Leopard and Pink Handbag....Ooh La La!!

(Affiliate Links in this post)

I'm excited to share with you my 2nd attempt at the Sugar and Spice Handbag from Christine over at ChrisW Designs.  It is a perfect bag for the intermediate sewist who is looking to learn a few new technique, like...

• adding rivets
• using hardware
• adding a zipper closure
• adding piping

For me, I was looking forward to adding the piping, as I chickened out on my 1st Sugar and Spice Bag.  It was actually easier than I though it would be.  Let's check it out!

The piping was easy to add around the pockets, but when it came to the top edge, I began to get a little frustrated.  I guess I should mention that this is a concealed carry purse, so I have a few extra layers on the back side.  This made adding the piping a little more difficult.  It would have been a breeze otherwise.  If you are clueless about piping and do not even know where to begin, then I recommend Christine's tutorial HERE.  She shows you how to make your own piping, but I chose to go the easy route and buy piping that is already made.  Thank heavens they had the perfect color and size for my project!

Janelle from Emaline Bags has the cutest metal labels!!! 

This lining is so cute, but it frays like the dickens!  That also made sewing in the piping even more difficult, but somehow it turned out just fine.

Check out those zipper ends!  That was a first for me too, but they are super easy to install and look very professional.  Janelle carries those in her shop too.  (I'm not an affiliate of Emmaline Bags, it is just that she has the cutest hardware AND she has items you cannot find anywhere else.)  She is in Canada though, so just remember that when planning a new project. 

OF COURSE, like I said, this is a gun bag.  I altered the pattern and created two hidden zippers on the back exterior that open up to the gun pocket.  It is lined with Velcro so that your gun can be placed in a holster and then securely attached in the pocket.

I highly recommend this pattern, along with ALL of Christine's patterns.  If you are wanting to learn how to sew bags, check out her store and either try out some of her free patterns or try a beginner pattern.  You will not regret it!  :)


Thanks for stopping by and STAY TUNED!!  My current project involves adding FRINGE to Christine's Bella Bag.  I'm giddy about it!  You can follow my blog by clicking on any of my social links up near my header.

I'll be linking up to THESE great LINKY PARTIES!

Blessings,