The Birdie Sling is finished!

This purse pattern went together much quicker than I had anticipated. I finished it today! I posted a review at patternreview.com and have pasted the review here. Now that the bag is finished, I'm not quite sure if I like the fabric. It's kind of bright and wild, don't you think? I may end up using it as a knitting bag....
happy sewing,
Ruth


Pattern Description:
From the pattern: "This honey of a sling holds everything and it's easy to make! (Great for beginners.) Modern styling and dynamic proportions will make this one of your favorite carry-all bags!"

Pattern Sizing:
This bag is big. I don't normally carry big purses, but since I like the design, I reduced the pattern pieces to 86% on my copy machine. The purse is still big---I should have reduced it even more.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes!

Were the instructions easy to follow?
The instructions were easy, but a bit wordy so that it was confusing at times. I found it best to read through the instructions and then just start making the purse in my own order.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
In particular, I like the gussets at the bag bottom. Also, I like the design of the handle, but I disliked its length. I would have liked the handles to be longer than they are, and next time I make this pattern I will make them longer.

Fabric Used:
Cotton quilting fabric: to be specific, I used Alexander Henry's Kleo and Bangle Dots fabric.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
Changes:
1. To make the bag a bit smaller, I reduced the pattern pieces as stated above.
2. I added a metal magnetic closure.
3. I added a zippered pocket in place of the smaller pocket.
Inside of Bag
4. I did not use fleece as an inner lining. Instead I used a heavy canvas. I used the canvas in the handle as well as in the purse body and upper band; I basted the canvas to the lining pieces and treated them as one layer. This makes the bag sturdier on the inside, but still looks soft and drapey (is that a word?) on the outside.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, I will sew it again. I already have the fabric! Next time I will make the bag even smaller yet; I will lengthen the handle; and I will probably find a lighter weight canvas for the inner lining. Perhaps I'll try the fleece that the pattern recommends.

Conclusion:
I am very pleased with this bag. The colors I chose are brighter than I normally would use in a purse, so I may end up using this for a knitting bag if I feel too self-conscious using it as a purse. The purse did go together fast and easy, and I won't hesitate in making it again in more-subdued colors.