Pair of Charm School Handbags

Late last week, I decided to tackle a new purse pattern that I had purchased at the end of the year from Keyka Lou Patterns during their pattern retirement sale. The pattern I bought was the Charm School Handbag.

I've made other purses before, so I knew it would be just as easy to make two at the same time. I plan on trying to sell at least one bag in an Etsy shop that I hope to open very soon (but if anyone is interested in purchasing one before that happens, please send me a message!). Anyway, the instructions were very straightforward and easy to follow and the pictures they provided were very helpful, especially in making the handles.

Speaking of the handles, that is my favorite feature of this purse. I usually enjoy carrying a purse with a shoulder strap simply because I have children and need both hands (one to hold on to a child and the other to put back whatever it is he/she has taken off a store shelf), but I just adored the look of this purse with that cut-out handle! Don't you?

The fabric the purses are made from is Midwest Modern by Amy Butler, and the check fabric lining and dark green buttons are both vintage items found among my grandmother's old sewing supplies. I was amazed at how perfect a match the check fabric is to the new designer fabric.

Both are a copper color which may not show through exactly in the photos. The button flower is a pin that can be removed or placed in different spots on the bag. The overall dimensions of the bag are 9.5” high x 12.5” wide x 6” deep.

I really think this bag is sewVery fun! What do you think?