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Purse Palooza :: Pattern Review: Noodlehead Go Anywhere Bag

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

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I was so excited when Sara asked me to take part in this series, it was the perfect excuse to make a new bag!  I love making bags but I almost always make up the pattern as I go along.  It was so nice to be able to make one without having to think so much!  I knew right away that I wanted to make the Noodlehead GoAnywhere Bag.  I’ve had the pattern since it came out last summer and hadn’t had the chance to make one yet. 


The Go Anywhere Bag pattern is a downloadable 20 page PDF which includes instructions, photos, and options like how to add piping to the pockets!



What materials are needed to make the bag? 
You’ll need a total of 2 yards of fabric to make this bag.  I changed things up a bit from the pattern recommendations and used 4 different fabrics instead of 3. 


What interfacing did you use?
Since the fabrics I used for the bag exterior and lining were quilting cottons, I needed to interface them.  Anna suggests using Pellon 809 Decor Bond interfacing, which I’m sure would work great!  I chose to use a very lightweight Pellon Val-U-Fuse interfacing instead, mostly because it was all I had laying around, and also because I didn’t want my bag to have body but not to be stiff or at all crinkly.  I used 3 layers of this very lightweight interfacing on the exterior bag pieces, 2 layers on the interior lining, 2 layers on the linen and chambray for the pockets, and 3 layers on the straps. 


What fabrics did you use to make your bag?
I used a floral print from Botanica by Lourdes Sanchez for the main exterior bag pieces, and a coordinating print from the same collection for the lining.  The exterior pocket pieces are Sew Classics linen from Joanns, and the piping and interior pocket are a gray Lisette chambray.


How many pattern pieces did the bag require?
There are 5 total pattern pieces, including three that need to be pieced together from two sheets of paper.  They were really simple to cut out and match up.


How was the pattern written?
The pattern gives you step by step instructions along with corresponding pictures for each step.  I did not have any issues at all putting the bag together following Anna’s instructions!  They were very clear and concise.  There are also instructions for a few steps that some beginners might not be familiar with, like inserting magnetic sew in snaps or Velcro, and adding piping to the bag.


Did you make any modifications?
I used Pellon Val-U-Fuse interfacing instead of Decor Bond, and made the straps a little longer (20” long).  I also used a regular magnetic snap instead of a sew in snap to close the bag and added a tag on the interior pocket.


What sewing level is this pattern?
I think this pattern would be great for a confident beginner!  Knowing the basics of making a bag (turning It through the lining, etc.) would be helpful but not required.  There are curved seams which take some practice if you’ve never done it before.  You’ll get to learn a few things like making pleats and adding snaps and piping as well!

Final thoughts?
I really enjoyed making this bag and I’m very happy with the final results!  It is a great size for running around town and it’s so nice to have a bunch of special pockets for my phone, sunglasses, and keys since I’m constantly digging around the bottom of my bag for those things!  Most importantly to me, it was simple and relatively quick to make (it only took me a few hours), it’s well constructed, and looks really cute!  I highly recommend Anna’s pattern.

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15 thoughts on “Purse Palooza :: Pattern Review: Noodlehead Go Anywhere Bag

  1. Loved making this bag! And those pockets are so useful (o:

  2. Good! I like it very much!If you need more information at http://www.sobeautifulbag.com

  3. Judith says:

    I love a bag with plenty of pockets. I can never have too many pockets. What a pretty bag. Love the materials. Judith, Texas

  4. Love the linen–this is cute!

  5. Isisjem says:

    I love this pattern and have made two bags so far. Would definitely recommend it and I love this version!

  6. sewVery says:

    Looks great! The fabric combinations are perfect.

  7. Shelly says:

    This is one of my favorite bags so far. Love it!

  8. H2Ogirl says:

    Wow. . I love the details! I must try this one.

  9. ~J says:

    I love the simple usefulness of this bag, thinking I have just the fabric too…off to buy the pattern!

  10. Cherie says:

    Love the bag! I’ve seen it around and plan to buy the pattern soon =D

  11. DKB says:

    This bag has been on my short list for awhile. Ahhh, sew much to sew, and ‘sew’ little time

  12. This is my absolute favorite bag that I have seen yet. It’s so classy and I love the linen combos and the style of it! You did a great job! 🙂

  13. Kirsten N says:

    Great review! I have recently made one of these – it is a lovely pattern and easy to follow.

  14. BEAUTIFUL. Oh the possibilities!!!

  15. Kate says:

    And after wanting this pattern for months your post pushed me to just buy it already! Can’t wait to make it!

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