Blanche Barrel Bag

I am always browsing for new bag patterns from independent pattern designers.  I love receiving a pattern as a file on my computer.  It gives me the ability to print all of the instructions and pattern pieces or just the pattern pieces and follow along on my computer.

 I have purchased many patterns and have been surprised by the variety of methods used to draw up the directions.  I prefer to have the directions look like a tutorial with pictures of the step that is being done.  I know I am a visual learner.  If the directions aren't clear to me I can actually see the step being done.  I have also received some patterns that are computer drawn.  This would be my second favorite type because this is similar to the store bought pattern I grew up with.  My least favorite would be hand drawn pictures.  If the directions aren't clear, the drawn picture sometimes doesn't clear up anything.

The one thing that would keep me from buying a pattern is if the designer would not allow me to sell the finished product.  That is what I do.  I am very thankful that there are many independent designers who allow sales of products made from their patterns.  I believe that we help each other out.  When I sell, I always give credit to the pattern designer on my tag.  I apprectiate them very much...they make my bag look good and I hope I make their pattern look good!

Speaking of new patterns, I am awaiting the May Bag of the Month that will arrive tomorrow.  But since I had just enough time before it arrives, I tried a pattern that is new to me...the Blanche Barrel Bag by Swoon Patterns (I made the smaller size).  One of the "souvenir" fabrics I bought in Dayton a couple of weeks ago would be perfect.  It has a 3D effect and I thought it would do well on a rounded barrel shape.  I paired it with a brown heavier weight vinyl.

Overall, I like the look but I will make some changes the next time I make it.  They used craft fuse as the interfacing and I thought it was very stiff for the lining.  The next time I may use Soft and Stable for this bag.  I also will not make another Blanche Barrel bag with this heavier vinyl.  The smaller size was too small to turn the vinyl easily and no way to iron it.  The inside of the bag is roomy, though, for the small size.  It has one zipper pocket inside.