Amy Butler’s newest handbag pattern, The Birdie Sling, is by far the most popular pattern in the store. Last week I finally had a chance to make a sample for the store. After the fabulous results of combining Heather Bailey Pop Garden fabric with an Amy Butler pattern I decided to do it again.

This time I used the “Peonies” in red for the main bag and “Sway” in ivory for the upper bands and handle.

The pattern went together for me much better this time than it did when I was teaching it for the first time last month. I also made one modification to the pattern directions. The pattern calls for fusible fleece to be applied to the lining pieces. We did that the last time and I liked the results but I wanted to see what it would be like unpadded. The fleece lining does give it a nice body and adds a layer of protection for your belongings. Without the fleece the bag is more like a tote bag. I think it works either way.

I’ve been working diligently on putting together my fall schedule of classes. I’ve decided due to the popularity of this bag to add it as a class. If you’re interested please drop me a line and let me know what fits your schedule best and I’ll see what I can do to get some times on the schedule that meet those requests. I’m also working on new classes for holiday projects. Quick and easy gift and decorating ideas.

 
Sometimes you find things that are just supposed to go together. Like Amy Butler’s Gum Drop Pillow pattern and Heather Bailey’s Pop Garden, Pop Daisy fabric.
   
Isn’t it just cool as cool beans how the pattern creates a kaleidescope like pattern? It took some careful planning and cutting to get everything to line up just so but the effort was well worth it for these results. Even with the extra care needed to get every piece cut precisely this project didn’t take that long at all. Probably just a hair over 2 hours from start to finish. (I really intended to mark the time but got so into what I was doing that I forgot!) Honestly, the stuffing took longer than the sewing.

This is the second pillow/ottoman I’ve made from this pattern. Yesterday afternoon I decided to make the larger (24″) size out of some Amy Butler home dec. fabric. It went together so quick that I decided to make the smaller one with the Heather Bailey fabric this morning.