I made Mrs H's Saddle Bag!

Hi Everyone :)

A few weeks ago I decided to make Mrs H's Saddle bag :)  I had just finished designing the Reunion Clutch and it was off with my testers...

Designing a bag can be stressful, you have to think about how all the little pieces go together so another person can make it and make it exactly the same...so I decided I needed a bit of a break from thinking about how a bag goes together - I needed to relax - and make a bag from another designer's catelogue.  

I have had this pattern sitting waiting to be made for a while, and decided it would be perfect for a day out at the Melbourne Craft and Quilt fair, so its the one I made!

It turned out beautifully!  I used Kate Spain Paradisio Fabric for the Flap and adjustibale strap extention, and I paired it with the reverse side of a denim I have had sitting in the cupoboard for a while (from spotlight).

I changed the pattern a little by inserting 2 welt zip pockets (one internal - shown above - and once external - on the back), I did this as I just prefer zip pockets to slip pockets, I find my things always fall out of slip pockets!

I was trying to use up the last of my "what a gem" fabric that I used to make my current Ingenious Tote (and yes the Tote happens to be on the cover of the pattern), but I didn't quite manage it and I STILL have some left ;P

Internally, I used headliner and a medium weight fusible interfacing as my stabilisers.  I really like headliner as it gives the bag a really sturdy and great shape. Its a great substitute for Soft & Stable or Flex Foam, howver like the others mentioned it is still rather hard to get your hands on here in Australia!  I do think you would get just as good a result from using h640 fuisable fleece paired with one or two layers of a medium weight fusible interfacing, (this might be eaiser for most domestic sewing machines to sew as well).

This pattern is a nice quick and easy sew.  It is really well written and so easy to follow as Samantha's patterns usually are :)  I would recommend this pattern to anyone and everyone - I loved making it :D

And the best part?  I actually relaxed and had a great time sewing this bag!
Happy sewing...
Emma