Today’s post is written by Susan, a fabulously talented sewist and part of the Pink Chalk Fabrics creative team. She shares her experience making the Claire Handbag, the newest design by Lazy Girl Designs, using a Joel Dewberry Deer Valley Fat Quarter Pack:
If you are anything like me I am always seduced by the fat quarter bundles. They all beg me to take them home. But once home I am never sure what to do with them. They look like a happy family that wants to stay together…but how? Well the Lazy Girl Designs pattern “Claire Handbag” #125 is a great way to enjoy the bundle.
It’s a smallish tote, measuring 10 1/4” x 9 1/4” x 4”, and calls for 7 fat quarters, 3 for the outside and 4 for the inside. I found it to be a very easy pattern. Truly, the hardest part was deciding which fat quarter to use for which piece. The pattern is a set of instructions with measurements. No paper pattern is included to cut from. I was a bit worried about this since I have not sewn this way much, however; the instructions are very complete and for visual people like me…there are lots of pictures! It went together with out a single need for the seam ripper.
I love the way it stands up by itself and has 10 interior and two exterior pockets. I made the medium length handles which are long enough to wear over my shoulder or carry without dragging on the ground. The short handles would be more like a handbag. I did not add the optional Velcro flap closure.
I am loving the tote. I can see it in all sorts of styles…great for kids. I think dolls or little stuffed animals could be just as happy as my cell phone and sunglasses in the pockets. Bring on the fat quarters…I am ready for them now.
Very pretty! You did a great job of placing all those geometric patterns on the outside – especially love how you centered the images on the pockets!
Oh it’s lovely! I totally agree with you about the fat quarter bundles…they are like that insurance commercial with the eyes on top of the money…singing and staring at you until you take them home!
I’m a sucker for fat quarters!! What a great use of them…I will have to order this bag pattern from you!
I love that Joel Dewberry Deer Valley collection. It’s great for a handbag – I like how you were able showcase the bird and the face of the deer.
So lovely! I’m inspired.
This is a lovely handbag!
The style and fabrics are so pretty.
Your workmanship is fabulous.
It looks wonderful. I always appreciate the work of a good bag maker. I love the way she fussy cut the red outer pockets. Kudos!
The tote is lovely! The Antler Damask has had me seduced sicne my first peek – it looks fantastic as fat quarters pieced!
Looks like a handbag designed just for me
I’ve been thinking about a new bag for fall, and think this might just be the winner! Thanks for the great pictures – the bag looks great!
Your tote came out great! I’ll have to invest in this pattern because Lord knows I have plenty of fat quarter bundles.
Really like it. Thanks for putting something together with the new Joel D. collection. Why is it that I feel that I never have enough totes?
I’m loving the color combinations here — that light blue is gorgeous with that burnt-sienna-orange. And the pattern is excellent as well! I love a tote that is structured with pockets, putting that on my wish/goal list!
Looks like a great pattern! I just bought their lunchbag pattern, am off to cut the fabric for it now -
Absolutely delicious!! Thank you for the inspiration.
That is a great tote. I think I would add a magnetic snap and be on my way! Thanks for sharing.
Cute tote Susan, it looks great in those fabrics!
I made a Claire bag and put in a magnetic closure. I wanted to be able to shut the bag but didn’t like the way the flap would have looked. The magnet must be the strongest one in the world…… really have to pull to get it open.
Have you had an experience with magnetic enclosures??
Nancy: I’ve honestly only put a closure on one bag (the Birdie Sling). That was on the inside and not on a flap. It does seem very magnetic in that it is quite fixed when engaged. I think having it on the inside makes it easier to pull apart. I used a Clover brand set I purchased at my local quilt shop. Does anyone else have opinions on this ?
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