Bucket Bag

I entered another contest on Pattern Review.  This was a 2 week challenge contest to make a handbag.  Since I had never made one, I decided I wanted to try a bucket style bag.  

Inspirations for my bag.





I like the combination of
different fabrics and leather.










I like the straps on this one.

My Review

Description: A bucket bag style handbag.

Size: Finished size is 11 inches tall, 15-1/2 inches wide at the top, with a 7 inch bottom. The straps are 1-1/2" wide and 24" long. I added 2 inside zipper pockets and 2 small zipper pockets on the outside. I use the inside ones for papers, receipts, etc. and the outside ones for keys and cell phone.

Fabric Used: I used upholstery fabric for the body; vinyl for the bottom, straps and a 2" wide strip along the sides; and a brown twill for the lining. The vinyl was easy to sew, but the needle made little holes in it. So if (or when) I made a mistake, it shows up. No way to undo that, so I just try not to see it To add more interest, I cut the bag with the design of the fabric running crossways on one side. On the other side I turned it to run the design up and down, plus added a 2 inch wide strip of the vinyl along the sides. The tacks on the straps are purely decorative. I use some antique brass upholstery tacks I found in my supplies. I pushed them through & bent over the backs to hold them in place. I used small pieces of the vinyl to make ends on the zipper.

Pattern Used: I didn't have a pattern for this style bag, so I drafted my own.

Did it look like the photo once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it turned out like I had envisioned.

Conclusion: I love making handbags. It's great to be able to make it the size I want with the pockets I want and the straps the length I want. I don't normally use a pattern, just have an idea and then make it up as I go along. Sometimes this works out & sometimes not. But overall, I'm pleased with how this one turned out.

Now the pictures of my bag: