Pattern Testing - Amara Tote Bag

Last week, I finished testing Namrata of Bagstock Design new pattern, Amara Tote & Handbag. 

The pattern has 2 sizes and I decided to make the Tote size. I have this pretty linen block print and this is just a perfect project for it. I used black ish denim as contrast. 

Block Print Linen

Making a big bag always makes me nervous. What if I cut it wrong and I don't have the fabric? And sure enough I cut the back panel wrong this time too!! Luckily I have more than enough fabric to cut another one. 

Amara bag is a breeze to make and Namrata's instruction is always clear with lots of pictures. The many pieces of pattern might be a little intimidating at first, but like a puzzle when everything starts fall into place, you'll feel joy of accomplishment!

I used tamil letters print fabric for the interior which I think matched perfectly. As the contrast I used denim instead of leather. There are plenty room for improvisation if you're a seasoned bag maker. 

The Tote size is very generous and it has plenty interior pockets and one big exterior pockets. The size is perfect for office bag, travel tote or even as diapers bag. 

Amara Tote and Handbag features:
An exterior zipper pocket
Two interior slip pockets
Two interior side slip pockets
Two pen slip pockets inside
An interior zipper pocket
A zip top closure to keep the bag's contents secure

You can get the pattern in Bagstock Designs Website or Etsy. 

Thank you for stopping by!

Happy Sewing

~ Elvira~

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Indigo Block Print Denim Bag

Hello, 

Alhamdulillah for a busy January. If you follow me in Instagram, you may noticed that I won't be taking custom orders this month. I like to take a break from custom orders from time to time to give myself a room for new ideas. I have a long list of sewing wishlist and one of them is this Luisa Crossbody bag. A pattern by Sotak Handmade. 

Beautiful Indigo Block Print

I wanted to make with Indigo blue fabrics and took out those three fabrics above. All are just beautiful and it was difficult for me to decide which one to work with first. After asking a few friends, we decided this middle indigo print would be the one and I loved how this turned out. I used dark blue denim as an accent fabric and decided to use ready made PU Leather strap. 

Denim & Block Print Bag

If you've been waiting to make this bag, you really should go ahead. I love the simplicity of Sotak Pattern and as usual it's always thoroughly written. 

Exterior Back Pocket

I made one change with the back exterior. The original pattern, it was two pockets but I found it's too small since I want to keep my phone in it. So I skipped the middle stitch and instead using the snap button to secure the pocket. In the pattern, the rivet was added for decorative purpose only. Now I have spacious exterior pocket for my phone!! Perfect!

Spacious Inside

The interior is very minimalist (which I love!) . The pattern called for interlining, in addition of the interfacing. I used a stiff fleece batting which I mostly used for bags nowadays and the result is sturdy bag that  can stand on its own but the interior is a bit snug. In a way it's good for me since it's quite padded. It's good to carry my camera.  

  

I think I'm quite organized and minimalist here lol. Those are the things that I usually carry everyday. The Doitrei Zipper Pouch is for my power bank, charging cable and headphone. The Zipper Tissue Pouch is for my tissue, lip balm, hand lotion and medicines (my anti allergy and indigestion tablets). Wet tissue packet, notebook and pen, small wallet and a mobile phone. I also keep small chocolates and sweets in the front pocket lol.

So that's my review of my first Luisa bag. I want to make a few more and trying different combination of interfacing/interlining. So excited!! 

Thank you for dropping by!

~ Elvira ~

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