Isobel 'Grab and Go' Crossbody Bag by Moments

I think I'm starting to get the hang of the way Liz from moments http://liz-moments.blogspot.co.uk/ writes her patterns, or maybe I've just come to expect the unexpected?

The wonderful new bag pattern,  'Isobel' didn't disappoint.

You can find the pattern for Isobel here http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/sewing/accessory/isobel-crossbody-bag/211733#_=_

She's a classy looking bag with a feature curved zipper on the front, a wrap around pocket that also curved and a wonderful asymmetric strap that means she sits comfortably on your hip as a cross body bag.

Several things I've never tackled before in this pattern so I read it through a couple of times to ensure I was clear about what I was doing........

and then went straight into cutting mode!

For some people the fabric picking is the hardest bit.....I rarely have that problem, as soon as I see the bag I know what I'll use.....on this occasion it was even easier as the bag is named for my daughter....so my first bag was for her and the fabrics are her choice. She picked a deep teal faux leather and a pretty white canvas with teal floral design......and white zippers......

My fist bag isn't without fault........ for some reason I suffered a nasty affliction........lets call it 'Notch Blindness'.....a nasty condition that will render the sufferer totally baffled when trying to fit the bottom of the bag or the zipper in the top......in fact it will totally stop you from creating this beautiful bag..........it took me a while to realise what I'd done, what I'd missed.....and how to save her..........but save her I did.......and my daughter is delighted with her version of Isobel.......if you buy this pattern....DO NOT IGNORE THE NOTCHES!

Moving swiftly on I decided to try an all fabric version

This time I was uber careful to observe every notch and mark the pattern tells you to use........and oh how much easier it was. There's a lot to be said for following the pattern rather than trying to filter out the bits you think you'll need. I used 2mm headliner to stabilise her, and SF101 on all fabrics..........she's a little more structured than the faux leather version but I quite like that......she is made using Alison glass fabrics.

This ones mine for the summer!

Number three I figured I'd set myself a challenge......and used upholstery weight glitter vinyl......something I've never made an entire bag from before.......the thickness meant I couldn't do the exterior pocket so I added some free motion stitching to the outside of the bag to give a little interest......and a magnetic snap fastening

I thought I was done but then decided to make just one more........this time in faux leather and Harris Tweed....I missed the front zipper to minimise the bulk at the seam...........and I love the finished bag........

So is it worth you buying the pattern???

Of course........this is a fun bag with a unique design and a really unusual construction......something Liz is starting to become known for.

Her construction methods are not like anything I've done before, so there are always new skills to learn.....The pattern instructions are clear and concise........lots of pictures to help when you need a visual guide........and of course Liz is always available in her Facebook group  https://www.facebook.com/groups/MOMENTS.byLiz/ to offer words of advice and wisdom if anyone has any problems.

Take note of all the notch placements and cutting instructions, some of the pattern pieces are cut with the pattern facing right side down.........caught me out on my first attempt....lol

 I love the way the lining is sewn in.......you never have to worry about removing your purse and the entire lining coming out with it......... you will never have this problem with a Moments bag......the linings are secured in during construction....

Isobel is a a bag that can be made in faux leathers, vinyl, décor weight or quilting weight fabrics.......so the options are really only as limited as your imagination........within the pattern Liz offers a couple of additional options to customise the design and lots of helpful little tips and comments to keep you going.

This is an advanced pattern, but don't let that put you off, if your a novice bag maker you may want to try her in fabric before you tackle faux leather  as I know a lot of people are worried about using faux leather.

I've really enjoyed sewing my sample bags.........and I hope if you choose to buy this pattern you will enjoy it too...