My newest pattern, Trifecta Zip Bags, has just been posted on our website for sale. This pattern, now in PDF, but soon to be in print, took a very long while to publish. Pushed aside too many times, and for too long, it took just over 1 year to make. Thank you to one of my amazing testers, Line V., who encouraged (nagged) me to get it done today! 

I am sure you are wondering if it is very complex or complicated, because of the lengthy writing time. It's easy to make and really not complicated. The complication comes from me having too many irons in the fire at once. I am so pleased it is ready to share! 

Trifecta Zip Bags - 6 different sized bags (3 each for 2 different internal wire frame widths). Create gorgeous, toiletry, makeup, pencil or an essential oil bags using our smaller sizes. The larger sizes make cute handbags.

This set of easy to make bags is a step up from our popular Retreat Bag pattern, with several more options such as accented top and bottom pieces, and handbag straps. Instructions are provided to put the straps on the largest size of each set, but you can add the straps to the other sizes too. This pattern is suitable for an advanced beginner. 

These bags have an "A Frame" shape, wide at the bottom and tapering in at the top. Each bag opens wide, has a structured top shape & includes 2 internal slip pockets. 

This pattern includes digital drawings and full size pattern pieces for all shaped pieces. Cutting instructions provided for rotary cutter, ruler and mat to cut the handbag straps, but all of the rest have provided pattern pieces. Pattern instructions are in both imperial & metric.

FINISHED SIZES: 

Small Set uses 6” wide frames (Use “Style D” frame):

 Large Set uses 8” wide frames (Use “Style A” frame):

Not a lot of hardware or supplies are required. You need zippers and the wire frames, and that is it! I like to use our Emmaline Zipper Ends, instead of sewing the fabric zipper tabs. They are so easy!!

Find our zipper ends HERE.

I've used Tula Pink fabric and Gigi by Adornit in the above samples. They look beautiful with our iridescent rainbow or gold hardware. I've used one of our "handmade" labels on the one below.

Get the pattern here! 

How about a look at some of my tester photos! 

I have amazing pattern testers that completely put my pattern through it's paces. They provide suggestions and feedback and I can't do this without them. Thank you for all of your help: Line Vienneau, Natalie Cox, Mel Euhus, Tara Sinclair, Barbara Hourigan, Lynne Baldwin, Moira Colville, Jayne Baldwin, Cheryl Strain, Katie Mehta, Bernice Grimble, & Dyan Charron!  

Here are their tester bags, in no particular order:

Thank you for reading! I hope you have a lot of fun with this pattern. If you enjoyed the Retreat Bag pattern, this is going to be a fun next step for you! 

Wow! Can you believe that we are wrapping up another round of Bag of the Month Club?! What a wonderful round this has been! Thank you to all the wonderful designers for these AMAZING patterns and for all of YOU for turning them into such incredible creations! We have enjoyed seeing each and every one of your makes, and look forward to seeing all the rest! So THANK YOU for making this club so wonderful!

Each pattern in the club is unique and teaches different skills that you can apply to other bags to improve your confidence. If you sew all of the bags in the club you will walk away with a lot of new skills and 7 AWESOME bags! Remember, as a member these patterns will stay in your account forever, so there is no need to rush and get each one done every month (although you might want to). Even after the club is over at the end of the month, the patterns will remain in your account!

Remember, there IS still time to join to get the 6 patterns included in this round AND the bonus pattern! That’s a total of 7 patterns for 40 USD. At the end of June, this round of the club goes away and unless you are a member of the club, you won’t be able to get these patterns unless they are released by the individual designer 6 months after the club release.

Let’s wrap up this year’s club by doing a quick review of the patterns in this round!

This Gorgeous Version by Chera of Phipody

Christine of Chris W Designs was our Miss January with The Podium. The Podium is a roomy cross body bag with an adjustable strap. It features an exterior quick access phone pocket. Inside the roomy under flap main compartment, you will find a zipper pocket, 2 slip pockets and a pen pocket. This is a great bag to practice adding some new hardware or using a feature print on the flap to practice your fussy cutting. Read more about this fun pattern and see the tester photos here.

