Purse Palooza – Pattern Review – Swoon Sheena

This post is part of Purse Palooza 2015. For full details and contest rules, check here.
Today’s post is from Bree of My Crafty Crap.

Hey there!  Bree here from My Crafty Crap, which unfortunately has been very quiet for a while now, but you can find me over on Instagram these days.

Today I’m sharing the Sheena Hobo Bag from Swoon Patterns.  Sheena is available as an individual pdf pattern, or as part of the current Vintage Collection subscription.  I really enjoy all the bags I’ve made using Swoon Patterns; the instructions are well-written with plenty of illustrated diagrams.  I usually prefer actual photos in patterns, but don’t feel like I am missing anything in these patterns.

The pattern calls for the following materials:

• 1/2 yard 44” wide quilting or home decor weight exterior fabric (2/3 yard if directional fabric and using the grain guides))
• 2/3 yard 44” wide quilting weight contrasting fabric
• 1 yard 44” wide quilting weight lining fabric
• 4 yards 20” wide fusible woven interfacing (Pellon Shape-flex SF101)
• (2) 5” or longer pocket zippers (#4.5 or #5 width recommended for Curved Zippers)
• (1) 17” or longer nylon coil main zipper (#4.5 or #5 width recommended)
• (2) 1 1/4” or 1 1/2” O-rings
• (1) 1” swivel clip (needs to be able to clip onto O-rings)
• Coordinating all-purpose thread
• Top stitching thread (optional)
• Fabric glue (Beacon Fabri-tac) (Optional)

As I said, like all Swoon patterns, the instructions were well-written & easy to follow.  Whatever you do, don’t let the curved zippers in this pattern scare you!  Both the top and pocket zippers just take patience, although it is helpful to have previous zipper installation experience.  The way the top zipper is put in can be awkward, but it’s really not overly difficult as long as you take your time.  My top zipper was a bit wavy when I first put it in, but it has relaxed as I’ve used it & looks great now.

I’m not usually a fan of hobo style bags, I hate when everything falls into a jumble at the bottom of the bag & I can’t find anything, but this one really keeps its shape beautifully.  I do use a purse organizer to help keep things together since I have to carry a lot of random things for the kids.

Thanks for having me Sara!!