The Koala Handbag with a Detachable Clutch pattern has been published.

 
The new Koala Handbag with detachable Clutch pattern by RLR Creations. 

The new Koala Handbag with detachable Clutch pattern by RLR Creations. 

This new handbag is the ultimate day to night accessory.

The Koala handbag will have your transitional style needs covered! A roomy handbag to hold all of your daily essentials and a detachable clutch when you don’t want to take your whole bag with you.

 

The Koala hand bag features a 21” wide clam-shell opening, a large interior zipper pocket, and pretty accents that make the bag look stylish even when used without the clutch. It offers two carry options with dual handles and a detachable shoulder strap.

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The detachable clutch functions as a front easy access pocket on the front of the bag, or simply slip off the front of the bag for a roomy clutch when you want to downsize the size of your bag. Features a double slip pocket on the interior and a removable wrist strap.

The Handbag Measures: 12” wide, 10” tall and 4” deep and the detachable Clutch measures: 9” wide, 6” tall and 1” deep.

You can find the pattern here:The Koala Handbag

Behind every RLR Creations pattern that is published...

     is a team of hardworking and dedicated pattern testers. The unsung heroes! No pattern would ever be as good, or really even make it to publication without them. They all have big jobs on the team that go beyond creating a new bag for themselves. They are the ones that have read the instructions, printed and used the pattern pieces, and completed the new handbag. Feedback on the pattern is also a big responsibility of the testing team, for if they don’t love it and support it, chances are neither will you. 

Talking new handbags and the testing team.. if you need some inspiration for purchasing the new Koala Handbag or are just looking for some amazing ways to combine textiles to make your very own Koala  take a moment to view the fantastic bags made by them and read their feedback on the new pattern.

If you would like to learn even more about the new Koala Handbag with detachable Clutch, have any questions you would like to ask my team, and to see what is next for RLR Creations drop by our Facebook Group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RLRCreationsSewingPatterns/

Who are these amazing ladies and why do they do it? Stop back next week and meet some of the talented ladies that make up my testing team , learn more about them and why they do it; as well as, what it takes to become a pattern tester.  

How to finish a bag with a Drop-In style Lining

When it comes to finishing any bag the lining construction is a very important factor in judging the finished quality. There are two basic methods for attaching the lining to the exterior: drop-in or fixed. Each has its merits in the construction process for both support and appearance in a bag.

The drop in lining method is perhaps the easiest but most feared by bag makers. For a drop-in lining you are simply making the interior separate from the exterior. Drop-in linings offer an interior that is the same shape and size as the exterior and if done correctly gives a far nicer appearance to the inside of your bag.  This method is commonly used with bags that offer more depth; especially at the zipper opening of the bag. Most of us judge a bag by its exterior presentation, but once you start looking at the interior appearance you will like making your own bags even more!

 
 

The following tutorial will focus on the Final Assembly and how to get a nice tight fitting liner on the drop-in assembly method. You can download a free copy of the Sunday: Life’s Little Everything Bag that was used for this tutorial here: Sunday My Way Bag

 

The Sunday Bag was designed to be like a lazy Sunday afternoon- A Blank Canvas.  The design was created to be simple; a beginner sew, but an open canvas for those that like to add their own creativity. This little Everything Bag features a slip pocket on the front, a wide mouth opening, and cute carry straps. Perfect as it is, or make Sunday “My Way”. Add some piping, zipper pockets, use the zipper pulls to add a longer carry strap, omit the fleece and make a soft-sided bag.  Play with contrasting fabrics, or mix some textiles, quilt it, embellish it… the possibilities are endless! Finished size measures: 12” wide, 6” tall, and 4 1/2” deep.

 

 

 

THE DROP-IN METHOD ASSEMBLING THE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR:

In order to achieve a drop in lining you will create a top gusset panel in which the exterior contains the zipper and the interior top is folded and pressed in 1/2” in the center of the top panel. Once your Exterior and Interior Bag pieces are assembled, these two top panels will "match up" allowing you to attach the Interior to the Exterior.

 

 

 

 

**At this point the Interior and Exterior pieces will already be assembled. When trimming your seam allowances after adding the side gusset panel you will NOT trim the seam allowances around the top zipper panels of your finished pieces. This will be done after you assemble the bag pieces to help you achieve a nice tight fitting liner. Go ahead and trim the seam allowances around the sides and bottom, for both the Exterior and Interior as instructed in the pattern. 

1. Open the zipper all the way and turn the exterior WRONG SIDE OUT. Fold the top zipper panels on both sides to the inside so you have the top seam allowances exposed.

2. Keep the Interior RIGHT SIDE OUT and fold the top panels outward to expose the seam allowance where you attached the gusset to the front and back pieces.

3. Now place the Exterior inside the Interior. The WRONG SIDES will be facing each other. 

 
 

4. Align the top seam allowance for the Interior with the top seam allowance of the Exterior. Starting at one side of the bag pin all the way across to the other end of the top panel as far are you can go.