February

The Ravenwood Messenger Bag by Betz White Designs:

Betz White is our Miss February with the Rugged Ravenwood Messenger Bag. The Ravenwood Messenger Bag is a rough and ready companion, equipped to carry your tech gear and more. The Ravenwood is highly functional with multiple pockets inside and out, plus room for your 15” laptop and daily necessities.  The front of the bag has 2 pleated cargo pockets with press lock closures as well as a large zippered pocket. It’s the perfect bag to try your hand at trying waxed canvas and is wonderful for men and women alike.

March

The Stargazer Tote by Blue Calla Patterns:

Celine of Blue Calla Patterns is our Miss March with the lovely Stargazer Tote. The Stargazer is a lovely sized shoulder bag with an optional crossbody strap. It features two large exterior pockets that have a beautiful piped accent. The bag measures 15” W x 10.5” H x 4.5”. It has a recessed zipper closure and has two different options for the handle connectors. This is a great bag to practice your piping skills and learn to do pleats and install strap hardware. Check out all the lovely tester photos here.  

April

The Celine Zip Top Tote by Swoon Patterns:

Miss April is Alicia from Swoon Patterns with the lovely Celine Zip top tote! This fun tote has the functionality of a tote, in a handbag size! It’s super comfortable to carry on your shoulder and has a unique closure strap over the top zipper for added security. It features a large zipper exterior pocket and requires minimal hardware. The panels are the perfect size for a feature print, as she measures 14” W x 11” H x 6” D. Alicia calls this a “one dayer” and would be a nice relaxing sew for an advanced bagineer.

May

The Holey Mayoley from Sewing Patterns by Mrs. H:

Miss May is Samantha from Sewing Patterns by Mrs. H, with her Holey Mayoley Bag! This fun bag has a hole in the flap which adds interest as well as extra security for your belongings. In addition to her good looks, this is a super functional bag, featuring a large hidden exterior pocket and a press lock to secure the flap. The inside boasts a zippered pocket and a welt pocket, which is a great technique you can apply to other handbags. It measures 11” W x 13” H x 5” D. Many of you have also sewn in without the hole in the flap which makes for a completely different look and makes it a bit easier for newer bag makers. You can see some of them here.

June

The Road Trip Wallet by Emmaline Bags:

I am representing June with the Road Trip Wallet! This wallet features THREE different closure options to suit your style and skill level! Inside the wallet you will find 16 card slots, and learn a new way to make them. In the center is a two sided ID window that is perfect to keep your ID or favorite photo handy. The top of the wallet has two zippered sections that are perfect for stashing your cash, checkbook or coupons. It’s nice added security to keep your money secure. Choose from a  closure with magnetic snap and strap detail, heavy duty snap with a tab closure or a magnetic snap with a flap closure. It’s easier to make than it looks and it can hold a LOT.

BONUS:

As a bonus to our members, we have an additional pattern this year, The Denver Backpack by Swoon Patterns. This pattern will remain exclusive to the club for the foreseeable future, so join up while you can.

The Denver is a unisex backpack that has a familiar rucksack style, but with a unique shape. It has two exterior zippered side pockets and the style of the zippered top allows it to open wide. This backpack comes in two sizes and we have loved seeing the kid versions of small size popping up!

To grab all these amazing patterns join us at Bag of the Month Club! If you are already a member, don’t forget to share your makes. We love seeing each and every one of them! Join our Facebook group, follow us on Instagram or Pinterest. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #bagofthemonthclub when you share so we can all ooh and ahh over your lovely bags!

Thank YOU for making this such an awesome club! I've really enjoyed my time collaborating with Christine, Betz, Alicia, Celine, & Samantha in 2018 and I can't wait to see what 2019 brings.