The Large Colette Bowler Bag is Big on Style!
When we released the Colette Bowler Bag last year, we had many requests for an enlarged version. Patricia quickly discovered that it was going to need some fine-tuning to get it just right. This involved a couple of prototypes and drafting new pattern pieces.
The team of testers was impressed with the size and excited to put their creative stamps on the design. Let's take a look at all the beautiful makes we're excited to share:
Returning tester Becca Forrette of Cosmic Thread Customs used canvas from Zor-Elle stabilized with Decovil light for the main body, faux leather from Bo Dee Oh for the accent, and the interior is Ottertex waterproof canvas.
It's always so fun to see what Becca is going to come up with as she has access to some unique fabrics.
New bagmaker and tester Nichole Litton's bag is a cheerful rendition. She used a cotton woven and vinyl for the exterior, and waterproof canvas for the interior. Her interfacing of choice was Wovenfuse2, and foam. For the bottom stabilizer, she used Decovil heavy.
We're thrilled to add her creativity to our group of testers. Nichole is just getting started and I think her apparent skills will have her bags in demand.
The second of our four new testers is Sue Reed of @dreamscapestudio used a custom cotton Lycra print for the exterior. Her lining is also waterproof canvas with foam stabilizer.
We have admired Sue's makes on various Facebook groups and in our pattern group for months and we're thrilled that she had time to test for us.
Becca Olson of Turtle Trax Too also returned to test The Large Colette. She said, "The entire bag was sewn on my domestic with not a bit of trouble. As always, a wonderful sew."
The exterior cheetah print and bag hardware are from Amazon. BoDeeOh's blue vinyl is the accent, and the lining is a quilter's cotton from Becca's stash.
I'm not sure Becca is going to let this bag go, but if she does, I'm sure it will be snatched up quickly!
Kellie Toles of @sewfulcreations had this to say about her first test with us, "I love the size! It's big, but not too big. I used all vinyl interfaced with Decovil light. My lining is cotton interfaced with Wovenfuse. I probably could've even used foam with this vinyl and it would've been just fine. Nonetheless I'm so happy with it."
"I chose not to use the interior zipper facing. I just attached the zipper trim, cut out the fabric from the zipper window, and then placed my zipper pocket. I find using the facing and trim makes the zipper too bulky depending on fabric and interfacings."
Kellie's fabric choice and fussy-cutting on the exterior pocket is gorgeous. We hope she'll be able to join us again!
Linda Rizarrdi of @grandmarizzo is an active member in our Facebook group and we're thrilled to add her bagmaking talents to our tester group.
The exterior is home decor fabric Shantung Textured Vinyl and Cordura for the lining. Linda Interfaced with Wovenfuse and Decovil light for structure, in place of foam.
Linda's bags are always meticulously made and very classy in styling. We're thrilled that she tested this pattern and hope she'll join us again.
To all of our testers for The Large Colette Bowler Bag Digital Pattern, we appreciate your time, resources, and input on this pattern. We couldn't get it launched without you!
Now that the testers' makes have you inspired, grab your copy.