Be sure to match up the lines of stitching along the seam allowances. 

 
 

5. Starting as close to the side seams of the Side Panel as you can, sew through both seam allowances of the Exterior and Interior across as far as you can to the side seam on the opposite side of the bag. Be sure to stitch through the existing stitches on both pieces and that you are only sewing though the seam allowances and not the panels.

Sometimes it is easier to start by getting the pieces under your machine then pulling the pieces towards yourself  to get back as far as you can to start stitching. 

6. Trim the seam allowances close to the stitching and turn the piece so that the Exterior is RIGHT SIDE OUT. Align the bottom pieces and sides so your Interior sits nicely in the Exterior.

 

7. Fold the top Zipper Panel back in place. Match the top of the Lining top Panel along the folded in edges along each side of the zipper covering the lines of stitching you made when you attached the zipper to the Exterior, but making sure the lining sits right under the zipper teeth so the zipper can open without catching the lining. Pin in place

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*NOTE: If your machine has a free arm now is a great time to use it. 

8. With the Exterior face up, topstitch the Interior in place; following along in the existing zipper stitch line. Check to be sure you are catching the lining. 

 

As mentioned above. It is easier to get the pieces under the machine and then pull the piece toward yourself to get it further back before you start stitching. For a nice finish follow the same line of stitching you created when you installed the zipper. 

As always practice makes perfect, the more drop in linings you create the more you will enjoy finishing your bags with this technique.

Please be sure to stop here http://www.rlrcreations.com/freepatterns/sunday-my-way-bag  and download the free Sunday Bag pattern.

We would love to see your Sunday bag when you finish. Please join our facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RLRCreationsSewingPatterns/

Rachel-RLR Creations

The City Tote Materials List Revealed

As the time nears for the first round of testing for the City Tote bag pattern I wanted share the Materials List for anyone that is interested in testing:

Materials Needed:

1 yard 44” wide Main Fabric (1 ½ yards for Large)

3/4 yard 44” wide Lining Fabric (1 yard for Large)

3 yards 20” Fusible Pellon SF 101 or a shaping Interfacing (3 1/2 yards for Large)

1 yard Fusible Fleece (Pellon Fleece Thermolam Plus)

¼ yard Ultra Firm Fusible Stabilizer Peltex 71F

12” or larger Coordinating Zipper for outside

1 Large Magnetic Snap for the bag closure

20” ½” O.D. Clear Vinyl Tubing (Available at hardware stores in plumbing section)

Hardware: 2- 1” Metal rectangles, O rings or D rings
                  1- 1” slider
                  2- 1” Swivel Hooks

Coordinating thread

Removable Fabric Marker (I recommend a Frixion gel pen as it can be removed by pressing with an iron)

Microtex (Sharp) Needle 80/12 –Recommended for topstitching through the thicker parts.

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The Pattern testing Call for the City Tote ihas already began, if you would like to test this pattern please join the event here:https://www.facebook.com/events/278541832269974
Limited number of testers needed for each size and chosen on a “first come” basis.

Call for Pattern Testers for the City Tote Pattern

The Pattern testing Call for the City Tote is getting ready to begin, if you would like to test this pattern please join the event here:https://www.facebook.com/events/278541832269974
or CONTACT ME HERE. Limited number of testers needed for each size and chosen on a “first come” basis.

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The city tote offers two carrying choices: Double handles with a dropped curve to provide a nice dip on the arm for comfort and ease to grab and go, or a cross body strap when you want to go hands free.
It offers a large back zipper pocket and optional customizable front slip pockets to keep your essentials handy when you are on the run.
The inside features 3 slip pockets for great organization. Nice roomy interior with magnetic snap closure to keep everything neatly inside.
Pattern will include two sizes; an everyday purse size and a larger daytripper option.



DAYTRIPPER: 

Part WEEKENDER, part TOTE...designed and sized to be the perfect daily companion. Daytripper (large size) City Tote. Measures 15" high, 17" wide, and 5" deep.


THE EVERYDAY SIZED CITY TOTE:

Functional & Structured; perfect for everyday adventures. Measures: 13" high by 13" wide and 4" deep.

The City Tote Pattern Release Coming Soon

Another sample of the new City Tote Pattern coming soon. This is the everyday size in RK "Fox and the Houndstooth". If you would be interested in being a pattern tester for this upcoming pattern please let me know. Pattern Tester Call happening now!

Fox City Tote in Everyday size

The city tote offers two carrying choices: Double handles with a dropped curve to provide a nice dip on the arm for comfort and ease to grab and go, or a cross body strap when you want to go hands free. 

It offers a large back zipper pocket and optional customizable front slip pockets to keep your essentials handy when you are on the run. 

The inside features 3 slip pockets for great organization. Nice roomy interior with magnetic snap closure to keep everything neatly inside. 

Pattern will include two sizes; an everyday purse size and a larger daytripper option.

