November | 2014 | Sew Exhausted

Tags

Betz White, Midtown Messenger Bag, Parcel #7, Perfect Pattern Parcel, sew exhausted, sewing, sewing purses

It’s here! And it is most awesome! Perfect Pattern Parcel #7 was released today! By now I figure you all know the details of the Perfect Pattern Parcel and how the money you spend is being raised for Donors Choice. But until today you didn’t know the contents of Parcel #7. Surprise, surprise! 🙂 Here it is!

I decided to make the Midtown Messenger Bag by Betz White. My messenger bag was made with a twist!

I was recently in Texas visiting my dad and my brother (and enjoying some great Texas craft beer) and I knew when I returned I would have only 5 days to make one of these fantastic purses and bags. I chose The Messenger bag and started ordering everything I’d need so it was waiting for me when I got home! Fabric from Michael Levine, buckles and thumb catches from Etsy, and a quick trip to JoAnns for a zipper and interfacing.

But when I got home my thumb catches weren’t waiting. 😦 After checking Etsy I realized I had ordered them from China. I try REALLY hard to not order from China, but finding thumb catches that were from here was futile. (If you know a source PLEASE let me know!) I decided to wait until Thursday (yes, yesterday!!!) to make my bag in the hopes that they would arrive and when I checked the mail later that afternoon, BINGO. There they were.

Only, there they weren’t. After waiting all that time my “set” of thumb catches was ONE thumb catch. 😦 I looked back at the listing and sure enough it says, “Silver Color Handbag Thumb Catch – 50mmx46mm – 1 Set (LK11)” So when did a SET become just one?

And to top this all off my post was due in 15 hours… and I only had my bag cut out. So, I just started sewing. And when I got to the point where I would normally add thumb catches I dug through my button tin and found 2 gold X shaped buttons. The gold was atrocious so I found some OPI Russian Navy nail polish and gave them 2 coats. Oh yeah! 🙂 I like those buttons.

The solid red is duck canvas and the print is just a regular canvas. I thought the duck canvas may be too heavy but I think it worked out great. If I make another one I think I will choose a smaller print but I really like this fabric and the color scheme. The inside is all lined in red polka dots and I have a handy dandy velcro closing inside pocket the perfect size for my Kindle.

There are 6 bags you can make with this parcel. I was torn between the Messenger Bag and the Betty Bowler for my contribution to the Pattern Parcel Tour. I am happy with what I made but think I will be making one of those “bowlers” as well. And you should go check out the flickr for the Butterfly Sling Purse. WOW- there are some creative ladies out there! Purses and bags make GREAT Christmas gifts! So hop on over to PPP and get your patterns!

Parcel #7 includes:

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: Choose a price of $32 or greater for Parcel #7 and you will automatically also be sent the Bonus Pattern! That’s just over $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!

Brand NEW people! You are one of the the first sewists to get the Daphne Bag when you choose the $32 price! 🙂

I have to say making a bag is not that bad at all. Just take it step by step and eventually you have a very useful carry-all for all your necessities!