Noriko Handbag

I finished two more handbags the other day for the drawing at the Scappoose Historical Society's Spring Tea.  For these two, while using the same fabrics as the one's using the Amy Butler pattern, were made with the Noriko Handbag pattern by Lazy Girl Designs.  I had the extra fabric leftover from the previous handbags so I only had to get buttons, ribbon and canvas. 

The only changes I made during construction were as follows:

1.  I color blocked the cover panels with two coordinating fabrics.

2.  Because I used quilting cotton, I also added a light weight canvas interlining (basted to the lining layer) for more body to each of the four sides.  I added this canvas to the handles as well.  The results were what I was hoping for--stability for a handbag with flexibility in the sides.

3.  I sewed the button onto the front cover layer prior to attaching the lining to the cover.  It just made more sense to sew it on at this point instead of trying to attach it by reaching into the inside of all layers.  I used a small piece of heavy interfacing behind the cover where the button was attached to help provide strength for the closure.

3.  I didn't add a tassel--it just didn't fit the fabric style.

Here's a look at the two finished handbags.

I love buttons (I know, it could probably be classified as a weird obsession) so I had fun finding the perfect ones to coordinate with each fabrics.  The black one has a flower design and raised dots (the sparkly parts) which I felt carried across the dots from the blue fabric and the flowers on the black/white fabric.  The other handbag has a lovely pinkish shade which matches the lighter pink on the floral print and I liked how the shape seemed to have an outer circle and an inner circle like the dots on the fabric used for the upper portion.  I used a black velvet ribbon on the one and a yellow satin ribbon for the other.

Here's a peek at the lining used for each.

I didn't have time before the tea to set these up to show the fullness and shape (okay, I 'fess, I finished these at around 2 am today, tea at 11 am).  So, here's a look at the sides as pressed to create the side creases.  You can see that these little gals will hold all the essentials at around 6" x 9" x 6".

I definitely can say this is a sweet little handbag pattern that you need in your collection--and hey, it's free, so why not print yourself one today and give it a whirl.  (I think in a silk or brocade this would make a lovely evening bag too!)