I've been searching for months for the perfect project to use this lux sateen fabric on, and the Fairport Purse design is it! I paired the sateen with a textured faux leather and lined it with Essex linen. I couldn't be more pleased with the results!
The Fairport Purse is not my first Radiant Home Studio's pattern.
In fact, it is the third pattern from Sara's collection that I've made. Her designs are unique and her patterns are top-notch professional from the layout, the written instructions, to the graphics. Here are my posts on the Retro Rucksack and my post on the Water Bottle Tote.
The Fairport Purse pattern offers two size options and three closure options making it a great value. Since I tend to use medium to large size bags most often, I chose to sew the large purse which has a finished size of 11 1/2" x 9".
Also, I prefer a purse with a zipper closure to keep my items safe and secure, but instead of sewing on a regular purse strap, I attached a wristlet strap that is recommended for the smaller pouch.
Although the pattern only calls for interfacing on the yoke pieces of the bag, I wanted it to have a bit more structure. For my Fairport Purse, I added Pellon Shape Flex to the entire lining as well as the main exterior pieces of the purse. For the exterior yoke, I fused Pellon Craft Fuse to the faux leather using a press cloth. For all the interfacing, I made sure to cut the pieces out minus the seam allowance to prevent bulky seams.
Gathers are not my favorite thing to sew, but they add so much detail and interest to this bag! I would suggest sewing two rows of basting stitches to give your bag nice, even gathers. One thing I learned about sateen is that it is tricky to gather since the fabric is slightly slicker than normal cotton. In retrospect, I should have basted my gathers in place before trying to attach the main exterior to the yoke! I pretty sure that would have save me a great deal of time.
One of my favorite parts of the Fairport Purse are the pleated bottom corners. I've made a lot of purses using a lot of different patterns, and I've never finished a purse bottom like this! The pleats add more volume and detail to the exterior of the bag and make it look that much more like a store bought purse.
I can't wait to use my new Fairport Purse during the holidays, and I might have just enough fabric left to make another to give as a gift. Be sure to grab your own copy of the Fairport Purse pattern by Radiant Home Studio during their 2nd Birthday Celebration using the discount code shown below.
Also, be sure to follow along with the birthday celebration blog tour to see what other bloggers are making using other Radiant Home Studio patterns!
Monday, Nov. 30th Radiant Home Studio || Skirt Fixation || Felt With Love Designs
Tuesday, Dec. 1st A Happy Stitch || Sew Happily Ever After || Call Ajaire
Wednesday, Dec. 2nd Sew Very || Swoodson Says || Vicky Myers Creations
Thursday, Dec. 3rd Happy Okapi || House of Estrela || Molly and Mama
Friday, Dec. 4th Hugs Are Fun || Sew DIY || Made By Sara
Saturday, Dec. 5th Lulu and Celeste || Rebel and Malice || The Wholesome Mama
Have FUN sewing!
I love the details on this purse! The knot on the handle is such a great idea. Thanks so much for participating in the blog tour!
ReplyDeleteIt's so pretty! The knotted wristlet is so creative
ReplyDeleteI love it, but do you need a special machine to sew through the faux leather?
ReplyDeleteNo special machine, but a sewing machine needle for leather works best. Also, you might need a Teflon foot to prevent the faux leather from sticking to the foot, but I don't think I had to use one with this particular fabric.
ReplyDelete