A New Purse and a Pattern Giveaway

NOTE: Comments are now closed for the giveaway.


"Victory Bags" from Indygo Junction by Amy Barickman

Pattern Description:
From the pattern back: A pair of stylish shoulder bags with a 1940s wartime influence. The Victory Bags are constructed with a set-in gusset base and are a sensible size for everyday use. Both styles include instructions for an internal zippered or patch pocket.

Pattern Sizing: one size: The bags measure approximately 14” wide x 11” high x 3” deep at the base, excluding shoulder strap.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes. I sewed View A with the buttons. View B sports a buckle.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
The instructions were well-written with clear, helpful illustrations. The only thing I found lacking was a pattern layout diagram. Because of the many pieces, a layout diagram would have been helpful.

Error on pattern piece G: pattern piece says to cut 2 from interfacing; only 1 is needed.

The gussets were surprisingly easy to sew. I expected to have to re-do the gussets at least once, but they came together just right and on the first try. Again, great instructions!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like the style and size of this purse. The gussets at the purse bottom make for a roomy inner compartment. The purse is easy to sew, but yet the details of the design make it interesting. I also like that the purse has a magnetic snap closure under the front flap. The 3 buttons are for just for show. :)

Fabric Used:
Exterior: I used a piece of home decor fabric--a heavy twill, I think--a typical home decorating fabric with a mod leave print on a lime green background.

Interior: A cotton quilting fabric from my stash. The bag also has an inner lining of Pellon fleece. The strap and front flap are also interfaced with fusible interfacing.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
The only change I made was to add a second pocket to the purse interior. The pattern gives great instructions on how to make a zippered pocket; my bag has both the zippered pocket and the added second patch pocket.

Conclusion:
I love, love, love this pattern. It's the perfect size purse, and I can imagine making several in various fabrics...change the fabric and you get a whole new look..cute and trendy, sleek or classic...just imagine the possibilities! I will definitely make this pattern again, but next time in View B.

Ruth


Okay, if you've read this far, here is the information about the pattern giveaway! Sew Chic will be giving away two purse patterns from Indygo Junction, complements of Amy Barickman, owner and founder of Indygo Junction. The two purse patterns are: Victory Bags (reviewed above), and Cross-Over Carryall, another great pattern I hope to sew up soon.

To enter, go to the Indygo Junction site and browse the shop. Then come back here and leave a comment on this post answering the following question: If you were to buy one item from Indygo Junction, what would it be?

Be sure to leave your email address so we have a way to contact you if your name is drawn.

Note, because of shipping costs, this giveaway is open only to people with addresses in the United States and Canada. We're sorry that this is closed to our international readers.

In a week or two, we will choose 2 winners for the 2 patterns. The first winner will receive her choice of the 2 patterns, and the second winner will receive the 2nd pattern.

Now, go to Indygo Junction and have fun browsing all the fabulous patterns! :)
happy sewing,
Ruth and Jessica