Aloha! A Bag Big Enough to Take Shopping on the Island...

[NavyBlue4Eight]

Let me say up front that this is my first handbag.  Ever.  I've made baby bibs, baby blocks and skirts but wasn't sure I was up to this challenge.  So I dove right in, using a two fabric remnants I picked up along the way.  I figured I had nothing to loose, but turns out I REALLY like my bag.    It is perfect for summer, big enough to store a waterbottle and an umbrella in, and is like nothing else I see at the office every day.  My mom asked for one, which is like a cherry on top.  C&C's please - I would love your honest feedback!

[amazing_784]

I love it!  If you hadn't said that you've never made a purse before, I wouldn't have known that you weren't a pro at it!  Can you make me one too? (jk, I'm going to make one for myself that looks like yours!)

Oh yeah...I think your avatar is hilarious!

[NavyBlue4Eight]

I meant to mention that I used Simplicity Pattern 2396.  I loved the bag on the cover of the envelope so much that I ended up buying two patterns - one late last winter and one earlier this summer when it went on sale!  Also, there is a pocket on the inside, but I grabbed the picture that didn't show it so well.

Thank you for the kind words.  My avatar is my favorite picture of my little guy - I can't believe that picture is 9 months old already (he's now 13 months).

[lanikins]

I think you did an AMAZING job!!!  Forget the fact that it was your first purse!!!  I also totally LOVE the fabric!!!

[pancakes67]

This is amazing! Especially because it's your first purse! I've seen this pattern in the stores and have really liked it, but I wasn't sure w hat it would look like in real life. It's such a nice purse! Was it difficult to make?

[NavyBlue4Eight]

The first set of pleats gave me a bit of a time, but that was more beginner's error.  : )  The hardest part was the botton hook thingy - it was hard working with such a tiny piece.  It took two trys to get it right.  I resorted to hand stitching / tacking down the folds that make the point, and then running over the whole seam with the sewing machine. 

[thefloridagurl]

I love it!!!The fabric is STUNNING and you have truely done a wonderful job!

[happy_haylee_3]

Love it! Love the shape of the bag and the big button closure. Great job!