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Purse Palooza :: Pattern Review: Jenna Lou Mabel Bag

This post is part of Purse Palooza 2012.
For full schedule of guest post pattern reviews and prizes, click here!

The guest post today is from Bree of My Crafty Crap. I had the excitement of meeting Bree and her handsome son, Cooper, last month at Quilt Market. She had a super cute Noodlehead bag with her…Bree definitely knows about making bags! Check out her blog for more fun projects!



I’m so excited to be sharing the Mabel Messenger from Jenna Lou Designs with you today!  I’d say this is probably one of my favorite bag patterns.

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Fabric & Interfacing – The pattern calls for medium to heavy weight fabric, medium weight fusible interfacing (the pattern recommends Pellon Decor Bond), & heavy interfacing (the pattern recommends Pellon Peltex).  All three times I’ve made this bag I’ve used quilting weight cotton & have been happy with the weight of the bag, but using a decor weight for the exterior would definitely add some extra weight to the bag.  I used a medium weight fusible interfacing, although it was lighter & more flexible than Decor Bond, and Pellon Peltex.  I always like to add interfacing to my lining pieces, even though it’s not called for in the pattern.  I like the extra weight it adds, and keeps the turning hole from getting stretched out during turning.  

In addition to fabric & interfacing, you’ll also need strap hardware, a zipper, and a magnetic snap.  

Pattern pieces – The pattern includes only three pattern pieces, two of which are taped together for the main body piece.  All other pieces (zip pocket & strap) are cut by dimensions straight from the fabric.  

When I made my version with the straight top (more on that later), I just traced the body piece onto freezer paper.

Illustrations/instructions – The instructions for this bag are fairly short (only 4 pages, including photos & cutting instructions), but thorough.  There are a lot of great color pictures for each step.  

The only part I had difficulties with the first time I made this was the zipper pocket.  It was my first time attempting a zipper pocket, and I just couldn’t wrap my head around it.  I ended up not adding the pocket since I was pinched for time & didn’t have enough fabric to re-cut my lining if I messed up.  The next time I made the bag, I ended up using this tutorial for the zipper pocket (also found in The Bag Making Bible) & it’s my go-to method now.  Reading back
over the instructions now, they make more sense, but I think I still like the other method a little better.

I also prefer the double-fold bias tape method of making the strap (although not cut on the bias) rather than the method in the pattern (folding the edges in 1/2″, then folding in half).  I like the added strength of having the strap 4 layers thick through the full width.

Modifications – This bag is great as it’s written, but it’s also perfect for tweaking to fit your needs.  Each time I’ve made it, I’ve done things a little differently.  I just love the versatility!

The first time I made it, I followed the pattern pretty exactly, other than skipping the interior zipper pocket.  This was one of the earlier bags I made, and I had a tough time sewing the curve at the top of the bag because the stiffness of the Peltex interfacing.  

Mabel bag

I wasn’t able to topstitch the top of the bag once I had it together (the pattern skips this step), something I always try to do to finish a bag.  You can see here how the lining doesn’t sit very nice at the top because of this.

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I also added a key clip for keys or a little pouch I made to go along with it. 

Because of the troubles I had with the curve the first time, I skipped the curve & made the top straight across on the second bag I made.  I also added the interior zippered pocket on this one.  I really like how it turned out, but it’s definitely missing something with the straight top.  The curved top is definitely one of the things I love most about this bag. 

Modified Mabel bag



The most recent bag I finished up, I decided to tackle the curve again, hoping it might be a little easier now that I’m a bit more experienced.  I was right, the curve was definitely easier this time, although still difficult to maneuver due to the stiffness of the Peltex.  I was able to topstitch at the end this time, which I think really finishes the bag.  Just make sure you really take your time if you’re going to try.  I also skipped the flap this time; I was going to put the magnetic snap on the inside, but decided to skip it altogether.  I wish now that I had added the snap, but I’ll live without it.  

Front
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Back
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Instead of the interior zipper pocket in the lining, I added an interior zippered divider.  

