Crafturday- A Recessed Zipper Purse

I passed a major sewing milestone this week- I made my first recessed zipper purse.

I started with this "curvy bag" tutorial, and then found several guides to creating recessed zippers elsewhere online (just google "recessed zipper tutorial" if you're interested. People have different presentations but the basic principles are all the same).

It's not perfect; the lining is a little warped because of an interfacing mistake, and the zip ends are messy, but overall I'm very happy with how it turned out. I used fusible fleece on the outside and a thinner interfacing on the lining. In the future I would use a layer of thin interfacing as well as the fusible fleece on the exterior just to give it that extra bit of bulk. I tested it with my wallet, phone, keys- even a book- and it held up fine with all that stuff, so I know it will be a great purse as-is too.

But this one I'm giving way to someone, because it's really not my style.  It's a fun print- from the "Las Senoritas" line from Alexander Henry- but it's not really me.

I used a little less than a yard of fabric; you can get away with a 1/2 yard if you don't fussy cut the design like I did. It may not be my style exactly but it did come out cute!

I already have a couple of fabrics in mind for the next time I make this pattern. Can't wait!