Wool and Denim Daphne Bag for Pattern Parcel

By now you will know about Pattern Parcel, the company that allows you to name your price for a bundle of patterns that are available for a limited time and proceeds go to charity.

 I have sewed previous parcels for myself, for Jayce, and for Hannah, then me again, and then this one is...well…yep, me again. :)

This time is something completely new…bags!!  Six bag patterns and one of them includes a wallet, just in time for sewing up your Christmas gifts!  Score.

Pattern Parcel #7 includes 5 patterns, but choose a price of $32 or greater and you will automatically be sent the Bonus Pattern.  That's just over $5 a pattern!  The bonus pattern is the brand new Daphne Bag from Clover & Violet.  The Daphne is a slouch satchel that can be worn across the body or as a shoulder bag.  The zip top keeps your gear secure and the internal pockets keep your accessories where you need them. 

I have never sewed a bag before, but this week I sewed this one.  And I am obsessed with it.

One thing that I still think it kind of exciting about sewing is how you can take something that doesn't necessarily look like you and make it so YOU.  

I chose to make the Daphne Bag, the bonus pattern in this bundle.  Since we're near the end of the bag pattern tour, I wanted to do this pattern in a completely different look.  I wanted a winter-y vibe and something that looked a bit more expensive than a traditional tote, so I used some wool suiting fabric, dark denim, and a fabulous zipper.

Here is my version.

I made a few modifications, but mostly they were in the way that it was assembled.  I left the "bones" of the pattern the same.  The dimensions, the boxy bottom, the inner pocket, and the lining are all from the pattern.

I had just been browsing around Zara before I went to the fabric district, and I think that it rubbed off on me choices a bit here.

My changes.

1.) I prefer a tote bag more than a cross body bag, so this was an easy switch.  I measured the handles on a tote bag that I had at home and used the same measurements for the handle length but a slightly wider width.  Mine are 25 inches long, which keeps it at that sweet spot where it's under your arm, the bulk is below your elbow, but it's not hitting you on the hip with every step.  This is important. :)

2.) The pattern calls for the top edge of the bag to be finished with a strip of bias tape, but the edges of the wool that I used had this beautiful dark strip along the edge and I didn't want to cover that up.  So I sewed the bag body as per the instructions, installed the zipper, and then attached the lining to the zipper with the fabrics right sides together.  I left a hole at the bottom of the lining that I pulled the the bag back through and hand stitched it closed.

 I'm obsessed with this maroon zipper.  Pretty great, right?  I get all of my thread, zippers, buttons, etc from a guy with a stall full of random (and non random) notions in Shepherds Bush Market.  It's not glamorous, but it is kind of cool because you just never know what you're going to find.  There was only one zipper like this, and I think it might be the detail that makes a difference for this bag.  Right?

The straps are two layers of denim that matches the bottom of the bag.  I've quilted five rows in navy thread and then added a line of gold topstitching to each edge for a little more detail.  I've never used topstitching thread before, but it is the real deal!  It's thick, heavy duty, and looks really cool.  I was very proud of my straps once they were finished, but they were probably the most time consuming part of the bag.

I've decided that a perfect zipper on a bag is like finding the perfect shade of lipstick.  Ohhhhh that zipper!

I lined my bag with this fun Lotta Jansdotter fabric that I've had for over a year now and it needed to be put to use quickly before I decided I was sick of it.  (Do you ever do that?)  I had been trying to save it for a dress for Hannah, but the repetitive graphic nature of the print just didn't work with any of my patterns.  But now I think that maybe it has been destined for this bag all along, because it is perfect.  Every time that I slide that zipper back and see it peeking out it makes me smile.  Get your parcel here, there are only two more days so don't wait!

 PS-Does this bag need to make it's way to my Etsy shop? Let me know if so.  And