My Cotton+Steel Betty Bowler
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I recently purchased some fabric from Sarah Watts‘ August Line for Cotton+Steel with the intention of making a bag, but didn’t know what bag I wanted to make.
I ended up deciding on the Betty Bowler Bag from Swoon Patterns and pairing the lion prints with Kona Cotton in Corn Yellow (I think – I forgot to check the bolt to verify) for contrast and piping, and a solid twill bottom weight for the top and bottom of the bag.
This bag had a lot of great details, like the piping around the side panels, which always looks wonderful on a finished product, but which I hate sewing around (totally worth it for this bag). It also had a vertical side zip pocket on the outside, which is super handy for keeping your phone or camera in.
And a large interior slip pocket, which is actually large enough for me to keep my 10″ tablet in.
This is the first bag I’ve made with d-ring handles, and I love the way they came out. It adds some extra spunk to the design.
Overall, this is a really nice pattern and I love my bag. But, when I make this pattern again, I’ll try it with something more substantial than felt as a lining – something like Soft and Stable, or even Peltex, because I feel like a bowler should keep it’s shape, and while it should hold up well with the felt, it doesn’t want to hold it’s shape when I fill it with stuff.
I will definitely be trying another pattern from Swoon soon – I’m thinking the Blanche Barrel Bag, and I might try it in leather. And I know that Christmas is still months away, but this bag would be a great handmade gift for Christmas.
Do you make your own bags? What’s your favorite bag pattern?
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You did a superb job on that bag. I love all the little pockets and all the colors and patterns, all with the lion theme. Nice! The only bag I’ve done was a large beach or tote bag that I crazy quilted in black, gray, white, and red fabrics. I posted a picture of it on the Quilters Club of America website, under Donna C. I mostly post in the Art Quilting group. The pattern came from a crazy quilting book I have. I’d like to add pockets to it if I do another one, though.
I LOVE making bags! I make a lot of my own creations/patterns and I also make a ton of other bags. Too hard to pick a favorite! Love your Betty Bowler. I’ve also made a Swoon pattern bag, the India Hobo, I hand painted a flower on the front of it. I just joined the Swoon group on FB. =)
How fun! Hand painted fabric is always so beautiful. Is it a fairly large bag? I’ve noticed that the patterns for most bags I like tend to end up about twice the size I’d want for everyday use.
Beautiful bag for traveling homemade. I have only made a few zip pouches so far. I do want to make something substantial soon. Thanks for the tips.
Swoon Patterns and Sew Sweetness are both good pattern companies to start with.
This bag turned out beautifully, Andrea. I love the fabrics you chose. And that piping is sure smart. Nice job!
Thanks so much Lorna! Glad you could stop by.
I’m not a huge fan of C+S but I love how you paired it with the yellow!
I have a couple of bag patterns but I haven’t ventured into making them yet; they seem kind of scary lol
If you can make a pouch, you can make a bag. Just take it slow, and remember it’s just fabric. You can always rip out a seam if you mess up.
Love the lions, looks really great in this gorgeous bag!
Thanks so much! I really loved the lion prints from Sarah Watts’ line.