I’ve had my fabrics picked out for this bag pretty much the moment I saw its release as the April Bag for the Bag of the Month Club. The Manhattan bag comes in 2 sizes: the larger Mamma size, and a smaller Miss size. The pattern is from Emmaline Bags, and is the first Emmaline pattern with diagrams. I love the new format! There were still some pictures to help explain some trickier parts. 

About the bag: I made the Mamma size and love it as an everyday purse. The adjustable strap can be longer and worn cross body, or shorter as a shoulder bag. For me, the defining feature of this bag is the flap. It’s a zippered pocket! I tried something new and used my zipper tape from Paccana and a couple zipper pulls to create a 2-way double pull zipper for this. The flap has 2 magnetic snaps on the underside to help secure the inner bag’s belongings. The pattern includes an optional glasses case that is meant to sit (with hook and loop) in the flap. I left it out for this one, but I may give it a try on my next one. 

There is a zippered exterior pocket on the back; perfect for keys and other items you need to keep handy, yet safe.

Another unique feature of this bag is the front exterior pocket. The top of the pocket sits under the flap, so it is a pseudo-closed pocket. It’s nice and deep. I think I’ll use it for my phone!

The lining calls for a slip pocket, and suggests using the same method on the back exterior zippered pocket for additional lining pockets. 

Interfacing: I used Pellon Shapeflex throughout and Pellon Thermolam fusible fleece as called for in the pattern. I added Pellon Craft Fuse to my lining for extra firmness. 

Fabric: Fabric Spark has a selection of fabric that matches my tastes perfectly! The main fabrics are Echino linen blends: the Buck and Dots for the flap and front, and the Birds and Chevron for the exterior. For the lining fabric, I wanted to match the hot pink in the glasses on the buck, so I emailed Daryl at Fabric Spark and asked her if she could help me find a perfect pink. I had narrowed it down, but just wasn’t sure if the colours on my monitor were a true match. She sent me this picture with a few matches, and I thought long and hard about the decision, but finally chose Alison Glass’s Lucky Penny Bike Path. This isn’t the first time Daryl has gone the extra mile for my order, and yet another reason I continue to support this wonderful Canadian shop.

Review: I really love this bag! The pattern is so well written, I didn’t have any hiccups or need any help with it. The zippered flap had me a bit nervous that installing the zipper on the curve wouldn’t turn out, but it did! The diagrams in the pattern were so clear, and the few pictures in it were helpful as well. I appreciated the placement markings in the pattern pieces. I find the Mamma size to be perfect to carry everything you need, plus a bit of extra room for other items that are nice to have. It’s such a functional bag! I’ll definitely be making more. I think the bag could be made a confident beginner. The pattern is currently only available as a set with the Bag of the Month Club, but will be available individually in July.