Two weeks ago, I shared my first ever Katy-made purse.  I absolutely loved sewing it.  My first taste of purse-sewing blood had me thirsty for more.  So I went wild and signed myself up for a Bag of the Month Club.  Once a month for six months, designers are releasing a new pattern to club members.  I joined the game a little late and had to order my fabric and supplies in, so I’m posting as close to the end of January as I could get, it seems.  But by George, I got my bag done!  Whoop whoop!

First up on the bag-designer chopping block was Sara from Sew Sweetness with her ‘Bye Bye Love’ bag.  Holy crap do I love this bag.  It was a bit of a challenge for me and caused me to learn several new techniques…but that’s really the whole reason I signed up for this club in the first place.  I like to step outside of my comfort zone and see what I’m capable of.

I spent a lot of time online looking for the perfect fabric for this.  The bag is HUGE and I wanted something fun and very me.  When I found this ‘Girls Night Out’ fabric by Hoffman Fabrics, I just about died.  Bennett and I are giant beer snobs and love a good brew….AND, it was in bright, fun colors and the perfect palate for me.  Love at first sight.

I love all of the extra bits to this.  The front pockets with magnetic snaps.  The zipper pouch on the back of the purse.  The huge roomy inside.  The fact that it’s so stinking sturdy that it stands on it’s own.  The flat bottom.  The giant opening at the top.  EVERYTHING.

Never mind that it took me 2.5 hours to make last night.  And I traded running for sewing so I could get it done.  (And then traded sleep for running this morning so I could get my exercise in before work to make up for it…hmm.)  I had several “aha” moments while making this.  I’d read the directions and be all ‘this will never work’ and then I’d actually follow the steps and it went together like a charm.  See?  I’m a newbie but I’m willing to try!

Must…work…on…topstitching…cleaner…

I’ve made a total of three bags on my own and I don’t see an end anytime soon.  Although, how many bags does a girl really need?  I usually use the same one until it does and then I buy the next one that will stay with me forever.  Changing out bags seems like a hassle to me but I eagerly threw my stuff inside of this new purse of mine. 

Can you tell that I’m a purple & teal lover?  Maybe I should continue the “outside my comfort zone” thing by changing up my color schemes.  Haha.  But maybe just so I can give them out as gifts.  I’m sure not everyone loves the colors I choose.  I’m a jewel tone, what can I say?