The Gabby Bag:: The April Pattern for the BOMC 2016

It's my turn to present the pattern for the Bag of the Month Club and today is the day!  I'd like to introduce the Gabby Bag to you!!  I do love her, and I hope you do to. 

About the covers…. I need a day without snow, and possibly with some green grass here in Northern Canada, so I asked my tester's if I could use their photos. I couldn't decide between Melisa's bag or Kristy's bag so I chose them both, they both so pretty and the ladies did an outstanding job. 

Melisa's Cover (Melisa Jane):

Kristy's Cover (Rock Baby Scissors):

The Gabby Bag is a modern shoulder bag that features zipped top opening, a zipper pocket on the exterior back, another zipper pocket in the lining, as well as a double-slip pocket inside. The unique feature is the the way the side pieces are constructed. This is my first time using this method, it's one that I put a bit of thought into, but when I worked out the details on how to get these cute sides made without having to sew any tight curves, I couldn't believe how simple it was. I can't wait for you to try it and see what I mean!

I've made 4 bags so far…. My first 2 bags were for my mother and I. My Mom is using the black/grey with butterfly fabric, and mine is the one with the black/grey with feathers. Both fabrics are Jennifer Sampou for Robert Kaufman. I love her fabric designs!  I'm working on the other 2 right now, and will share the rest of those photos in a few days. 

Here is a look at the back:

The Gabby Bag a medium-small sized shoulder bag, and you could easily add an adjustable strap slider if you wanted an cross body strap or adjustable strap. 

Here's a look inside at the double-slip pocket and internal zipper pocket. The interior top pieces are made with fabric cut to match the exterior, but you can choose whatever look that you like!

The photos of these 2 bags are taken on my Mom's rocker, against her soft sheepskin. I had been to my moms during the first couple of months of this year, and you can find a photo backdrop anywhere if you look hard enough. I had to take pictures quickly, because Mom was ready to carry it!

I was very lucky to have several amazing bag pattern testers. They were very patient with me considering I did a rewrite a few days after I sent the first version. The way it was originally written was just not sitting well with me and I knew I had to make changes. I'm so happy with it now. 

I can't wait to show you the rest of these pictures, so let's get to it!

This beautiful bag belongs to Jayne B., and she used some beautiful red fashion fabric. It turned out amazing! A very classic bag ready for night out or any shopping day.

Jayne used her accent fabric to make the side strips that created the side pieces. Love this look!

Crystal, from The Cloth Albatross really knocked it out of the park with this grey and florescent fabric. Wow!

Crystal used vinyl for her strap anchors and straps for added interest. It's perfect.

Gwen from GML Designs chose some very classy upholstery weight fabrics and leather. It looks so professional. Love the pattern placement.

Love the welted back pocket!

Judith C!  This fabric has so much movement and is so pretty. I love this version. I love all of the versions. Judith used quilting cottons and was very pleased with how the bag is put together. Thanks Judith!

Natalie from Carry Hers by Natalie, did an amazing job too. She has an industrial machine and likes to work with vinyls and leathers. I'm loving the cute owls and the brave, bold orange zipper is so fun!

There are a lot of photos!!  Almost done!!

Emma from Emkie Designs is up next. Love this feathered print, and the coloured pocket fabric peeking around the zipper pocket makes such a pretty piped look! Stunner!

Barbara H. has created a pretty bag too!  So cozy looking, and I can see this paired up with a white blouse and a pair of jeans in the summer or my Autumn jacket too!  She had a lot of fun with it, and made sure that she added an adjustable strap to suit her own style and needs. Love your work, B! 

Sandy from the Upstairs Hobby Room has made 2 bags and they each have a little surprise inside!  One for her and one for her sister-in-law, for their 50th birthdays - they each have a secret 50 appliquéd in the pockets. Cool idea!  I love these matching bags.  Well done. 

Thank you so much for looking at all of the photos. I hope you have all been inspired to make the Gabby Bag for yourself, and in your own style. 

Please makes sure to join the Facebook group so you can follow all of the fun. It's a lovely group and there is always a lively conversation.

Thank you!

Janelle MacKay