This week on the Review portion of the Pattern Revolution blog, we are all about that BAG!

If you ask anyone that makes bags, you know that they are a labor of love. All of the cutting and interfacing and small details that take your project from homemade to HANDMADE. Then there's the payoff- the copious amounts of drooling by friends, family, and random people on the street that really can't believe that you MADE your bag. Even the ladies at the dentist's office that practically turn your bag inside out because they just can't believe it.

So be on the lookout for all kinds of bag reviews this week! Sarah kicks off our reviews with her stunning Vivian Traveler from Swoon Patterns ! (affiliate link)

Hello there! This is Sarah and I am here today with a review of the Swoon Sewing Patterns Vivian Handbag and Traveler. I have slight bag obsession and I am literally always in the market for a new bag, so I was thrilled when this bag was released. The lines of this bag really appealed to me and I loved that it had roomy pockets on the outside. Since I am getting ready for a big trip, I decided I MUST make a traveler to take along with me, and what better fabric to use than some bright and fun Olaf fabric that I found at my local JoAnn Fabric?

The Vivian was a straightforward bag to sew and the instructions were clear and concise,, although it did take some time to get it together. I am not a seasoned bag maker, so people with a lot of experience may find it a quicker sew than I did. As with every bag I have made, there was a lot of “purseperation” in this bag (yes, I made that term up...but I bet any bag maker can relate!) but in the end it was well worth it! This is my favorite bag that I have ever made. The inside features a zippered pocket and I added an additional pocket on the opposite side of the bag (I like big pockets and I cannot lie.) It also has two outside pockets which are perfect for your cell phone or a bottle of sunscreen!

For my inside zippered pocket and the main compartment I used zippers generously provided by Zipper Island and they were a perfect fit. For the main compartment zipper, I used a double pull zipper that is so nice because I can open and close in either direction. These zippers are truly top notch and I have purchased a whole variety of them for my stash.

This is another solid pattern from Swoon Sewing Patterns and I will absolutely make another soon. The next time I will make a handbag and maybe even cut into my reserve stash of out of print fabric that I have been saving for a super special occasion…

Until next time…

Sarah

Swooning for more Swoon? Check out our reviews of the Dorian Bag, the Sophia Beach Tote, the Stella Weekender Bag, the Eloise Wallet, and more!