Urban Carryall Bag

I saw this post with this photo and fell madly in love!!

I knew right away I had to buy this book and make that handbag. It's called the Urban Carryall. I bought it the next day and started right away. The only problem was that my machine was acting up and we were not on speaking terms. Before I started this project I knew it was time for a sewing break but I just ignored the feeling. I powered through and what should have taken me 1 day (2 tops) ended up taking me 4 days. It honestly felt like everything was against me but here it is....

I'm just glad it's done. Actually I'm REALLY HAPPY. I LOVE IT!! It's soo big!! I tried taking a photo to show you the size but nothing I came up with did it justice. I'm 5' nothing and it looks great on me. I love that it's so big and yet hangs against my body and doesn't get in the way. 

The pattern was great and for someone who has the hardest time following patterns, it actually made sense to me. I'm a very visual person so the photos helped a lot. They were clear and most of the time I could figure it out by just looking at the photo. I did modify it to make it work better for me and the pattern made it very easy. I added fusible fleece to the lining and big pockets on the inside

I didn't do the pleats because I didn't have enough fabric. I only had a yard of this fabric and since it was directional, I had to make sure I cut every piece right the first time. I think I only have a 5 inch strip left. Luckily!!! the pattern only has pleats on one side of the bag so I was able to modify it and take them out. That really did save me big time because I really wanted to use this fabric.

I knew my machine wasn't going to make it through a ton of layers (b/c we were in the middle of a fight) so I bought an 18 inch zipper instead so it wouldn't go all the way to the end.

I also bought the hardware to make my handle adjustable. She just has you sew it to where you want it to hang, but I wanted to be able to wear it across my body for when I go to Cali in January.

I'm linking it up to Craft Buds for their Craft Book month

Now I'm officially on a sewing break! I am taking a 3 week break and my machine is in the closet. 

I can't stop for too long because I still have to do my UFO for October or I'll lose. I already finished the one for this month and I'll post about it soon. I also need to show you my finished quilt so I'll do that post too when I get someone tall enough to hold it. Don't worry I'm not taking a blogging break just one from my sewing machine. I swear it has a mind of its own.