Bags, Uncategorized

Purse Palooza :: Pattern Review : Amy Butler Sophia Bag

This post is part of Purse Palooza 2013.
 
For full schedule of guest post pattern reviews and prizes, click here!
 
 Angela of AngelaB has some lovely sewing projects on her blog. Check out all the goings-on over there!
 

Hi all! I’m Angela, and I love to help people be creative by offering meaningful ways to make something unique. I share sewing projects, DIY craft ideas, and creative business tips on my blog AngelaB.me. I just made the Sophia Carry-All by Amy Butler. Here’s my review!

Purse Palooza 2013: Sophia Carry-All

First of all, I LOVE THIS PURSE. Bag. Whatever. It is for me, though I have no idea what I’m going to put in it. It’s just too beautiful to part with.

Purse Palooza 2013: Sophia Carry-All Closeup

It’s made with an unlikely combo of Robert Kaufman Essex Yarn Dyed Linen in denim blue and a steel gray lace from Jo-Ann. One of my Instagram friends described it perfectly: “…looks so delicate yet I know it’s not.” Hey! Just like me 🙂

Purse Palooza 2013: Sophia Carry-All Inside

The lining is a quilting cotton called “Rendezvous” by Modkid Studio via Jo-Ann. I used Aurifil 50 weight thread in a dark gray.

Sophia Carry-All Interfacing Mods

I made quite a few modifications to this bag, beginning with the interfacing. I wanted a sturdy bag that keeps its shape (not floppy), so I added Peltex 70 to all the exterior pieces.

Here are the other mods I made:
– piping bias strips = 1.75″ (not 1.5″)
– added 6″ to handle pattern piece – divided one of the pocket panels in thirds (not half)
– lining seams (steps 12L & M) = 5/8″ (not 1/2″)
– added bag feet
– added plastic canvas to the interior bottom to attach to bag feet
– false bottom panels (step 14) = 3/8″ (not 1/2″)

Techniques:
– machine needle: 12 Sharp for steps 1 – 7, then 16 Denim step 8 onward
– press the cording before encasing in bias strips. Use steam.
– handles: topstitch using blind hem foot set to 1/8″ seam allowance (SA), 4.5 stitch length. Don’t pin long folded edges together, just stitch other side first and then the other side shut.
– after applying interfacing, layer lace over the two exterior main panels, cut to size, and attach with a zigzag stitch on all four sides.

Purse Palooza 2013: Sophia Carry-All Process Purse Palooza 2013: Sophia Carry-All Process 2

Frustrations:
– I stitched with a slightly larger than 1/4″ SA on the zipper, unknowingly, so there are some raw edges showing in a few areas. I’ll need to fix those with some hand sewing.
– Since I added Peltex to the main exterior bag pieces, it was pretty hard to maneuver in steps 10 & 11. I just manhandled it and it turned out just fine.
– The lining is still loose, even though I used a higher SA.

Rewards:
– The blue linen and gray lace combo = divine!
– The Peltex makes it so sturdy. No flopping on this bag! I didn’t have to press the finished bag at all.
– The blue linen is so forgiving – the thread seems to just disappear in it.
– This is a stylish, sturdy bag that is roomier than I expected. Changes if I make this again (which I will!):
– Don’t fold and crease to find the centers of pieces – just mark the top and bottom with a disappearing marker. Creasing affects the Peltex!
– Mark the 1/4″ seam allowance in zipper step 8D. Maybe use a disappearing marker.
– Sew the lining in steps 12L & M with a 3/4″ SA, to make the lining have a more smooth and tight fit.

All in all, I am very happy with this pattern. I absolutely love the shape of the Sophia Carry-All, inspired by romantic travel films of the early 60’s. As for the difficulty level, I’d say Intermediate to Advanced. But the pattern instructions are very concise, so give it a go. Thanks, Sara, for hosting my pattern review. It was just what I needed to actually make this bag, since I’ve had the pattern for over two years! Angela

Related Posts

19 thoughts on “Purse Palooza :: Pattern Review : Amy Butler Sophia Bag

  1. Kate W says:

    This is gorgeous! Love how you used the lace!

  2. Mar García says:

    What a wonderful bag! Congrats Angela!

  3. Wendy says:

    Great tips and lovely bag!

  4. prairiegirl says:

    Love, love, love your version! The lace over the blue is gorgeous!!!!

  5. Simple, yet classic. Good for so many occasions.

  6. Lynne Tilley says:

    I adore Amy Butler’s patterns, and your tutorial is just added information to go along with her pattern. Thanks so much for sharing. It turned out GREAT! I love your use of Peltex. I love it.

  7. Katie Dold says:

    Beautiful bag. I’m making this bag right now. So the timing of this post is perfect! Thank you for the helpful tips.

  8. Catrin Lewis says:

    The combination of the linen and the lace is too die for – inspired!

  9. Jake says:

    That is a cute bag! Would be nice made from wool too! Thank you for sharing!

  10. Beth says:

    Lace over linen in denim color. What could be better?

  11. F. K. says:

    I am hesitant to sew my own purse (afraid it would look too “homemade”, but this one is absolutely beautiful!

  12. Vera says:

    Love the lace on it! Sew pretty!

  13. Lori says:

    Thanks for the tips, this bag is so pretty. I love the combination of the linen and lace.

  14. Cherie says:

    This is beautiful! Did you use the Peltex instead of Shape Flex or in addition to? I’ve made this bag before, too, and agree with the floppiness, the lining being too big, and the handles too short 🙂

    1. Thanks Cherie! I used the Peltex in addition to SF101. First I applied SF101, then TP-971F, then Peltex 70.

  15. Donna Baker says:

    very nice~ this is a fun shape for a bag, reminds me of a bowling ball bag!

  16. What a great bag, and excellent review! I wish I made notes like this when I make up patterns! So smart!

  17. I love this bag~ great job!!

  18. Jamie says:

    Wow! This is definite the prettiest Sophia I’ve seen. I’ve finally been able to get my hands on the pattern and I have some coral linen and ivory lace. I’d like to use your pattern mods on mine. I love the longer strap, since I always carry my bags over my shoulder, and the extrea stiffener is a really good idea.

Comments make my day and I love to reply!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.