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| Bella Bag by Monica Poole |
The Bella bag pattern is the creation of Australian designer, Monica Poole of Moonshine Designs, and it holds a special place in my heart as the first bag pattern I ever bought and the first bag I ever made. It’s a unique pattern including two sizes – a small and a larger bag. The gentle curves which give it an almost spherical shape make it really stand out. The larger pattern is almost basketball sized and the smaller is perfect for wallet, keys and even squishing in a light sweater. I’ve made it so many times over the years for so many different people (on request!) that my pattern is very well worn! I’ve traced it onto lightweight interfacing in both sizes to ensure its longevity. I usually make my version in only one fabric (instead of two or three as pictured above) , but this time I thought I’d try something different! I laid out my fabric plus batting plus backing, traced the pattern pieces onto it, and then went mad free-motion quilting it! Here is Scarlett guarding it.
1. What fabric/supplies were needed to make the bag?
You need fusible interfacing, two metal rings for the strap to attach to and a magnetic snap as well as your fabric – I’ve used quilting weight cotton for mine.
2. What did you think of the illustrations and instructions?
The instructions are clear and easy to follow. There’s very little to comment on here – I love this pattern!
3. Did you make any modifications to the pattern?
I like a strap that I can wear across my body, so I went with a long straight strap this time, and because of the FMQ design I had in mind, I made it a straight strap instead of a slightly curved one which is a feature of the pattern. I regretted not keeping the shape of the original strap because it does look so good! I have also progressed in my sewing skills since I first made the bag so I added a zipper pocket inside instead of the simple, fool-proof pocket instructions Monica provides.
4. What difficulty level did you think this pattern was at?
It’s a beginner’s level pattern. It’s the perfect way to cruise into sewing curves if you haven’t before. This could be a bit intimidating for a quilter who has only done straight lines, but really, it’s a piece of cake! Because I love Monica’s patterns, I contacted her and asked her a few questions. You can find the interview over at QuokkaQuilts AND she is very kindly giving away 5 copies of one of her newest patterns – the Bambino bag. Hop on over to QuokkaQuilts to win a copy!
I am absolutely bowled over by the idea of tracing the pattern pieces and then embroidering within each piece for a bag construction. Just monumental, WOW! I have to try this. I am so fired up!
Fantastic! Love it!
Thank you so much!
Well quilted missus!
Oh my goodness, that quilting is fabulous! And I do love that bag. I’m going over to Quokka to see if I can win one of those patterns (and if not, I’ll just have to buy one!)
oh my gosh, i think that’s the prettiest bag pattern highlighted yet. and your QUILTING. they say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, i might just be showing one of these off really soon….
Wow! Amazing job! I sew bags but don’t quilt (yet) and this bag is really one of a kind. Are Monica’s patterns pdf or hard copies? Does she sell to the US?
Hello, thanks so much! There’s a link on my blog to lunabrilla and an opportunity to win a pattern – http://quokkaquilts.com/2013/10/a-little-more-purse-a-palooza-moonshine.html
That’s a nice bag! But the Bambino bag….WOW! I love it. Thank you so much for sharing!
I am loving the idea so freemotion quilting on the drawn out portions. What a great inspiration!
Glen
Great bag! I love your quilting. And the Bambino looks really fun too!
Pretty cool version. Well done!
The beautiful quilting really makes this bag special!!! Love it!