Be My Buttercup

Sometimes I think I am on another planet to most other people - and yesterday when I discovered the 'Buttercup Bag' by Rae Hoekstra I was quite certain of it.  I found hundreds of beautiful examples of this bag which is possibly also due to it being a free download that was first published five years ago!  The other bonus of this pattern is that you can make it out of two fat quarters (yard).  One for the outer and one for the lining.

So last night I cut out, and this morning I sewed together my own buttercup bag.  I used some essex linen in 'pewter' (again) and a small floral print from 'The Ladies Stitching Club' by Liesl Gibson.

It is a great pattern - simple and stylish.  There is room for interpretation, I added some faux piping.  I also interfaced the lining and fused thin pellon to the outer and strap.  I also sewed the strap into the top seam, leaving about 1/2" of the strap hanging inside the seam.  I've found with previous bags that this makes the handle stronger.

Next time I might make it an inch or so longer and add a zip.  There are some alterations written about here.

I photographed my bag on my oak china cabinet - inherited from my Nan - and the tins behind are from the Robert Gordon 'Liberty' range from Australia.  I love the china in this collection!