Pattern review: Bucket Bag

My mom, known to you guys as frequent commenter Grandma G, just finished sewing up a Bucket Bag from Keyka Lou's PDF pattern. She used Skiff in Dawn from my Outside Oslo fabric collection and lined the bag with some Artee cotton duck in Turquoise.

The pattern has an oval bottom, so it really is sort of like a bucket—a cute one with a big pocket on the outside and a nicely proportioned strap. Mum added a magnetic snap since a closure is always nice. And I love the button with its coordinating scallops.

My niece Courtney, who creatively modeled the bag after Mum finished it, stated that the fabric looks like trimmed fingernail bits. Excellent. Exactly the look I was going for.

Mum writes:
"It was a pleasure to sew a bag from a pattern that didn't have me tearing my hair out because it was so complicated! I really enjoyed making this bag. The instructions were very detailed, yet clear and easy to follow in a numbered, step-by-step format, with photos to illustrate every step.

I would highly recommend this pattern for anyone just beginning to make bags. It'll get you started in the right direction and you'll learn a lot about the bag-making process. I'd also recommend it for more experienced bag makers, just because it's easy and fun! And no matter your skill level, you'll end up with a very cute bag. I love the shape of it as well as just the overall look.

The next time I use this pattern, I'll probably add a pocket or two inside. Also, I might skip the darts on the outside pocket, because unless something is stuffed into those dart areas, they tend to have a dented/dimpled look (kinda like a bra that's not quite filled out, y'know?). I'd trim the pattern piece so that it remains the same shape, just minus the darts."

Purchase the Bucket Bag pattern right here, and check out other Keyka Lou designs here. All patterns are available for instant download, and most are a mere $5.00 through 11/27/11!