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I also added this fun circle pocket on the outside.  

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Conclusion – I would say this is an intermediate pattern, mostly because of the difficulty the Peltex adds, plus the zippered pocket & adjustable strap.  Overall, it’s a fairly quick bag to sew up, and after making it twice before, I didn’t even need to get out the instructions this last time I made the bag.  I’ve made three now, and definitely plan on making more!

Big thanks to Sara for letting me share with you today!



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21 thoughts on “Purse Palooza :: Pattern Review: Jenna Lou Mabel Bag

  1. Another informative review, I can vouch for the u-handbag tutorial too, Lisa’s methods are always well written and straightforward.

    Love the fabric in the second bag!

  2. Anonymous says:

    Please add the name of the fabric lines used in each purse.

  3. Toohey says:

    Sara, thank you so much for organizing this Purse Palooza 2012. I am enjoying it so much! I found out about you because I follow Kay Whitt, Sew Serendipity. I have several of her purse books, and I’m now motivated to start making some. Last night, I made a quick little project from Amy Butler’s patterns — her business card holder. It’s really cute and fun, and I’m using it for all those reward cards that you have to carry around in your purse. Thank you again for the great month of June (also my birthday month, so yay!) and the Purse Palooza. — Terry

  4. Had the same difficulties with the Lindsey Bag as to top stitching through bulky layers. I put every seam opening, facing removing, corner clipping technique learned in Home Ec! Machine skipped huge stitches over side seams that were the thickest.
    These reviews have been informative as to interfacing & fusibles. Many I had never heard of! In the past the ironed on ones I’ve used looked wrinkled – esp. if they came unstuck, or gummed up needles.

    Finished my 2nd Palooza Bag this morning – all from stash diving! Hopefully the sun shines for a change and I can take them outside for a picture…

  5. Judith says:

    Bag are beautiful and a great job and all three. I love the fabric colors on the first bag. I too do not do well with zippers. Judith, Texas

  6. ~J says:

    Cute bags, I really love the teacher fabric.

  7. Bree says:

    Sorry, I completely forgot to include which interfacing I used! I used the Pellon Peltex as called for in the pattern & Pellon 931TD Fusible Midweight. I made the first two bags a while ago, so I don’t know the names of the fabric lines, but the most recent bag (the orange one) is from DS Quilts.

  8. TheBeasKnees says:

    I LOVE that orange and blue purse! They are the University of Virginia’s colors (where I work!)and I might just have to try to make a bag like this!

    1. Bree says:

      It’s actually more of a charcoal grey, but now that I look back at the pictures it does look kind of navy!

  9. Norma's Clay says:

    Great review! The round pocket on the last version is awesome. And that interior zippered pouch was also a great idea.

  10. Lee says:

    Your bags are wonderful! thanks for the review of the pattern!

  11. очень красиво

  12. Katy Cameron says:

    Great review, thanks!

  13. Cherie says:

    They all look great! Love the fabric choices! All you’re variations really show off the pattern =D

    I’m having a giveaway on my blog. Feel free to stop by and enter (if you haven’t already) =D
    http://ibescheraldine.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/official-150th-post-giveaway.html

  14. Carol says:

    Very nice! Thanks!

  15. Sandy says:

    Great review. Could you tell me what the fabric collection is on the one bag? The one with the school theme?

    1. Bree says:

      Sorry, I don’t know what that line is since I made it last year.

  16. sandyb says:

    Wow, wonderful bag – thank you!!!

  17. elnorac says:

    Thanks so much for sharing your take on this versatile bag pattern! It really helps that you explained the variations you made each time and how you felt about them. I’m glad you mentioned that the circle was a pocket ‘cuz I assumed it was a reverse applique. What a great idea! Lovely, lovely bags!

  18. These are gorgeous! Love the material choices!

  19. Alisa says:

    This is fantastic, thanks! I especially love the interior zippered divider pocket you added to the orange bag — is there a set of instructions (in a book, online, wherever) for how to add that? I’m not certain I can wrap my head around all the details of how to put it together right now. 🙂

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