Pattern Test Drive - The Gathered Sling by Jen Fox Studios

I actually made this sample a month or two ago so I thought it was high time that I blogged about it. The pattern is The Gathered Sling Bag from a new pattern designer that we are stocking called Jen Fox Studios. This bag is designed with the beginner sewist in mind so it is a fairly simple pattern without curves or zippers. The finished bag is a good size at approximately 29cm (11-1/2") wide x 23cm (9") High (excluding the strap) x 8cm (3") deep. You can fit your wallet, phone, keys and a few other items inside without it getting too full. 

The hardest part of sewing a bag is choosing the fabric but I am quite happy with the combination of the tropical flamingo fabric with the fern green contrast. You could also make the bag out of one fabric if you desired.

Don't you think the greens and pinks on the striped lining match the outer fabrics so well? I always use a lightish fabric for the lining of my bags as there is nothing worse than not being able to find your keys in a black lining. I have only sewn in one lining pocket but the pattern gives instructions for two.

Interfacing and Hardware

The pattern has minimal hardware in the form of a magnetic catch, I've used a 14mm one but I think you could use whatever size you have available without too much trouble. The strap included with the pattern is a simple shoulder strap. If you wanted you could also jazz it up with the use of o-rings, oblong rings or make it an adjustable cross-body strap with a tri-glide. 

Both the outside and lining of the bag are interfaced and I have used our Medium Weight Woven Fusible Interfacing. The combination of the interfacing and the gathers give the finished bag enough structure to stand up on its own without being too stiff.

If you would like to recreate this bag here are the materials that have been used:

♥ Gathered Sling Bag Pattern

♥ 35cm (3/8yd) Premium Solid Fern by Northcott

♥ 60cm (5/8yd) Rousseau Flamingo Aqua by Benartex

♥ 60cm (5/8yd) Growing Green Stripe by Alexander Henry

♥ 30cm (1/3yd) Muslin (I just used leftovers of the lining fabric but you could use calico or any fabric as it is only used as the supporting fabric for the gathers so you won't see it.)

♥ 90cm (1yd) Medium Weight Woven Fusible Interfacing

♥ Magnetic Catch 14mm Silver

♥ Matching Thread Rasant 0247 (5526) Green

- Ky