Regina Phalange means Business!

[Please note, this blog post includes my affiliate link for Sincerely Jen Patterns, indicated by an asterisk * after the link. I receive a small percentage from the seller if you purchase this sewing pattern using my affiliate link.]

There's a new pattern in town and her name is Regina Phalange*! You know who I mean right? She's that elusive businesswoman alias used by Phoebe in Friends!

This month, I got to test out this latest pattern from Sincerely Jen Patterns*. She can be a handbag, a tote or a traveler size - whatever suits your requirements. I made the smallest version which is not actually that small, measuring 11" wide x 9 3/4" tall and 4 1/2" deep! Perfect as an everyday handbag for carrying all your essentials. Wait until you see all the pockets!

Firstly, this pattern is ideal for showing off a favourite fabric, like this stunning quilting cotton "Camont" by Rifle Paper Co. The accent fabric I've used here is a durable dry oilskin, which is meant to have a worn appearance and is water repellent. 

The front, full width pocket zipped pocket can be accessed from either side, no matter which way you are carrying the bag. Clever huh?

The back of the bag has a hidden slip pocket secured with rivets on either side to prevent it from gaping open. 

The sides of the bag feature long strap connectors which are not only stylish, but also help prevent the detachable shoulder strap from dragging under the weight of the bag contents.

The base of the bag is a neat oval shape, reinforced with a thicker layer of interfacing. 

Ok, let's take a look inside this beauty! The Regina Phalange* has a recessed top zipper which opens out wide for easy access. That sweet peacock feature on the zipper tab was completely unintended! I chose the "Boscage" map fabric by Katarina Roccella for Art Gallery Fabrics for the lining. 

It has a wide zipped pocket for storing valuable items with a smart zipper overlay which needs to be in a raw edge fabric like faux leather. In all the years I've been making bags, this was my first time trying out this technique and it was surprisingly easier than I expected to install! No faffing with cutting out the usual zipper 'window' on the lining, Jenny's step by step instructions ensure a professional and neat looking result!  

The other side of the interior has two slip pockets for small items like tissues, sunglasses or hand sanitiser. 

And then we come on to that nifty full width dividing zipped pocket! With a two way zipper, it is secured to the sides and base of the interior. A surprise new technique to construct and one that I'll definitely want to try again! 

If you're looking for a juicy new bag project to try out unique techniques, the Regina Phalange bag* will tick all your bagmaking boxes! Oh and it is domestic machine friendly too!  

As for this one-of-a-kind beauty, she'll be coming with me to my next in-person event as I like to have at least one wow-factor bag to draw in the crowd! After that, if she is still available, I'll be adding her to my Shop!