Creativity abounds!

I am so thrilled that I am finally getting some craft things done. The first thing I worked on was these bags. I only planned to make one, but made a minor mistake by using what was supposed to be interior lining as the handles for the large bag. I had completed the handles and realized they were too short for the bag, so I made the correct handles for the large bag. This left me with an extra pair of handles, so I had no choice but to make another bag, right? Luckily the pattern came with a pattern for a smaller version of the same bag, which my pre-made handles fit perfectly. So I made two. The first bag has a pink moire interior, and as I found out, the interior pocket edges frayed too easily (one wash) so I tried a different approach for the second bag, and bought a blue moire interior which I liked better. Successful completion of this project has started me on several other projects, interrupted by a few quick projects for Easter (more on that). Stay tuned for a quick pattern review.

Pattern Review: Simplicity 8331
I have had this pattern forever. I bought some unique fabric online from an independent designer in Australia and new I wanted to make a bag. I decided to first make a bag out of another fabric in order to learn the pattern. I made pattern 'C' which is the dark blue and the green with blue flower bag in the photos. For my second smaller bag I used pattern 'D' which is the plaid bag. There is a smaller version pattern 'E' which I did not attempt.

Obviously I ran into one problem when I made the interior lining into handles instead of the handles. I could say it is confusing as both the handles and top interior lining are about the same width. (The interior of the bag suggests using 3 or so inches of the exterior fabric at the top of the interior lining, and then attaching the remainder of the interior lining. So you have two different fabrics in the lining, I suppose so at a glance with the closed bag you only see snatches of the interior fabric) but the patterns are clearly marked as 'handles' on the pattern. So, you have to actually READ the pattern peices?

The other issue I had was with the corners. After two bags and four corners, I still do not understand what they wanted, and I'm not sure it is any easier or stronger than just squaring the corners. But in the end, I got two nice looking sturdy bags.

Do I recommend this pattern? Yes. Would I make another bag with this pattern? Yes. But I won't use my precious Australian fabric on this pattern. I'll save that for another.