Simplicity S1387 and Kwik Sew R10826

Here we go with a new pattern review!  It's all about bags: tote and cosmetic bags.  This set makes a lovely travel trio.  One morning I was getting "reacquainted" with my sewing studio, looking at all my fabric, patterns, notions, and findings.  There are too many projects already cut and ready to sew, but I wanted to make something that would be a "quick sew".  The bags were easy to make for sure.  But by the time I decided which bags to make and pulled together all the required notions and fabrics, I very well could have sewn a few UFO's together.  Lol

Part I

All in all, this bag project was a good one.  So let me start with the tote.  I used Simplicity S1387, view A.  It is an over-sized tote with fabric straps and two snaps.  The pattern design finishes with a triangle like stitched line design that continues from one end of the bag to the other. 

The tote can be adjusted to appear smaller by closing the snaps on either end of the upper edge of the tote.  Great for travel. 

The bag looks like the photos on the pattern envelope.  It can be carried on the shoulder or by the straps.  It is sturdy and attractive.  With the snaps closed it  looks like an over-sized purse.  So there are lots of style options and fabric (leather) choices you could choose to design your very own unique tote.

The instructions were very easy, and I didn't find anything complicated about the construction process.  There is one thing I'd change about the straps though.  The design suggest that you use fabric for the straps and use wide braid to finish them.  I think webbing would be better.  

I love how this bag turned out:  the roominess, the collapsible sides, my fabric selection.  No really dislikes.

I used home-dec canvas like fabric (Joann's) for the exterior and broadcloth for the interior.  Both were in my stash. The bag also requires fusible batting and stabilizer (Pellon 808).  For the patches that go over the ends of the straps, I used some faux leather that was also in my stash (Hancock's Fabrics).  

This was the very first time that I used this pattern.  So I wanted to follow the instructions and design just to test out using it.  So, I only changed the wide braid to a sturdy ribbon that I already had in my stash.  I will probably use it several more times.  For one, I want to try a few of the other views; and two, these totes make an excellent gift idea.

In conclusion for the tote bag, I love how it turned out and recommend it to others.  The pattern has good bones and can be used to make some lovely totes and bags.  

Part II

Kwik Sew Zippered Cases pattern R10826 was equally easy to construct.  I made views A and D to complement the Simplicity Tote.  I used the left-over from the tote to make these.  They are perfect for toiletries.

Both bags look like the photo on the envelope, and they were very easy to sew.  Like the tote, they required fusible batting to add stability. 

Here again I didn't change or alteration the design.  Sticking to the instructions for the first time just to get a feel for constructing small bags like these was a good exercise.  I enjoyed the process.  

I like how they turned out and will definitely make them again.  All three bags were fun to make, and I was able to used some of the fabric and notions in my stash.   Plus, the bags look pretty good!  Win, win!

Happy Sewing!

C