The Phoebe Bag

Call me crazy…I know you will.  But I have a number of projects that I’m trying to finish up in the midst of packing and inspections and crazy moving stuff.  One of them is my bag for the Goodie Bag Swap that Kaelin and I are running.  We thought we were being all clever with our timing because we set everything up and had it going before life got stressful.  But then she moved a week ago or so and now I’m moving in three weeks.   So let’s just say that life has been interesting as moderators.  I’m not really sure what we were thinking.  And now we both have to tell each other’s partners that they need to ship to us at a new address. I’m really hoping that all goes well with the shipping aspect of the swap.

But I do have the bag completed and it is the very first bag that I’ve made!  Now I have done plenty of sewing in my lifetime, but I still have never made a handbag.  So this was a little nerve-wracking.  But I’m happy with how it turned out.

I put myself in the beginner category both because I’ve never made a bag, but also so that I could make a simpler bag and not drive myself crazy.  I tend to go overboard on projects. 😉  Who?  Me?

I wanted to make a bag from someone else’s pattern that others have tried out and liked.  So I looked for one that had a great shape but fairly simple construction.  This pattern is by Artsy Crafty Babe and is called the Phoebe Bag.  And it is a free pattern!  You can find it HERE!  It’s a great little pattern.  I think the size is perfect!  I was a little distracted I guess when I was making the bag and kept doing some steps in the wrong order.  Then I would think I had a better way of doing things, but I didn’t.  Oh well.  That’s why it’s the first time making a bag!

The pattern calls for an interior simple pocket, so I pulled out some of my favorite shade of Tufted Tweets and threw it on the inside for a little fun.

The exterior fabric is from Just Wing it by Momo for Moda I believe and the green fabric was just a random print that I found at my quilt store that matched. I fussy cut the tab closer so that the trees lined up for a more seamless look.  And then I threw on a pretty sparkling button just because everything is more fun when it sparkles!  There is a magnetic closure in the tab, but I’d have to think about whether I would want to do that again if I make another one. (and I probably will)

Since I used quilting weight cotton for both the exterior and lining of the bag, I decided to use some fusible fleece to help give the bag some weight.  I like how it helps the bag keep that cute shape and it was a breeze to work with.  I’m trying to explore different types of interfacing and fusible support.  So this was a fun time to use a new to me product.  And I also bought some scotch guard for the first time and put a couple of coats on the bag to help protect it from stains.  I love that it doesn’t change how the fabric feels.  Genius!

So partner it is ready for you!  I may even give myself permission to ship it a little early due to our move date. 😉   And I have a yummy goodie bag of scraps all ready to go that I think that you’ll enjoy.  I know I like them!