Bridget's Bagettes by Atkinson Designs--a pattern review

I found this pattern at my LQS about 6 mos ago now.  I tucked it away and forgot all about it until I needed wanted to make a pencil case.  Of course I totally forgot where I stashed it so it took me about 20 mins to find it.  Then it took me another 10 to figure out what I did with the huge remnant of vinyl I bought eons ago.  

Once I located all the materials I got started.  I didn't have fusible fleece but I did have a lightweight fusible interfacing which worked just fine, in fact, I think the fleece might be overkill for this project.  

I will say that if you rely on words WITH the diagrams you may be a little lost.  There were a couple steps that took me forever to figure out, whether it was because I started this at 1030 PM or because I'm incredibly dumb or I tried to make it harder than it was but I'll try to clarify the steps in question without giving away the entire pattern.  

A couple words of caution, the vinyl WILL melt if it comes into contact with the iron.  If you need to flatten your vinyl put it on your ironing board, cover it with a piece of fabric, make a couple quick, light passes then put the warmed vinyl under a ruler for it to cool and flatten out.  I've done this method a few times when using vinyl for projects.  Also, put some paper under the vinyl as you pass it through your sewing machine, you'll curse and bitch up a storm if you don't.  

Now, onto the pattern review!

Cost: $6.50

Materials: 2 Fat Quarters, 3 14" zippers, fusible fleece, lightweight fusible interfacing,  & clear vinyl.  

Special tools: Zipper foot, walking foot, tissue paper, Clover Wonder Clips (optional but HUGE help)

Notes: you can very easily get away with using a 9" zipper and two 12" zippers.  There is NO need for such excess zipper, the pattern uses the leftovers to create a zipper pull which honestly, is not needed.  

There are several diagrams but the wording can be poor at times.  There are also some extra steps that an individual experienced with zippers can easily combine.  The most confusing step comes at the very end when you're putting the backing/binding on.  The diagram shows it correctly, the wording is lacking for clear explanation of the step.  You find the centers of both the front and back, with right sides together line up your center marks and match the raw edges of the top and bottom edges.  The fabric will appear bunched in between but this is OK!  This will give you the appearance of binding on the top and bottom edges when you turn the pouch right side out.  

I did the simple corners, which really are super simple.  This is where the Wonder Clips come in handy!  They work SO well to hold the folds in place while you stitch the sides down.  

This is the finished pouch!

A couple things I might change if I make it again, I'd consider using a medium weight interfacing for stability where fusible fleece is used.  I used a lightweight fusible but the medium weight might be a better choice if you want it more rigid.  I'd also use a thicker vinyl.  I think the remnant I bought was something like 50 cents so the price was right but it might be too thin for this project. 

Once I got past my own hangups on this pattern I'd definitely make this again.  In fact, I'm hoping to go get some thicker vinyl and make a couple more!

Fabrics are Out to Sea by Sarah Jane for Michael Miller fabrics.  Very cute stuff!