Style Stitches Bag #2

 I saw the Sew Alongs for the Amy Butler bags and knew I wanted to join in - I tried to get the book from the library but I was WAY down on the wait list - after seeing the fabulous bags everyone was making, I couldn't take waiting anymore and ordered it via Amazon.  But it wasn't going to ship til April - what?!?  That's what I get with free shipping - so I canceled.  Meanwhile, my aunt ordered her copy and somehow ended up with two - it was meant to be.

So I just got the book this week and figured I wouldn't participate in February, but then I really wanted to make that bag, so I just did! I liked the idea of using it for a craft tote (that picture in the book where it's filled with yarn) - the "shopper" bag didn't really appeal to me because (and don't hate me) I like getting plastic bags - we use them to wrap up stinky diapers, so the kids can empty trashcans into manageable sacks, etc.

Sorry for ANOTHER sewing post this week - it seems like I go in crafting spurts - all sewing, all repurposing, all paper, etc - anyways, I've been on a sewing kick.  For you non-sewer, stay tuned because Monday I have an awesome photo board craft for you.

I made a few changes to the pattern - 
--first, SOOO glad I looked through the flicker groups before I started - I saw that a lot of people divided the pocket and I thought that would be most functional for me.  I also saw that someone added a ruffle to the front pocket, which I loved and copied:

--actually, maybe I should mention this first - I cut down the size of the whole bag.  The pattern calls for a lot of fabric - I made this last-minute and used what I had on hand, so I had 2 pieces of Amy Butler Fabric that were 1/2 yard each.  I made it work.  The bag is still plenty big - especially since I don't want it to be a "shopper".  The secret is that for the lining where you need more fabric than the outside (for the handles and outside pocket) I didn't have enough so half-way down I used plain fabric (fabric - sheet - - it's all the same - you know I love using sheets!)

--I didn't put any pockets on the inside - since it's half plain I knew I wouldn't be reversing the bag.  So I added a pocket to the outside - the one on the back doesn't have a ruffle because I didn't have enough fabric.

Anyways, I LOVE my bag - you should make one!!

I made a smaller version for a little book bag - the girls picked their fabric and helped sew it - here's the neighbor, who LOVES hers.  And a picture of my daughter, who sewed her own (I did the bottom - that part's a little tricky - the rest is just straight seams).