Pattern & Fabric

Zippered passport pocket, credit card pockets,
cell phone pocket.

I really like the idea of this bag. You can click on any of the images to see a larger image.

My M.O. is to NEVER put any fabric back once it’s been pulled to make something (and something was made). This fabric is leftovers from a pair of pants. So when it came time to decide to toss or make something, I decided to make this bag.

Pattern: Vervalise

Pattern Description:
From the website:Dimensions= 8″ X 9″ X 2″

You’ll love making this fun bag, designed for a handsfree lifestyle. It’s big enough for virtually EVERY important thing you normally carry, and then some! Even full, it’s so lightweight, that you’ll forget you are carrying a purse. With zippered compartments, and a magnetic closure, all of your important possissions are safe and secure… yet within easy access for YOU. The exterior front and back provides PLENTY of area for creative embellishment. You can choose a comfy cotton web strap, or an elegant chain strap for a dressier look.

Wallet Interior

Reinforcements

This bag, Vervalise, has seven credit card slots, zippered passport pocket, checkbook slot, pen holder, cell phone pocket, zippered coin purse, paper money slot, pocket for glasses case or makeup.

I don’t find it to be particularly secure. I disagree that it’s lightweight.

Instructions:
There are a lot of instructions and a lot of markings that you must include, but this purse has a lot of pockets, so this shouldn’t be a surprise. I really didn’t have many problems putting things together. However, I do admit to reading and highly recommend reading Mary’s review before I started.

Finished Purse

Purse Interior 1

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
LIKE: It’s a wallet purse. I think that’s a terrific concept.

DISLIKE: It’s not secure.
DISLIKE: It’s floppy.
DISLIKE: It didn’t fit together that well.

Fabric Used:
Leftover 100% cotton pants fabric.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
I followed all of Mary’s recommendations. I used plastic needle point canvas to increase the structural integrity (i.e. less floppy). I added pockets where there were none.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Maybe. I still really like the idea. Instead of cotton quilt batt and plastic needlepoint canvas, I would use Timtex interfacing.

The problem is that it just isn’t secure. It needs a zipper or something, and I don’t know what that something is. Maybe snaps? The thing is that with the floppy sides, it is possible (however unprobable) that someone could slip her hand in under the flap and lift something from the purse.

Conclusion
I like the idea, but this design doesn’t quite make it.