My cousin requested that I make her a bag. Made the Large Bowtuck with a couple of alterations. Gave it to her last July/August & she has carried it since. While it does not look like new, she is hard on her bags & it still looks good. On the other hand I made her mother the mini-bowtuck & gave it to her earlier this year. It still looks like new. This is only due to the fact that, and I quote,"I don't want to use it and ruin it, because it is so pretty!" and she has it hanging on her treadmill. I told my cousin that she would have a new purse if something happened to her Mom.
There have been many comments on how to make them on the board. I will say that if you use the materials that are recommended in the pattern, your bag will look more professional and hold up better. Some people have said that they use left over batting for the quilting. I did this one one of the bags, and I was not as happy with it as the others that had the better materials.

Good Luck!
Susan

Yes, that specific type of Pellon is the key.

Wish I lived NEAR one of you all...I'd really like to have one of these for my granddaughter. I may have to practice on a simple one first. Thanks for the instructions... Va. Tech country is not far away -- one of you referenced a daughter, I think, going to school there some years ago. Boy, that Va Tech logo is big around here in VIRGINIA. (however, my son is a UVA guy and the rivalry continues!)

I use my every day. I now have 7 different ones I rotate. I love them. I remove the bottom insert and then throw them in the wash machine. I line dry them. Can't tell you how many times people have stopped and asked me where I bought them. After I say I made it, people always want to know if I make them to sell. The answer is NO Thank YOu.

Was thinking of MAKING a purse for my granddaughter to carry when she goes to Europe in June. Does anyone have any TIPS on what kind to make or how to make it for that trip? I know pick-pockets are prevalent and she needs something to hold CLOSE to her body so the strap won't be cut, etc.

The pattern is from Penny Sturgis and can be ordered off of the internet. Maybe some of the LQS have it but I ordered mine. Love it.

I've used two that I made, one with the fusible fleece, and one more lightweight with a sew-in. Both have held up well with every day use, though I did have to repair one seam which came apart a bit. I think if I make another one, I will increase the seam allowances in the sides and bottom a smidgen so it won't pull apart so easily. I do love them and get many compliments on them.

The pattern is from Penny Sturgis and can be ordered off of the internet. Maybe some of the LQS have it but I ordered mine. Love it.

Got mine from Connecting Threads

I use mine everyday in fact I have a few that I switch off with. Like someone else stated get good fabric and they hold up very well. Mine is 3 years old.

Your Mom will just love it. :-)

My first all fabric purse, was denim. That is when I discovered the pleasure of being able to 'wash and wear' a purse. No more nasty spills ruining them! I now make all of my purses. I even bought a pattern for an insert (also washable) from Nancy Zeiman, so all purses take just moments to change from one to another!

Is it the mini bow-tuck from Penny S.??

Been using mine since last June or July. Has held up well, and I am a former girl scout (be prepared!!) so the bag is full. I even washed and dried it!

I have four that I have made for myself. I just put them in the washer and let them air dry. I then spray starch them while they are drying. My first I made over 2 years ago has been washed several times and I always get a complement on it when I use it. All of them are daily users, as I feel lost without one with all of my pockets. I just don't use anything but my bow tucks.

I've never heard of one before could someone post a picture?

I found some Eifle Tower fabric to go in a purse for my granddaughter. Does anyone know if I order it online about how long it would take me to get it?

I carry mine everyday. I have washed it once but needs it again. I love it.

I made one for my daughter who is actively involved in her field of work. It is stuffed with anything she might need at any moment and it looks as good as the day I made it last Sept. She absolutely loves it and I was thinking I'll have to get busy to make #2, but this one is really holding up well.

Thank you so much just put in my order for both the regular and the mini. Thanks again

I bought the patterns, gave it to DIL with my fabric and said- make this for me for Christmas. She did, and I carry it every day. I love it, she loves me and we love the bow tuck. She gave me the pattern back and I told her to keep it, if I need another one, she can make me one again.

I use mine on a daily basis. I have made one for spring/summer and one for fall/winter. I only change purses if I am going to some sort of function. I throw everything in my bow tuck, and I have washed them several times. I have had no wear problems at all.....

I have made quite a few bow tucks and mini bow tucks and want to advise that the handle is sometimes a little small if you are a fluffy(larger) person.
I now make most of my bags with a 27" strap, it is more comfortable to wear and the bag seems to hang in a good spot.
Use good quality material and it will last a long time!
Good luck and have fun with it!!!
They are really great bags!!!

It is made by a company called Quilts Illustrated
www.quiltsillustrated.com

Penny Sturges is the designer and has quite a few awesome designs!!!

Thanks for that I usually have trouble with some straps

I have made several and they last very well- unless you drag it on the ground or spill something on it that can't be removed. After all - they are still made from fabric. My only suggestion would be to either move the button placement down or shorten the loop, because the way the pattern reads does not hold the purse closed enough. I don't like Velcro, so I didn't use that. Still trying to design a zipper for the top.

I made the large one and have been using it daily for 3 mnths so far. i used high quality quilting cotton and put a piece of needlepoint plastic between the bottom layers. I do wish I had used a darker print on the bottom. The woman who taught a class at my LQS had everyone make the top loop shorter to make it close tighter. I did not do this so I could put larger items in it-which I love. Oh and I also made the front pocket smaller so it didn't cover the pretty flowered fabric all up.

Hi,

I love my bow tuck bags....have a couple of the mini ones made and one big one, I prefer the mini bow tuck for everyday use. Big one is just that, too big for my use.

I have one variation that I do on my bow tuck bags and only do it as it simplifies it a tiny bit.

When I sew the top piece and the bottom piece together, I also sew the front pocket on at the same time, in the same seam. Just easier than drawing the line and measuring down to sew it etc. Either way is perfect!

My bags have held up great and I use them a lot and have quite a bit of stuff in them, love those pockets!

Enjoy your pattern, you'll make more than one I bet!

Bev

I just finished my first one. I made this for a friend as a Bible book bag so left out inside pocket. Made outside pocket for 2 pens and a small notebook. I still have to sew on the button but I like it and the instructions were very good!!

Really like the colors you used.