Guadalupe bag

January 21, 2021

I saw so many of these gorgeous Guadalupe bags on Facebook over the Christmas holiday that I really wanted to try it too!

Everyone was saying how beautiful and easy/fast it was to make. Plus that came as a free pattern from the designer Sammie Valencia, so I was sold.

I had cut all the pieces on New Year's day and starting the assembly shortly after.

As often, I was put off by picking/cutting and using the interfacing so I parked the exterior pieces while I was constructing the lining.

The pattern doesn't have instructions to add pockets but Sammie's website does. That was my first time making a pocket with a faux leather overlay too!

I started working on it again at the beginning of last week to add the straps connectors, only to take them off the following day (and to realise I had cut 2 but needed 4....) as it looked awful...

Strolling through YouTube, I found this great video for hidden straps connectors and that gave such a nicer look.

With those done, it didn't take very long to finish the bag completely. The only difficulty I had was with the topstitching around the top of the bag, especially over the side seams. My machine really didn't like the thickness there.

I really love the look of it and the tweed accent on the outside. I also tried to make a tassel for the first time and I think it looks great.

It is quite a roomy bag with a sturdy base too.

Now I made this bag to gift it to my auntie who sent us a lovely box of goodies from home for Christmas since we couldn't get back. It was such a thoughtful and nice surprise to receive it that I thought I'd make her thank you present. It has been ready to go until Sunday but I must admit, I haven't yet been able to part with it.... soon!