December 3, 2015

Easy Street Patterns by Chris W Designs - Abby's Alley






How exciting to see a new line of bag patterns from Chris W Designs!  I love Christine's detailed bags that take some time to cut out and to sew.  I am always so happy with the results.  But once in a awhile I just want to make something that takes less time but still looks great that I can make for craft markets.  Enter the Easy Street Patterns.  Christine released the first two bags today.  I was lucky enough to test both.  Today, I'll share my Abby's Alley Tote Bag and tomorrow, my Brandt's Boulevard Wallet.


I have had this fabric for awhile (Woodsy Winter by Hoffman Fabrics) and was looking for the perfect bag to use it.  Abby's Alley was that perfect pattern.  The bag is big (18"W x 12.5"H x 5.25"D), so it gave me room to use a large print or a print like this that needed some length to show off its beauty.



The front and back are the same and the inside duplicates the outside of the bag.  That leaves 4 large pockets on the exterior and 4 large pockets on the interior.  The original pattern calls for square grommets and uses rope for the handle.  I love that summery look but this was a wintry fabric and I decided to use oval grommets and webbing for the handles.



There are optional bag feet on the bottom.


The inside is neat and clean

This pattern works with very large pattern pieces.  Give yourself plenty of room to cut and assemble.

Christine calls these patterns Sew and Sell.  She is right.  This bag sold at the first market I did after I made it.  Cardinals are our state bird and I had several interested buyers.  Unfortunately for me, I can't find any more of this fabric anywhere.  If anyone sees any, let me know.

A few other things about this line.  The number of pages of directions has been cut considerably but don't worry, there are still enough detailed pictures to make assembly easy.  The other thing is that this pattern line is less expensive.  Don't we all like that?

You can get the Abby's Alley pattern here or you can get both of the Easy Street patterns at a discount here.

Tomorrow I will show you the second pattern in this line, Brandt's Boulevard Wallet.  Isn't that a special name??

24 comments:

  1. Hello Marilyn - I saw Chris's announcement last night and immediately ordered both patterns. And, I knew RIGHT AWAY which test bag was yours!! Your workmanship is beyond compare. The fabrics you chose for this bag are wonderful! Thank you for such a beautiful example of this pattern.

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    1. Thanks for the kind words, Liz. I saw this fabric used in a quilt at a quilt shop and knew I had to have it.

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  2. Gorgeous! The tote really looks great in this fabric. And the red on top helps too. I'll be in the look out for your fabric.

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  3. Thanks, Norma. I really appreciate this.

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  5. Your fabrics are perfect for this bag! And as always, you did a superb job! Love it!

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    1. Thanks, Candy. I debated about keeping this one for myself.

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  6. Wow, this bag is soooo cute! Love, love, love this bag.

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  7. Cool blog! Great bag! Still have to write mine. Hope to get it done tomorrow!

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  8. Cool blog! Great bag! Still have to write mine. Hope to get it done tomorrow!

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    1. Thanks, Judith. I look forward to reading yours.

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  9. Love those fabrics Marilyn! I should have tested mine in cotton rather than faux leather. I suppose I can and should make another one, but I have other things to finish first. I bet Liz is coveting your bag because it's red!

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    1. Thanks, Daryl. I have some new fabric to use on another but have orders to complete before I can start.

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  10. Such a beautiful bag Marilyn! I love your choice of fabrics!

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    1. Thanks, Michelle.I was pleased with how it turned out.

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  11. Your bag is beautiful. I love the fabric you used and hope you can get hold of some more. Don't you just hate it when you run out of a popular fabric.

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    1. Thanks, Maria. I really liked the fabric when I bought it but I loved it after I used it.

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  12. i have the same opinion as Maria - the fabric is soooo pretty! and I love your bag too. I always love clean lines and uncluttered look in bags.

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  13. Absolutely lovely and wonderful pattern! I love your choice of fabric for this bag. very nice project! Congratulations.

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    1. Thanks, I hope its new owner loves it as much.

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