Bag Making: Spring Market 2016

So this week I got to make a bag (or I should say clutch) for the Spring 2016 International Quilt Market in Utah! I believe this is my fourth time making a Swoon bag to be displayed at the market and it's always fun to get to play with some pretty fabrics from a new line and to keep an eye out for it in pictures from the market scenes that blow up social media.

So for this market, I made the Dakota Tablet Clutch by Swoon (of course Swoon! I haven't made a non-Swoon bag for years now!). Sadly, this was my first time making Dakota and I have no idea why I hadn't made her before! Isn't she darling???

The fabrics I was sent to make her with are Free Spirit Fabrics from their Noteworthy line. I feel like they are perfect for a spring Dakota!

As the title of the pattern implies, this is a clutch designed to hold your tablets. The original size of the pattern pieces create a final clutch measuring 10" tall by 8" wide, but you can also print the pattern at a smaller scale for a snugger fit for smaller tablets. I made the original size and you can see my kindle peeking out above has more than enough room.  

This pattern is very beginner friendly, but it is also a highly gratifying project for the experienced bag maker who wants to take a break from their normal, more complex bags for some fun, more instant gratification. And though it is an easier design, Alicia's (Swoon's designer) brilliant, unique style still shines though with the optional contrasting exterior overlay and the functional back handle. Plenty of interfacing is required, as well, to safely cushion your tablet. 
 

Well have I convinced you yet to make her???  If not, I should add that this pattern is FREE!!! Seriously, go pick her up and make one today, either for yourself or as a gift. They would make an excellent graduation gift, which is coming up soon! Happy Sewing all and if you are headed to the quilt market, be on the lookout for Dakota! :)

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