Mail Sack Pattern From Pink Chalk Studio

A while ago, Kathy from Pink Chalk Studio asked me to test out one of her upcoming patterns, the Mail Sack. I was thrilled. I love to sew but don't always stretch myself unless I have an important project requiring me to do so. Thus, I was happy to be asked and to have a deadline. Didn't it turn out great?

I love this design and pattern! Here's why:

* Easy to understand instructions. Really. It's not like other independent patterns from artists who have a great idea but complicated instructions. Kathy probably did a great job initially on her instructions but took advice from her first set of testers, made adjustments, and then did a second round of testing in which I participated, and it was smooth sailing for me - even the inside zipper pocket instructions got me there on my first try. She has good illustrations, too.

* Great design. I'm not as thin as Kathy, and I'm all about proportions. Generally, that keeps me from thinking anything looks good on me! However, this bag is nicely sized, lies flat against my side, and the shoulder strap is shaped such that in lies smooth on the shoulder area and doesn't feel like a rope yanking into your neck! I can move about easily, and it doesn't even feel like I have anything extra on. I traveled all around Washington, DC, last month on a field trip, and I never had to worry about my purse or tire of carrying it, as this bag was my fashionable but silent friend -- and it covers up the tummy nicely as well! (I have a number of pictures of me with my bag in DC, however, they are on the laptop, a virus arrived earlier in the week, and we are working on recovering those photos! Drats! I'll have to get the kids to take another of me over the weekend.)

* Versatile. Okay, Kathy said she could drive with hers on. Well, I found another great advantage to the size and wear of the purse. Should you go into a ladies' room that doesn't have an appropriate spot to hang your bag, this one doesn't get in the way, if you know what I mean!

So, take a click over to Kathy's Pink Chalk Studio and read her version of the bag. She has also set up a new web shop, which I haven't explored yet, but it looks like a place where I can get into trouble.

Welcome to all the visitors who have jumped over here from the Pink Chalk Studio to see my completed bag. You can see the marvelous looks you can achieve by playing with all sorts of fabrics. I used decorator fabrics on the outside and quilt-quality fabrics on the inside. The next time I make this, I am going to monogram it.

Hope to see you all here again, and I hope to test another round for Kathy one day!