Purse Palooza

The follow was posted today at Sew Sweetness for the Purse Palooza, but in case you didn't see it there:
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The stars were aligned to create this bag!
* Sara of Sew Sweetness asked me to join her Purse Palooza pattern review
* I had previously purchased the Ewe Old Bags pattern by
Primitive Pieces by Lynda
* I came to own seven boxes of recycled wool through an acquaintance of my Son

Here is what I made:

 The pattern has instructions for making this bag from knitting and felting the background fabric, using felted wool (what I did) or using quilting cotton or decorator fabric.

 You will need:
- one of the backgrounds mentioned above
- one 60" leather strap
- 4 grommets (I made buttonholes instead)
- 1/2 yard of fabric for lining and pocket
- scraps of felted wool for applique

 

The pattern has four seasonal options:

 



 

The changes I made from the pattern were minimal.  I did assemble the lining leaving an opening, machine stitched and topstitched the lining to the bag rather than hand stitching it in.  This makes it much more sturdy.  I also added Pellon® SF-101 Shape Flex® fusible woven interfacing to the lining to make sure the bag kept it's shape.  My main bag fabric was from a wool coat - very heavy and thick.  This worked great.  I ordered the leather straps from an etsy store and it was reasonably priced.  The pattern pieces needed to be taped together and than you could choose the size you wanted.

I was very happy with the pattern result.

 

I would rate this pattern as an advanced beginner level.

 

Thanks for inviting me to join in the Purse Palooza Sara.  I hope readers try this bag and show us the results.

Mary on Lake Pulaski