Monroe Handbag

Have you ever heard me mention testing patterns for Linds Handmade Designs before? Ha! Yes, I've tested many of her patterns already, and now she has another one out. I'm a little late posting this, so it's beyond time to catch the sale price, but I think all of her patterns are well worth the regular price. (Also, it's a pretty well-known fact that every time she releases a new pattern, her entire shop goes on sale at 20% off, so if you still want to catch the sale price, just wait. I happen to know she's already working on a new design!)

Without further ado, let me introduce you to the Monroe Handbag. Isn't it cute?! That shape! Those handles! This is the front:

Here's the back:

(Side note - Linds also has a Marilyn Wallet pattern. The two make a perfect pair!)

I took a few process photos along the way this time. I forgot to take a pic of the bottom after completion, so here you can see the purse feet right after I installed them. The rest of the collage pics are of the handle-making process. It was kind of involved, although I didn't find it that difficult. (If rolled handles intimidate you, the pattern also includes instructions for flat handles.)

Since the faux leather I used had a white backing, I colored the edges with markers and then sealed them with edge coating.

The purse closes with a recessed zipper, shown here:

The pattern calls for a metal zipper end, but since I didn't have any on hand, I just made my own out of the fabric.

The snap set you can see in the photo above is used to close the end of the bag (and there's one on the other end, of course) to give it its cute shape. 

Below is the view with it snapped...

... and next is how it looks unsnapped. That will give you a little extra room in your bag.

Here's a look inside at the waterproof canvas lining - one side has two slip pockets, while the other side is plain (or you could add more pockets if desired).

The outer pocket on the back (or you could call it the front if you like) is the perfect size for your cell phone to keep it handy.

It's a small handbag, measuring about 10½" across by 7¼" tall by 4" deep. Here's how it looks on my arm.

The outer fabric is some of Jess's now-out-of-print barkcloth. I do love that texture!

So that's it for the Monroe Handbag! I already have another project completed, so if I get in gear, I'll have that posted soon, too. I hope.