Purse Palooza :: Pattern Review : Chris W. Evelyn Bag

This post is part of Purse Palooza. For contest rules, full details, and schedule, please click here! Today’s post is from Teresa M.

I was so excited when Sara asked me to participate in Purse Palooza 2014! I knew immediately that I wanted to make and write about The Evelyn by Chris W Designs, one of my favorite handbags to make! I love this handbag because it can easily be made to look fun and casual or it can also be made for a night out on the town. The possibilities are just endless!

The Pattern
This pattern is rated as an intermediate pattern, and I agree with the rating. You definitely need a knowledge of sewing for this pattern. If you are a confident sewer you could easily make this handbag just take it slowly and you will be just fine. The pattern comes with 37 very detailed pages, but don’t let that scare you away this pattern is extremely well written! There are many great photo’s to show how and what to do in your current step. There are also alot of pattern pieces in this pattern. To make it easier to identify the pieces I use a sticky note to label the individual patter pieces.

The Details
I feel that what makes this handbag so versatile and adorable are the little things. This handbag has a magnetic snap closure on the flap, on the outside there are 2 adorable ruffled pockets on the sides, and a zipper pocket on the backside. On the inside there are slip pockets, and an additional zipper pocket. I love all of the pockets! The ruffled pockets on the sides are great for your cell phone, or a small notepad. The rings holding the straps and as an accent on the flap add to the look of the bag and makes it look like it is not a handmade purse. The pattern also has an option of adding rivets to the straps at the top and bottom of the rings, I normally do put the rivets in but did not on this purse since my tool for making holes was dull at it was 10pm. I did also add purse feet to the bottom of my handbag just for extra protection.