Frenchy Bag).

Once again, it has many of my construction alterations, although the pattern is very comprehensive.  I used thin fusible wadding throughout, but didn’t add interfacing, since the fabric weight was heavy enough.  I added a key fob, and divided the interior pockets into two (thanks to handy tips from those who’d already made it and added their review to the Pattern Review website).  The pattern included the use of a magnetic catch.

This is the shoulder bag size – the pattern also includes a smaller handbag.  Another tip I gained from the Pattern Review website was that it is difficult to effectively topstitch around the top of the bag to join the lining to the outer – after trying briefly on the machine, I ended up handstitching the two layers together.  It gave a much nicer result.

And I made a matching cosmetic purse and tissue cosy.

Donna says that when not using it she is going to hang it up in her house as an ornament!  What a great way to think about bags (especially when you have a few) – they are not only useful, but can be ornaments!