After the fun of making of Barbara’s bag I thought I’d better be an extra-thorough pattern tester and make another one.

In wool from the stash (I think it was a Darn Cheap Fabrics remnant) and leather from Reverse Art Truck).  Pattern to be released very soon from Nicole Mallalieu Design.  This time I did the version with the sides gathered rather than pleated, and two handles rather than one strap.

There’s a compartment pocket on one side of the interior and a zip pocket on the other. I added a key leash (a swivel clip on a piece of ribbon – I snap my keys onto it or else I seem to lose them in the depths of my bag). There’s some piping for added oomph and lovely silver O-rings.

I’m keeping this one! And if you aren’t confident in sewing bags, even a relative beginner can make this thanks to Nikki’s excellent instructions and diagrams/photos. Just check out the superb bag that Gypsy just made from this pattern – she regards herself as a novice sewer and had never made a bag before.  It’s gorgeous!  There is still a giveaway going for this pattern over here if you’re quick.