This post is part of Purse Palooza 2015. For full details and contest rules, check here.
Today’s post is from Liz of MOMENTS.
Hi, my name is Liz, I have a blog called MOMENTS, where I blog about my addiction to bag making & once in awhile about other stuff to!
When Sara asked me to be part of Purse Palooza 2015, I was thrilled but then came the panic attack…which pattern should I review ??
Some of you may know, I test for a lot of designers (Sara being one of them)
….so that it wouldn’t look like I was showing favoritism to any of them..I have always tried to pick a designer I didn’t know or haven’t sewn a pattern by them, so that my review would be fair, & unbiased .
I have to admit, this year it was a bit difficult…I know a lot more of the designers now or have sewn a lot of bags…so it is getting harder to pick one… I picked out a pattern I bought a while ago but haven’t had a chance to sew.
I am sure a lot of you know Charlie’s Aunt patterns
…those are the ones that use those lovely plaids & tweeds…
Surprisingly you don’t need much fabric to make this bag…it is smaller then I expected ..I should of read the measurements on the pattern but who reads such stuff!! ??
It is 9″ H x 14″W x 4″ D
I found the amounts of the fabric given on the pattern were generous,
since I used wide upholstery fabrics I didn’t need much.
The patterns says to use quilted calico for the “wadding” …I just love words like “wadding”…I had no idea what it was, so I had to ask the British ladies on FB.
I substituted 5mm headliner for the quilted calico.
Surprisingly, that and lengthening the handles, was the only changes I made.
**I used a plain & tweed upholstery fabric for the exterior & cotton for the lining**
About the Pattern…
- Only 6 pages of instructions ( plus 4 pages of pattern pieces) so you could print it out if I wish to … sometimes I like to have a paper pattern to scribble notes on.
- It has big diagrams…reminded me of the Simplicity patterns I use to sew as a young girl.
- Easy to read & follow
- One thing I missed was the 1″ test square all pdf patterns have so that I know it is printing correctly. The whole time I hoped it was the right size.
- If I was to nitpik ..I’d say that I didn’t need a pattern piece for the handles…a measurement would of sufficed.
- It doesn’t really tell you where to attach the second half of the magnet but I figured it out.
- I would of liked the “Fabric Suggestions” listed above with the “Material list” as opposed to the last page on the bottom of the pattern.
- But like I said this is “nitpicking”
Sewing Time…was fairly quick since there really aren’t that many pieces to the pattern …body, front & back pocket, gusset & tab..thats it ! ( Lining of course with a simple slip pocket.)
From the ease of sewing… I would of first said a Beginner could sew this ..but a Confident Beginner would be better choice because it is a bit tricky setting the gusset on a point…you really have to stop on the dot ! Thats why I say a confident beginner or a quilter thats use to doing Y seams wouldn’t have a problem ! But thats the hardest part.
The front of the bag has a nice V shape that creates a pocket ( front & back) …perfect for the cell phone or keys.
The interior has a simple slip pocket …you could add a zipper if you wish. I personally found the opening of the bag small for my hands …guess Charlie’s Aunt has small dainty hands.
Review…I find Charlie’s Aunt patterns have a different flare & charm than the bags I usually sew. A real British country feeling! It makes me want to strolling through the countryside of England!
I found the pattern easy to understand & fast to sew…but if I did it again I would enlarge the pattern & probably change the top part so that it had a bigger opening.
……I have a couple more of Charlie’s Aunt patterns… I will definately make them since they are fast, easy & I have some wonderful Harris Tweed that is dying be used…
Thanks for having me be part of Purse Palooza 2015 Sara !
What a cute bag! NIce review, Liz. I don’t own any of their patterns but do admire them. “Fast to sew” might be what gets me to get one of the patterns. 😉
Sorry to be the cause of you spending money !!! LOL
Love the colors. 🙂
Great review, Liz! I love your fabric choices for this bag. Very cute!
Thank you Hilari 🙂
Lovely bag!!
Thank you! 🙂
I have done more than a few for my friends, true the the openings are small but her style definitely unique. Thanks Liz!
Your welcome Norma…glad you liked the review 🙂
Sorry for the grammer mistakes but since I live in Germany & English is not my only language, it is easy to get mixed up…but next time I’ll try and have someone proofread it so that you will enjoy it more.
Please see my reply to Janet..
Sorry for the grammar, see my reply to Janet…glad you at least liked the review !?
