Sallie Tomato Novak Purse

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I noticed this pattern on the Sallie Tomato Facebook page and immediately fell in love with it.  I am a huge procrastinator so at the 99th hour I decided I would make this as a gift for a friend.  I prefer making and giving gifts as opposed to giving cash or a gift card even though it would be much much cheaper 😂.

Sallie Tomato Novak Purse

How I Did It

I am endeavoring to use what is in my stash.  I had planned to one of my pattern of the month club patterns, but felt it would take way to long to complete since I only started working on the bag about 2 days before it was needed.  I ended up purchasing this pattern after seeing another sewer's version on the Sallie Tomato Facebook page.

  • Fabric

    • For the exterior, I used a light weight canvas fabric that was in my stash that I got from Hobby Lobby sometime ago.
    • I used a quilting cotton for the interior and one part of the straps.
    • The teal accent is cork that I bought from Sallie Tomato some time ago.

  • Pattern Adjustments

    • Initially I wanted to use leather straps but realized I did not have enough strapping so I had to improvise.
    • I interfaced the quilting cotton and added headliner (substitution for foam).  Then I used cork as an accent to cover the raw edges of the quilting cotton.  I really like the rounded edges of the leather straps in the pattern photo and tried my best to imitate it with the cork.
    • I bought a Kam Press Bag-Making "package" an all the supplies were silver. Because I could find the size D rings that I needed, I used 1" instead.  I was bound and determined to use my Kam Press on this purse 😂.
    • I waxed both the exterior and interior fabric.
    • I added feet to the purse bottom.
    • I found some "handmade" buttons that have been in my stash forever and added one to the front of the bag.

  • Some Construction Pictures












  • Some Finished Pictures














Conclusion

This bag was really easy to sew and they have a YouTube video for it.  I really love the style of this bag.

Because I made so many mistakes and did not have time to fix them I gave myself an out - I told myself it was a sample bag and that it was still giftable.  The top stitching is horrible.

I wish it was an inch or two bigger, but I can make that adjustment the next time I make it.  The only real struggle I had was trying not to catch the zipper tab in the seams.  I can't tell you how many times I had to rip out the seams but in all honesty I was exhausted and in a rush when I was sewing.

What's Next

Have a couple things that I need to start and complete.

  • Baby blanket
  • Dress
  • Jogger and Top
I have about a week to get it all done and I am sure I may get one done - hopefully.


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