Part WEEKENDER, part TOTE...designed and sized to be the perfect daily companion. Daytripper (large size) City Tote. Measures 15" high, 17" wide, and 5" deep. 

Part WEEKENDER, part TOTE...designed and sized to be the perfect daily companion. Daytripper (large size) City Tote. Measures 15" high, 17" wide, and 5" deep. 

Pattern testers needed. If you would like to become a pattern tester please contact me

Call for Pattern Testers FAQ’s

I love to give bag makers or those who are thinking of trying to make their own bags a chance to pattern test and have their photos and themselves showcased. Most of all I love to see the many different fabric choices made to make my bags.

If you think you would be interested in testing patterns I would love to have you!

You will always have the opportunity to see photos of the pattern to be tested along with a list of materials needed before you decide if it is a pattern you are interested in testing.

What I ask of my Pattern Testers:

I will send my pattern testers copies of the pattern in both the pdf format and word format so that they can make notes on the pattern in whichever way is most comfortable to them.   Some prefer to write directly on the pattern and scan their notes to send back to me or some prefer to make notes directly on the word document.

On occasion I will ask specific questions but for the most part I like to let the tester ask me questions or make notes to where they feel changes should be made or more direction needed to complete difficult parts.

I only ask for at least one nice photo of the finished project that I may include in a blog post and on facebook; and of course feedback and written edits on the pattern pieces and instructions.

It is important to note that patterns are in their rough draft stage at the first round of testing. What I need from testers is honest feedback about the pattern to help get it to its final stage. You do not need to have a blog or web presence to be a tester. If you do and wish to blog about your experience once the pattern is released I welcome it.

FAQ's

Here are a few FAQ’s that may answer most of your questions; if you have any questions or concerns that are not addressed here please do not hesitate to contact me.

What if I have never made a bag before?

Great! I am looking for pattern testers of all skill levels. You never know you may fall in love with something you never thought to try.  It may be much easier than you think to create your very own one of a kind bags. 

What do I need to do?

If you have let me know you are interested in being a pattern tester, I will let you know when a pattern is ready for testing with a description, photo, and material list. Once you review the information and you would like to test just let me know, if I receive your response before the testing group is full I will email you with the pattern.

Once you have reviewed and made the pattern, within the required deadline date, you will email me back with any questions and comments you can think of that will help with finalizing the pattern for release. This can include, but not limited to: typos, missing information, steps that are hard to understand, areas where you had trouble with when completing the project.

What if I find a mistake?

If you happen to come across something that is not clear, or that seems incorrect please make a note of it and let me know as soon as possible. This way I can make the changes if necessary and pass it along to other testers. If you get stuck try to work through the directions as best as you can to try and figure it out on your own, if you cannot please let me know so I can work on a better way to explain it or illustrate it in the pattern. Spelling or grammar errors are important to point out as well, if you find these please make a note. I simply ask that you be kind, honest and please provide me with constructive criticism.

Important note to be a successful pattern tester, you need to be a good communicator. Things come up and sometimes life just won’t allow you to make a deadline. Please let me know if something comes up

Do I get paid to be a pattern tester?

 No, but you do get a great free pattern and once the pattern is ready for release you will receive the final pattern as a thank you. You are welcome to sell bags you make from my patterns and if you are a bag maker who sells their wares I will write up a post for my blog and facebook featuring you and your business. I will also have giveaways, free future patterns, and such from time to time to show you my appreciation.

Rachel/RLRCreations

Mailbag Crossbody Pattern Release coming Jan 15th, 2015

Hello Sewing Enthusiasts!

Be sure to like RLRCreations Sewing Patterns page on Facebook for a chance to win one (out of five) free copies of my upcoming Mailbag Crossbody pattern; which is scheduled to be released on January 15th. Simply Like my page and leave a comment under the pattern release post; be one of the first 5 and you will receive a PDF download of the pattern.

Mailbag crossbody Pattern release notice:



This triple zip Hipster, is a trendy, slim, crossbody with adjustable strap and an easy access front slip pocket. It features: two zip pockets and a slip pocket on the exterior, also customizable slip pockets on the interior. The adjustable strap allows for it to be carried cross body or over the shoulder. The slim mail bag shape allows for a low profile while the inside provides enough room for all of the essentials and more!

Materials Needed:

  • 1 yard 44” wide Main Fabric ¾ yard 44” wide Lining Fabric
  • 2 ½ yards 20” Fusible Mid-weight Interfacing
  • 1/2 yard fleece or quilt batting
  • 14” or larger Coordinating zipper
  • 2- 9” or larger Coordinating zippers Hardware:
  • 2- 1.5” rectangle or D rings and 1.5” slider
  • Coordinating thread
  • Removable Fabric Marker

Head over to the newly developed RLRCreations Sewing Patterns page and give it a "like" today! Don't miss out on being entered to win a free copy of this one of a kind pattern!