Amy Butler Beautiful Belle Handbag Sew-Along

Sew News is hosting a Sew-Along of the Beautiful Belle Handbag. The complete details of the month long group sew project can be found February/March 2014 copy of the magazine, on their blog and their Flickr page. I have signed up and cannot wait to get started. It is not to late to sign up if you want to join. The schedule for the sew along is manageable and divided over the month.

• Week of February  3 – Fabric Choice, Prep, and Cutting
• Week of February 10 – Marking & Interfacing
• Week of February 17 – Construction & Customizing
• Week of February 24 – Finishing

Here are my initial fabric choices:

Both of these are home dec. Ikea fabrics

 

These two are home dec. fabrics that are perfect for Spring.

 

I am certain I will make at least bag in this textured Chevron home dec. fabric

I also really like these! I may make a second bag from one of these too!

I will nail down my choice by the end week so stay tuned.
 
I enjoy sewing bags. They are functional, don't have fit issues and are opportunities to sew compound elements (snaps, zippers, pockets, linings and more) in one item. It can be a crash course for guided learning or a great refresher if one has been away from sewing for a time.

Before I started writing this blog, I participated in a year long sew-along to make the bags in Amy Butler's Book Style Stitches. Jemellia over on JemJam ran it and did a great job encouraging us along and hosting monthly giveaways. Below are photos of the bags I created over the months.  I would recommend all of the bags for sewing if you like the style. I have gotten the most use from the Cosmo bag as it has been my go-to weekender, or diaper bag when I have day long outings with both kids.

 I apologize for the quality of the photos; I did not plan on blogging them.

The Cosmo Bag in Arabesque by Amy Butler

Bag interior with added key fob and contrast lined pockets.

I added a ruffle to the pocket for added interest. 

 

 

 

Blossom Bag

Blossom Bag interior

The Everyday Wristlet

The Interior is perfect as a Diaper Clutch

Beautiful Balance Checkbook Cover Re-purposed Dress Fabric

 

 

Beautiful Balance Checkbook Cover Re-purposed Dress Fabric

Origami Bags

Perfectly Pleated Clutch

Perfectly Pleated Clutch Interior

Teardrop bag

Teardrop Bag

[Un]Fringed Hobo Bag (I omitted the fringe.) This embroidered fabric is a re-purposed skirt.

 

[Un]Fringed Hobo Bag Interior

I have enjoyed sewing these bags with others and am looking forward to making another Amy Butler bag with a group. I am excited to see the other participants' projects and creative additions. 

Happy Sewing!