It’s a pattern review not an English exam ! I read the review before I read any of your nasty comments and I had no problem understanding anything that Liz had written.
I am happy that my review wasn’t lost in the grammer errors..afterall
I am human ! 🙂
First off Liz the bag is stunning – you do unbelievable sewing. Secondly – I did not realize that we where having a grammar lesson. How childish. Give credit where it is do ladies.
Thank you Maxine for the compliments. Glad you like my bag 🙂
Whatcha! Great review, grammatically correct or not. I’ve ( sorry, I have) recently enjoyed making my first Charlie’s Aunt bag. I rather think I will make the Exchange Bag next. Thank you Liz x
Have fun sewing the Exchange Bag…be sure to send me a picture 🙂
Liz your bag is stunning and your reviews give all bag makers an idea of what to look out for – I know English is not your first language – and the odd grammatical error ! – well your English (written and I’m sure spoken) is better than my German and I’m sure that can be said for your critics – Liz your doing a sterling job keep up inspiring us all
Thank you Chrissie…I will continue to share my knowledge & opinions… even if I make an occasional grammatical error, I am sure you’ll forgive me 🙂
Always
Since when is it ok to be so rude to someone you don’t even know? If you met this person face to face and she didn’t speak properly, would you correct her to her face? I doubt you would have the nerve. The internet makes us anonymous and evidently makes us forget our manners. I bet your mothers would be ashamed.
Some people forget the reason for the Purse Palooza event…to share bag reviews.
what a fun and wonderful bag
And a quick sew 🙂
Thank you for a good inside look at this pattern Liz – your comments always give a balanced and constructive idea of what to expect when making this pattern
As for the grammar – well I know English is not your first language – but you write and probably speak English better than my and most people who read your reviews German – so please keep up your good work and encouragement for all the bag makers who are not so finicky – maybe those that are will offer to translate into other languages for you …… Word perfect of course!
Thank you Chrissie….since I’m not perfect, why should my post or reviews be ?? LOL
If that is not perfect I want to be in your shoes
Your bag is terrific! I understand your review perfectly. You are an inspiration to me!
Thank you Pat…if I managed to inspire you, than ( then?? pick one you like ! LOL) my mission is complete 🙂
What a great looking bag! This is a new designer to me, so another name for my designer list. Liz, what a fine review, enjoyed it!
Thank you Judith 🙂
Wonderful review Liz , if only most British people could write and spell as well as you do and it’s a second language !
Thank you Sonia 🙂
I left the first comment and now came back. Hmm! We should all be happy to be able to share our love for bag sewing across the world no matter where we live or which language we speak. Thanks to Liz for her review, Sara for her great event and of course the internet. Happy Sewing!! 🙂
Thank you soooooo much for seeing the true reason for this Purse Palooza..sharing our love for making bags 🙂
I found your review very helpful, Liz! I’ve already jumped over to your blog, explored a little, and signed up on your mailing list. I fell in love with this bag from your first photo, then learned it’s dimensions. Now I’m afraid it’s just a smidge too small for my needs. You mentioned that you would consider enlarging it if you made a second one. Would it be possible to enlarge it by an inch in each dimension and not spoil the lovely shape and proportions? And by the way, I hope the grinches who complained about grammar instead of appreciating the information you’re offering have not spoiled your fun with Purse Palooza this year. Some people just can’t help being a pill. I blame their mothers. 😉
LOL…poor mothers always get blamed for everything !! No, I am not letting the “critics” get to me since I know where its coming from…a disgruntled designer.
Thank you for signing up for my mailing list, its always nice to know someone likes my chatter ! LOL
As for the pattern..I would try enlarging all the pieces about 20% …set your printer to print at 120% .. Check & see if it is the size you’d like .. It should keep its shape if all the pattern pieces are enlarged equally. …don’t enlarge the width of the strap unless you wish to..1″ wide is good even for a bigger bag…Let me know how it works out !! …Happy Sewing !!
Thank you! I was hoping there would be a simple trick, and letting the computer figure out all the resizing sounds perfect. I will certainly let you know how it works out.
Love your bag Liz ! Thanks for the great review for this pattern. 🙂
Your welcome Maria 🙂
Super cute bag and a GREAT review!!! 🙂 I have a few of her patterns in my Etsy cart. Her use of buttons intrigues me lol
You talk about quilted calico for the wadding and headliner, could you explain what they are? I have no idea where I would get them either. I have made several different bags but have only used different weight interfacings, depending on the project. Thanks, Joan