Amy Butler Sophie Carry All

As is standard in law firms, I work with more than one attorney.  I am very fortunate in that, at this time, I only have two assignments (they keep me plenty busy, that's for sure).  For my female associate, I chose the Sophia Carry-all.  I chose Amy Butler fabric for the exterior and lining.  The exterior is a home dec from the Nigella line and the lining is from Belle.  As hard as it is for me to cut into Amy Butler fabrics, I had no problem with cutting into these because this attorney shops on Etsy!

I came across some tags, so I sewed one onto on of the interior pockets.

I followed this pattern to the letter.  As is standard with Amy Butler bag patterns, it went together without a hitch. Everything was well explained and illustrated.  I, of course, clipped curves to make life easier.  I did improvise with materials, however.    For the false bottom, I used the needlepoint plastic sandwiched in between two layers of Peltex (or maybe it's Timex--whichever one hasn't been discontinued).

I also added my customary key ring holder (I can't be the only one that loses my keys in my bags, am I?)

Here's a shot of the interior of the bag.  The instructions have you lay the false bottom in the bottom of the bag.  When I make this bag again (and I will), I'll put the false bottom under the lining and tack it down in there.

And, as if that wasn't enough personalization, I added feet since this is a light colored bag.  Even the zipper went in without a hitch.

The bag looks a little lob sided in this picture, but I assure you it's not.  I just do a poor job of stuffing bags with tissue paper. 

To say the bag was well received would be an understatement.  Her reaction was so fully.  It was clear that she loved the bag at first sight.  Then realization.  Her exact words were "Did you?  Is this?  Did you make this?"  So funny.  I have no doubt that this bag was on it's way to Albany the next day.  She also made mention of using it as a mini-diaper bag when her little one is born.  It was a happy moment for both of us.  I'm glad I decided to make this bag for her. I was struggling with ideas for quite some time.  When I told her that I was making baby shower items, she stated that she found handmade gifts to be more thoughtful and that's when I decided that handmade gifts for this special lady were in order.  I learned that she shopped on Etsy and that her mom sews after she opened her gift.  I only broke one needle during the construction of this bag.  Oh yeah, and I stabbed myself with a pin.  Ouch.