One of my favourite bag pattern designers is Vanessa Ramirez of LBG Studio! I have already made a few of her patterns before including the London Backpack, the Double Zip Pouch and also the Double Zip Crossbody, all of which have gone down a treat with my customers.
London Backpack
Double Zip Pouch
Double Zip Crossbody bag
Her patterns are so well written and detailed, with plenty of scope for adding your own stamp to the design and experimenting with different fabrics, plus they always turn out perfectly first time - which is how I would expect a good bag pattern to be! So I was very happy to test Vanessa's latest pattern, the Lexie Foldover Bag!
The pattern gives instructions to make a small and large version, with a myriad of mix and match features to choose from. For my first test, I chose the larger bag option so that I could feature this magnificent dinosaur canvas "Esoterra" by Katarina Roccella across the width of the bag.
The bag is deceptively roomy, measuring 13" wide x 8" tall when folded and 13" wide x 13" tall when opened. It has a hidden slip pocket beneath the flap, plus a zipped pocket and a further two slip pockets inside. The top of the bag folds over like a flap and is held in place with a magnetic snap.
I chose copper metal hardware to highlight the hints of pink that run through the fabric and faux tan leather corner accents for the front. The bag closes with a wide zip with copper zipper pull.
There are a couple of detachable strap options too making this such a versatile bag - I chose a leather shoulder strap and a wristlet strap which can be swapped over simply by clipping them onto the d-rings on the bag. You can also carry the bag by hand like an oversized clutch bag or tucked under your arm.
I also tried out the smaller version of Lexie which in my view is more of a medium sized clutch bag, measuring a generous 11" wide x 7" tall when folded. For this one I chose the stunning Juliet Rose canvas from Rifle Paper Co, teamed up with a deep grey faux leather. I've called her the "Bella Rosa" fold over clutch bag.
I went for a full accent panel across the base with a deep slip pocket to the front, fastening closed with a magnetic snap.
I installed a neat welt zip pocket on the back, the perfect size for your phone.
And two slip pockets inside.
