Presidio Purse

Name:

Presidio Purse #1504
Paprika Patterns / Tuesday Stitches – Every Day Dress Up

 

Pattern Description:

This is described as a purse.  For me, it’s more of a classy tote bag.

Featuring:

• A zip top closure keeps the bag's contents secure.
• An exterior zippered pocket.  Inside this pocket is a smaller one.
• Fully lined.  The simpler version can be unlined or flat lined (the front, interfacing, and lining are all stitched as one – kind of like a quilt sandwich).  Flatlining will give the look of a lined bag but easier to sew, although the raw edges will be visible like the unlined version.
• Front of the bag has an inset panel.
  

Finished Measurements:
18” (46cm) wide x 18” (46cm) tall x 6” (15cm) tall

 

Were the Instructions Easy to Follow?

I consider myself an intermediate, adventurous beginner.  The directions and pictures made the construction of this purse enjoyable.  I also watched the videos on Tuesday Stitches.

*Watch each video to the end. *

Note: Go slow, read all directions before starting, watch the videos along the way, have fun, and enjoy your finished purse!

 

What did you Particularly Like or Dislike about the Pattern?

• After printing, the PDF pages matched making a nice floral design aligning the pattern pieces to fit perfectly.
• Notches matched allowing the fabric pieces to come together nicely.
• Meditative after completing a rather tasking project.  It restored my confidence, and I had a nice purse in practically no time.

 

Fabric Used: 

• Cotton fabric (from stash) for the outer and lining fabrics.  Machine prewash and dry without fabric softener, and iron.
• Stitch’nSew non-woven firm interfacing.  Machine prewash and dry without fabric softener, and iron.  This was used on the sides and bottoms for some more stability.
• Pellon 805R - Wonder Under (paper backed fusible web) for pockets.
• Cotton blend batting.

 

Pattern Alterations or Design Changes You Made:

I made several changes.  Some due to my not following directions (daydreaming) and others because of personal preference.

•      I made the sewn-on handle double lined with the stiff interfacing (listed above).The outside became the lining fabric.
•      I made the sewn-on handle double lined with the stiff interfacing (listed above).The outside became the lining fabric.
•      I wasn’t happy with my using batting for the inserts but not the entire front.
•      Inside small pocket sewn with the dividers and stitch vertically to better fit my cell phone.
•      Made the larger zipper pocket into a pouch.
•      Added additional fabric to the sides of the zipper.  This gave me more width at the top allowing the zipper to be out of sight.
•      Quilted the outside fabric which became the lining.
•      Printed an additional front/back pattern to cut out the insert placements on the front.  This isn’t really necessary; however, this will make it quicker for future makes.

Would You Sew It Again?

• YES!  Again, and again.

-    Denim, faux leather, faux fur, oil cloth, canvas, piping, canvas, oil cloth, more pockets, the choices are endless.

Would You Recommend to Others?

Absolutely!  It’s a great size, stands up nicely, looks great, and holds just about anything.

If you’re new to sewing; remember to read all the way through the directions prior to starting, use a light touch when handling the fabric so it doesn’t stretch much, go slow, lots of pins, press (not iron) seams each step of the way.  If you’re adventurous, try the zipper pocket and perhaps use a decorative button closure for the top.

 

Conclusion:

This is a great pattern! And a good way to use up scrap fabric.  I use this bag as a carry-on when traveling, overnight stays, trekking my workout gear (including my yoga mat), trips to the pool, and so many other ways.  Already thinking about ways to make one for each activity.

I will certainly make these as gifts.  Some with embroidery, fashion fabric, and even some applique.  Who knows!  One thing is known, each bag will be unique and bespoke.

This will also make for a nice diaper bag (add a couple more pockets or inserts).

Of course, there are other hobo purse or tote bag patterns, but why add them to your stash when (1) this one is created by an indie pattern designer, and (2) so many variations that allows your creativity to shine.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? 

Absolutely!  This is a perfect pattern to add personalization.  Each make will be unique.

#PaprikaPatterns #PresidioPurse @PaprikaPatterns