This pattern definitely was very trying for Patricia to get just right. She knew exactly what she wanted and wasn't going to stop until she achieved "that look." She wanted an all purpose bag for traveling, so the user will look stylish whether dashing through the airport, sightseeing for the day, or out for dinner at night.
The Alyssa Hip Bag Pattern doesn't disappoint. A very classy looking hip bag - NOT a fanny pack! - worn with a matching or purchased belt. Or convert it to a crossbody with a sophisticated chain strap. Or change the look to a clutch with the matching wristlet. The Alyssa will get your through the day with a mere change of the strap and without having to move things from one purse to the other for your different activities or wardrobe style.
Add some bling with a metal flap edge and magnetic snap, or no trim and a fancy turnlock. Patricia's design is intended to be made with vinyl, faux leather, leather or cork, with a cotton lining. Mix up your linings for a fun look. There are lots of pockets and card slots for your passport, credit cards, park passes, phone, keys, sunglasses and more. Peltex and foam give the bag shape, without being bulky.
Our testers had a lot of fun bringing their creativity to the design. Check out their makes below:
Let's kick off the eye candy with Rebecca Hansen of TwoLeos Design. She actually made two versions as she was enjoying the pattern so much. She says, "For this version I used the curved trim and purse chain from Emmaline Bags. The turn lock is from Ning Bags, the vinyl is from BoDeeOh, and the lining fabric is by Art Gallery. I interfaced the lining fabric with wovenfuse and the card slots with Pellon 809." We love how she centered the vinyl design with the turnlock. It is a very striking bag.
Rebecca's second version is just as classy. She again used hardware from Emmaline Bags and vinyl from BeDeeOh, and chose a Rifle Paper Co. cotton from the Primavera line for the interior lining. Wovenfuse was used with the lining, and Pellon 809 for the card slots.
You can follow TwoLeos Design on Instagram for some more fantastic views of her creations.
Bag designer Jo Kay of Country Cow Designs has a truly international bag: "I used navy cork from MB cork in Portugal and Christie Williams cotton from Nerida Hansen fabrics in Australia. Sourced my iridescent hardware from Bag Making Bling UK."
I love how the interior fabric picks up the iridescent turnlock. A beautiful combination! Follow Jo Kay on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
From The Busy Sewing Room Ulrike Puckering says she used faux leather from her local haberdashery, accent cotton from the craft section of a bargain shop, and hardware from Aliexpress. I wish I had fabric this nice locally!
Ulrike tested for us for the first time, and on short notice. We were thrilled to have her join the group and super happy with her version of The Alyssa Hip Bag. Check out her creations in her Etsy Shop.
Becca Olson of Turtle Trax Too, a repeat tester for Kaya Papaya Design, once again impressed us with her creation. She chose buttery soft embossed vinyl from New Moon Stitches and paired with a cotton from Rifle Paper Company. Her hardware came from Amazon. A purchased belt works very nicely with her design.
The lining is a happy surprise and pairs nicely with the classy vinyl.
Another new - and last minute tester - is Rashida Juzer of No 3 Quilt Studio. She chose a more casual look for her bag. She says this about her choices: "Printed Canvas Cotton bought from Lincraft (local store). For the lining material I used water resistant canvas from Spotlight (local store). For the bag handles I used the ready made webbing belts (her shoulder strap also functions as the belt). The hardware is from Alibaba (in her stash).
Rashida's bag is a great example of the versatility of The Alyssa Hip Bag. While the bag is a more casual interpretation, the design is still a very classy look.
Sew Special by ZM's owner Zeiba Monod was able to fit us in to her busy bag and mask making schedule and still was able to produce a stunning bag. She used "Vinyl bought eons ago on a fabric selling group on Facebook. English Garden cotton/linen canvas by Rifle Paper Co (for Cotton and Steel), and Moda Grunge fabric for the lining. I used a rose gold hardware by Emmaline and bought via Sew Hot in the UK."
I love the contrast between the vinyl and the cotton flap. And you can't go wrong with grunge as a correlate.
A big THANK YOU to all of our testers. All of the ladies are busy with their own businesses and families, and we really appreciate the time they take to test, provide us with feedback, and show off their creations for the pattern launch. They take the time to make awesome photos for us so you can see all the features of the bags, and their patience and adherence to our schedule is greatly appreciated.
Like the styling, but need a bigger crossbody? Check out The Large Alyssa Crossbody.
Whether you are a beginner or an expert bag maker, we'd love to have you join our Facebook Pattern Group. Ask questions, give guidance and encouragement, share your makes. Patricia is always quick to answer questions, and loves your feedback.
Please feel free to comment, but be aware that Shopify doesn't offer a way for us to respond. If you have any questions, please PM through Facebook, or email us at kayapapayadesign@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you!