June 1, 2014

The June Bag of the Month, The City Slicker, From Chris W Designs






I have been waiting a month and a half to show you this bag.  I was a bag tester for Christine of Chris W Designs on her bag of the month for June, the City Slicker Bag.  I was excited for June to come to show you the beautiful bag she created for the Bag of the Month Club.  This pattern comes as a bundle.  There is an advanced version (which is the one I made) and an intermediate version.  I will tell you what makes them different a little later.





This version is loaded with pockets.  Here on the front of the bag, you see the first pocket which is closed with a turn lock.  This is a roomy pocket that extends out from the front of the bag as you will see in this next picture..


 This is the top view of the bag.  Instead of one long zipper, I decided to add a double pull zipper to make it easier to open and it fit this bag well because of the shape of the bag.



 Here is the back of the bag that shows pocket number two.  It is a welt pocket that is open on the top but because of the design appears more closed than a slip pocket.


The inside of the bag is loaded with pockets.  On one side (pictured on top here), there is a zippered pocket with two slip pockets below it.  On the other side, there are two slip pockets and two pen pockets on top (under the yellow trim above the bottom pockets).  There are two slip pockets and one pleated pocket large enough for sunglasses below that.  Are you still counting?  If you are you should be at twelve pockets, including the pen pockets!  That's a lot of pockets, plus the bag interior is so roomy beyond the pockets and the bag opens wide to see and have access to everything. 
 
If you have never made one of Christine's bags, don't be intimidated.  There are lots of pages of instructions but the instructions are written clearly with so many pictures to show the steps that if you just take it a step at a time, you will end up with a beautiful bag that people will be surprised is handmade.  Don't be intimidated by the hardware.  Most of the hardware goes on pretty easily but makes the bag look so professional.
 
The intermediate version changes some of the pockets I have listed in the advanced version.  The back pocket is an easy slip pocket instead of the welt pocket.  There is an easier version of the interior zipper pocket.  This version is minus the extra pleated slip pocket inside.  The intermediate also has easier to sew triangular strap tabs and a slightly easier version of adding the zipper closure.
 
Whichever version you choose, you will have a great, unique shaped bag that you will love.
 
 
 
 
 

18 comments:

  1. I love your colors! Cheery yellow against black has always been a favorite of mine! I cannot believe all the pockets that this bag has! I'm not sure that I am talented enough to make this purse because it really looks complicated...we will have to see. Check by my blog later tonight to see what I have been up to....I'm interested in your opinion!

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    1. Thanks, Sue. If you don't feel you can do this one, you can try the intermediate. Christine uses so many pictures to help you sew. I am a visual learner and I feel it helps tremendously. If you read the directions and aren't quite sure what she means, you can look at the picture to see what it should look like.

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  2. I ADORE your version Marilyn...the fabric and colors are AWESOME on this bag! :)

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    1. Thanks, Christine...the pattern design is not too bad either! I love the shape and the size of this bag. Not to mention all of the pockets. Thanks for designing it!

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  3. I agree with Sue and Christine--I think your color choices for this bag are great! :) The inside lining is a really fun fabric. You're helping me to figure out how to use multiple fabrics well!

    I LOVE Christine's patterns (I was able to test this design, too)!! This one, especially, is such a neat bag with its styling and features.

    Fantastic job!!

    Krista

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    1. Thanks, Krista. I enjoyed making this one. Different fabrics make this bag look different. Depending on your fabrics, different parts of the bag get highlighted.


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  4. Marilyn your bag looks great in the colors that you chose. I like that dual zip idea too, so if I make another one I might try that.

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    1. Thanks, Daryl. I used that zipper because it was the only one that I had that was long enough, but I really like how it worked out.

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  5. Love all the pockets and the double pull zipper -- good choice

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    1. Thanks, Kathy. Christine loves to put plenty of pockets in her designs.

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  6. You did a great job Marilyn. I love your fabric choices especially the lining. So pretty. I like your zipper too, good idea. Now I really have got my work cut out for me. I've still only made one of the bags from the Bag of the Month. They're all so nice it's hard to decide which one to do first.

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    1. Thanks, Maria. I've sold three of my bags of the month at the craft fair that I did so I need to remake a few myself. As soon as I get a chance...

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  7. Wow, Marilyn! Your bag is beautiful. Yellow and black make a great color combo. You did a great job!!

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    1. Thanks, Norma. I love the bag design and bright colors make me happy!

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  8. Fabulous craftsmanship! Thanks for linking up at Inspire Us Thursdays!

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    1. Thanks, Ren, for sponsoring the linky party.

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  9. Such a beautiful bag! I love the colors and all the handy pockets!

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    1. Thanks, Lisa. It is a great design form Christine at Chris W Designs. I love her patterns.


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