I'm sure it will come to no surprise to you when I say I'm a big fan of Anna's patterns.  Her step by step explanations make what might be a nerve-wracking actually completely doable.  Things like strap extenders and snaps are actually kind of easy when broken down step by step.  Even the inset zipper went in like a breeze!

I used a natural linen for the exterior and some of the sugar resist cotton I dyed last summer for the flap and binding.  It's lined with Summersville which always makes me smile when I see it.

This pattern is part of the Bag of the Month Club.  There are some amazing patterns available.  You should definitely check them out.

I would say I'm looking forward to using this bag but I don't think I'll get to.  I used it one day, but lulu saw my things in it and wondered why I was using her bag.  She said that was fine for the day, but my time is up and I think it's all hers now.  I really can't blame her.

The uber clever Sara Lawson from Sew Sweetness has put together a collection of some of the cutest bags ever in her brand spanking new book, Big-City Bags, Sew Handbags with Style, Sass, and Sophistication.

(photo from Big-City Bags by Sara Lawson, Martingale, 2013; used by permission. Photo by Brent Kane. All rights reserved)

I was lucky enough to be a pattern tester for her Fireside Bowl Bag.

I was excited to try it because the pattern uses some techniques I hadn't tried before.  So I jumped in and learned lots about fusible fleece and using different hardware like swivel clips and D rings.  Sara's step by step directions made the pattern a breeze.  So when it was all stitched up I felt pretty much like I could conquer any bag.  Plus her book has directions on zippers, locks, feet, leather handles and more.  I think I may try the miss independent bag next.

(photo from Big-City Bags by Sara Lawson, Martingale, 2013; used by permission. Photo by Brent Kane. All rights reserved)

Cute right?!

You can order your own copy of Big-City Bags, or if you are feeling lucky, some of Sara's sponsors are hosting Big-City Bags ebook giveaways and if I were you, I would definitely get myself entered to win a copy of this one.

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