Amy Butler’s Style Stitches – No. 2 Reversible Everyday Shopper

I’m participating in the Amy Butler Style Stitches Sew Along over at My Crafty Crap. In a nutshell, each month everyone will be sewing one bag from the book, starting from the beginning. February is the month for the Reversible Everyday Shopper.

Fabric – In keeping with my $25 a Month sewing budget, I used fabric from my stash. I used several different fabrics so that I could use some of my smaller pieces. The bag is reversible, so the interior fabric couldn’t be too basic. The outside is Momo It’s a Hoot in raspberry with a large front pocket of Alexander Henry fabric. The straps and interior are a pink polka dot print, and the sides are Kona solids. The pattern also calls for woven interfacing for every pattern piece, as well as a bit of fusible interfacing.

Back of the bag

Pattern Pieces – There are only 2 pattern pieces to cut out from the little folder in the back of the book; the rest are various rectangular cuts.

Illustrations/Instructions – As I mentioned previously when I reviewed the first bag from the book, the Cosmo Bag, there are no photos in the instructions. The pattern for the Reversible Everyday Shopper actually only has 2 illustrations, so you are relying heavily on the written instructions. Which is no problem at all, because Amy Butler’s instructions are very detailed and informative.

I normally make some sort of modification when I’m working with sewing patterns, but I didn’t change anything. It might not look it from the pictures, but this is actually a very large bag. A few days ago, my mom told me she was looking for a bag to put all her belly dancing gear in; she wanted 2 large pockets for her shoes and a waterbottle, and she also needed room for 3 hip scarves. I think this bag might fit the ticket; she might not like the fabrics, but I could always do up another if she likes the shape of this bag.

Conclusion – Yes, my review for this one is going to be short and sweet. I have leafed through the book many times, and this is THE easiest pattern in the book. Nothing hard at all about it. Again, the thing that took the longest was ironing on all the interfacing. This would be a great pattern for a beginner who wants something stylish, but not your run-of-the-mill tote bag.

Reversible inside of the bag.

P.S. I’m also posting this at Sew Modern Mondays and Fabric Tuesday!