Sewing Patterns by Mrs. H Review

I always enjoy discovering new designers and patterns. I recently discovered Sewing Patterns by Mrs. H. I have already added a few to my wishlist! Today, we have Denita's review of the Gentleman's Wallet and Kim and Erica's Reviews of the Bow Pleat Purse. 

Hi it’s Denita from HattieLu Handmade! Hope you’re enjoying the last few days of July. Don’t you feel that summer just flew by? Today, I’m reviewing The Gentleman’s Wallet Pattern from Sewing Patterns by Mrs. H.

Whose little boy needs a wallet to carry his milk money for school? Or whose husband has a wallet from ancient times? The Gentleman’s Wallet is a great beginner pattern for anyone! It is an excellent way to let your husband or son express their personality.

The Gentleman’s Wallet offers four card slots, one ID pocket, two full width bill pockets, and two hidden slot pockets. The instructions are well written with lots of photographs to help the beginner along. If you’re a pro, skip to pages 14-18 for written only instructions. There are no pattern pieces to print for those would love to save on ink! This is a great stash buster pattern since you only need 2 fat quarters.

I made two different wallets. The first, Marvel Avengers, for my middle son. He’s in love with Hulk. I followed the pattern exclusively for this one. The final wallet held its shape well and was soft. The second wallet, John Deere, I deviated from the pattern. I interfaced the entire wallet. The final wallet was very structured. The reason I interfaced the second wallet was to achieve the more structured style wallet. A word of caution if you attempt to make the wallet “stronger”, you need to make sure that the interfacing is not in the seam allowances.

From start to finish, The Gentleman’s Wallet Pattern takes about two to three hours to complete. Most of the time is used cutting out the pattern pieces, folding, and interfacing. The actual sewing is probably only 30-45 minutes of that time.

I’ve already been “commissioned” by my hubby to make a Florida Gators wallet. The Gentleman’s Wallet is great for sports fans toos! I want to see your Gentleman’s Wallet! Post it on our Facebook page!

Until we meet again! Remember, it’s all about the sewing!
Denita

Now over to Kim!

Hi, I am Kim from Kimmie Sew Crazy.  I am excited to introduce and review for you the Bow Pleat Bag by Mrs. H.

The bow pleat bag is only the third bag I have ever sewn.  I think I may be starting to developed a bit of a bag addiction.  They are really so fun to create, but can sometimes also be a bit expensive to create.  The bow pleat is not one of those bags.  This is the perfect starter bag pattern and not so many extras where you are breaking the wallet.  

What's included in the pattern-  This bag pattern offers a basic strap, adjustable strap, zipper pocket, and double open pocket.  The bow can be done in a contrast fabric or matching like mine :).  I used a magnetic snap closure.

Final thoughts,  I will make plenty of these bags.  I plan to participate in my first craft fair this September and the bow pleat will be one of my main items.  The bag just sews up so quick and has a great look.  You can grab this bag in Mrs. H’s shop, and you may also want to grab the girls size along with it.  Of course mom and daughter matching purses are the cutest :)!
My bag was created with home decor fabric that I picked up at Joann’s.  

Keep reading to see Erica's take on the Bow Pleat Purse!

Greetings sewing friends! I got to review to bag Bow Pleat by Mrs. H. This was the first bag I have ever made and it turned out pretty well. I really like it. As far as materials,  I did not use fusible fleece as I had regular fleece interfacing already and just basted that to my pieces instead of the recommended fusible fleece. That turned out fine. It caused no issues putting the bag together. I love the softness of the bag.

I had no problem with the top pleat for but some reason I had a little issue with the bottom pleat lying how I wanted it to. I undid it and messed with it a few times. I recommend marking it initially and you should be fine. I think that is where I went wrong. I marked the top but I didn’t mark the bottom. The bag came together pretty easily overall.  I would’ve liked more pictures for the directions. The directions given are written out for each area and diagrams are drawn to show you what you need to do. I am an extremely visual person so I like pictures for everything.

The directions have you miter the corners and it is described clearly, but I would’ve like more pictures to make sure I did it the right way. I had never mitered before.  The author gives you a link to help with the adjustable strap for more clarity which is nice.  I did the straight strap and no closure so I made it as easy as possible for me to finish. I love the finished bag. It is soft and I love the big bow. I showed my mom and she wants me to make her one now. If you want to try a bag, this is a great bag to try out.