Not a bag - a suitcase!
 

I want to make a bag for my mother's birthday in July. She's TINY - under 5' tall and close to 100 pounds. She carries small bags - usually matched to her outfit. I've never made a bag before and guessed badly. This is a CUTE bag, but evidently 11" X 13" is BIG in BagWorld.

So ... any pattern suggestions for a small bag - but not a clutch or evening size?

I haven't put the bottom in it yet so it's a bit saggy. I found it easier to make than I expected.

Pattern: Whistlepig Creek Productions #1188 - Pockets All Around (Fat Quarter Friendly).

That is a delightful bag. Good for you!

Very nice...I tend to cart a lot around, so large is great for me. Can't help with a pattern, but could you maybe make a smaller one in matching fabric and give her both....the larger one could be used for an overnight bag.

earthwalker - that's a good idea! I'm going to look for a pattern tomorrow morning and see what I can find. She doesn't do much overnighting anymore, but does sit in waiting rooms and does hospital visits and might enjoy having a bag for stuff. The pansy-looking fabric was the last fat quarter the shop had in that particular batik - and that's the one I built things around. But .. I'll keep that in mind when I look tomorrow.

My DIL is tiny also and Denise B made her a mini bow tucks bag with skinny straps. Looks good on her.

I can relate, I like smaller bags myself. Even the mini Bow Tucks was too big for me. You could cut down the size. Instead of experimenting with fabric, try different sizes with paper and tape them together. You should be able to adjust it to suit your needs.

My 102 yer old Mom has one that is about 8 inches high and wide that I did for her.. your bag is gorgeous. What a lovely fabric combination.

Love your bag! Now you have an instant gift for someone. Here are my favorite FREE purse pattern links. You may find something here, if nothing else, you can spend an afternoon browsing!
http://pursepatterns.com/free_bag_patterns.html
http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/projec...terns_ss1.html
http://www.allcrafts.net/sewing/pursesew.htm
http://www.allfreesewing.com/Bags-and-Purses

Having made this bag I can attest to its "bigness". You might try Marlous Design's The Izzy Bag pattern...it is a very nice bag.

Could you take that same pattern to a copier and reduce by 10, 15, 20 percent (or whatever)? Beautiful bag!

thank you so much for sharing this beautiful purse/tote with us and also for the links to the free patterns, I think it is so wonderful that people are eager and willing to share their talents with others.

Pat

I think it is lovely, Just wonderful, Great job and Thank you for sharing
Have a Blessed day
Ellen

Very nice bag!! Love it!

Oh, I LOVE that! It'd be the PERFECT bag for taking along a knitting/crochet project!

There are also patterns from different sized bags, from Simplicity and McCall's.

This wasn't a pattern like you lay out. It's more like quilt cutting instructions - cut two 5 1/2" x 14" rectangles. That sort of thing. Got the same fabric - including the pansy (owner was there and knew where it was). Got a pattern that has 4 sizes - grapefruit, melon, volleyball, and basketball. I'll make the melon. (petite, standard, large, and jumbo were described like that.) got a busy day with family so can't get started yet, but can't wait!

Thanks for the links. Last night I looked at 100's of free patterns and none was quite right. It helped a lot that the shop had the petite and jumbo made up.

Oooooooh, I love it., Great job.

Thank you for sharing these links. I was just getting ready to look for some free patterns. You made my search super easy!

The bag is sooo pretty. I know whoever uses it will love it.

I'm going to follow the advice on here and give them both to her as a set. If she won't use the bigger bag she'll tell me and it will go to my church secret pal. Plenty of gift-giving opportunities!

It's a very pretty bag. Batiks are beautiful.

Beautiful bag!!!!

The mini bow tuck would work perfectly! :)
Then you can keep this one for yourself!!!!

Jan, I love your bag....I've made 17 purses so far, mostly mini bow tucks and it is really too large for me. By any chance is your pattern a free one?

That is a beautiful bag, If it were me and I had time I would make a smaller version or pick a similar pattern that is smaller, make it with matching/contrasting fabric and put it inside the big one so she could have a set !

Perhaps a few small wrist-lets or clutches , endless possibilities , here is a link with over 300 ideas :)
http://www.sewingsupport.com/sewing-...ts/purses.html