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Purse Palooza :: Pattern Review – McCalls 5824

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This post is part of Purse Palooza 2014. For contest rules, full details, and schedule, please click here! Today’s guest post is from Scott of Kept in Stitches.

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Sometimes, I forget how much commercial patterns differ from quilt patterns. In a quilt pattern, the directions say to read it through before beginning. And with this McCall’s pattern, reading ahead would confuse anyone. So, when I’m making a commercial pattern I’ve found it best to do the instructions one sentence at a time.

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The pattern took a couple of weekends to figure out and put together…between choosing fabrics and trying to puzzle out the instructions, it was time-consuming. I’m sure it would be much easier to figure out if I tried to make the bag again. For example, I would know that I need three different “#13” pattern pieces…one from the primary fabric, one from the lining fabric, and one from fusible fleece. It was difficult to keep track of what piece needed to be cut from which fabric. But, taking things “one-sentence-at-a-time” really did make things go much smoother.

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If I were to make it again, I might replace the velcro on the front flap with a magnetic closure…I think it might look a little nicer. I also might resize the flap a little larger…it seems a little too narrow for the body of the bag. I also realized that I need to find my piping foot for my machine…the piping would have been much easier to make with the proper foot! But, for the most part, I am really happy with the bag…it has plenty of zippered pockets and places to put my things, and it’s extremely roomy!
This pattern was both challenging and fun to make. I wanted a bag with a masculine look and a practical application. I love using the Tim Holtz fabrics and they have helped achieve the look I wanted for the bag. Most of the time I’m making bags for others, but this time, it’s all mine!

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20 thoughts on “Purse Palooza :: Pattern Review – McCalls 5824

  1. Allison G. says:

    It looks awesome! I love Tim Holtz fabric!

  2. Beth says:

    I like the fabric! Good pattern review too. In the past I have given up on some patterns because reading through was so confusing. I will remember to read one step at a time and just do it.

  3. Vera says:

    Looks great. I like all those pockets included. Nice variety 🙂

  4. You did a great job!! I haven’t purchased a store pattern in years, but I remember how long it took to read through and prepare. The step by step approach does work best 🙂 Well. done!

  5. Anny says:

    Great Job! Love the pockets and the Tim Holtz fabric!

  6. lovemyboxers says:

    These reviews are great to read, as a beginner bag making they help so much. I do think yours looks much better than the one on the pattern, love the fabric!

  7. Norma says:

    Great look! Commercial patterns are much different than indie designer’s patterns too but with a bit of experience they can be used. I love Tim Holtz fabrics. It looks awesome!

  8. Nancy King says:

    I really like the bag. Great job!

  9. Greg Palmer says:

    The bag is awesome! Now, make one for me…

  10. Christina says:

    Your bag looks very well made!

  11. Barb says:

    Love it! You did a wonderful job!

  12. Narelle says:

    Gorgeous

  13. Tina in NJ says:

    Looks like a good bag. Yours certainly turned out well. I got into bags looking for a practical canvas for my new (four years ago!) embroidery machine. This looks like the best messenger bag I’ve seen so far.

  14. Kenny says:

    Great job Scott!

  15. kathyh says:

    I agree with the magnetic snap. I’ve found the flap stays shut without anything as well. Velcro ‘screams’ home-made to me plus the annoying ‘rrriiippp’ sound.
    I like all the pockets on this bag as well.

  16. Cherie says:

    Very nice bag! I love the pockets.

  17. Michelle Pearce says:

    I love this bag pattern however I am wondering if the number is correct as McCall 5828 [in the books in NZ] is a Blind/curtain Pattern very diappointed

  18. Michelle Pearce says:

    Purchased this pattern via the internet, I only got the instructions NO pattern pieces now very disappointed wasted my money

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