Buttercup Bag with Aussie designed and printed fabric!!

[queenofdiy]

I came across this excellent pattern a week or so ago:  http://madebyrae.blogspot.com/2009/02/free-buttercup-bag-sewing-pattern.html

I did a test first as I had read others comments that the bag was small and if they made it again, it would be larger.  So, I made one and, yes, it was way too small.  It only fit my phone, wallet and glasses - even then it was at a pinch.  So I enlarged it by 25%.  Now it's the perfect size for me!!! 

I altered the pattern significantly.  When doing the pleats, they didn't match the contrasting band, so I winged the middle pleat and made a box pleat.  I put a mobile phone pocket instead of a flat one, added a zipper instead of a magnetic clasp and I sewed the strap between the outer and lining.  I also added interfacing to the contrasting band with great results!!  The lining is interfaced but the outer bottom isn't - it's a great result.  A bag with structure but not the 'stiffness' on the outside.

Then - the fabric!!!  That fantabulous linen/cotton print is titled 'Winter Nest' and is hand printed by a Sydney designer, Kristen Doran.  I bought a panel of this gorgeous fabric at the Stitches and Craft Show in Sydney, Australia last year.  I finally got to use it. 

Enough babbling - onto the pictures:

Zipper view:

Interior:

Side view:

This is the original sized bag from the pattern on top of the 25% bigger one:

Thanks for looking! 

Edit:  I just realised that there is another post of these bags.....which sings the praises of this pattern.  I too, really love the scale of this bag.  Great pattern all round.  The only drawback (not for me - but perhaps someone else) is that you cannot sell the bags you make from this pattern.

[TwiztidBlood]

* drool *

Looove the bag, esp the fabric

[skankamaggot]

I love everything about this bag.  I LOVE the fabric you used.  Once I can sew straight lines  maybe I'll try to make one!

[reenreen]

it's so pretty! Hurray for the fabric being Aussie!

[iota1617]

beautiful! 

I don't see a problem with not being able to sell that bag because of the pattern, it's an unarguable excuse to keep it!

[Seraphina_de_Sangre]

The fabric is incredible. This bag is awesome! Would you say the original design was more clutch sized?

[ninjanator]

oh man that's such a pretty bag AND it has a zipper! Huzzah! I will definitely have to make this once I get my hands on the right fabric

[queenofdiy]

Thanks for your lovely comments. 

I don't see a problem with not being able to sell that bag because of the pattern, it's an unarguable excuse to keep it!

LOL!!  There's one way to look at it!

The fabric is incredible. This bag is awesome! Would you say the original design was more clutch sized?

Yes.  The original size is more of a clutch.  It would be a great size if you liked clutch purses but didn't like carrying them in your hand.

[quiltgrl]

very cool! I love that you added a zip!

[BattleAxe]

Love the fabric!  great work!