Problems with a Purse

My new quilt guild offers monthly workshops/lessons taught by members. The upcoming October lesson is making a cross body purse. The pattern is called "Charade". It's by a company called "Sallie Tomato".  I have only made some simple rectangular, quilted bags for hauling stuff, I've never messed with a purse, and pockets, and zippers. I thought they were a bit fussy - well, actually, I wasn't sure I could do it. 

But I like the instructor, she's become a good friend. The price is reasonable. So.... I signed up for the class. And, oh my....I might actually learn something!

Then I realized I wouldn't be here for the class! The instructor insured me that the pattern comes with great instructions, and with my sewing background I would have no trouble. She also said that she was only a phone call away. And then, she even offered a pre-class get together for several of us to cut the various fabrics, backing and foundations. 

Our instructor provided a kit that included the black "pleather" for the purse corners and straps. We had to provide the fabric. I looked through my stash and found this great mushroom fabric. It was only when I got to the cutting session that I realized what I had was truly a bunch of scraps. I had to pick and choose pieces to get enough for the pieces of the purse. 

I snipped, and cut, and turned, and laid out the pattern to snip and cut some more. 

When I got home, and got back to working on the purse, I realized, Oh Horrors! I had cut the front and the back the wrong way. Yikes! Somehow in all of the maneuvering of fabric to get it all cut out of my scraps, I mis-cut the "cut on fold" piece. I had two pieces that ought to be one. Oops.

This is where my years of experience in sewing supported me. OK...I cut the fabric in the middle....therefore, what if I covered that cut with another piece of fabric?

What if I put some interesting embroidery, that I can do with one of my machines,  on that "inset"? 

Folks would think I purposely placed the embroidered pieces on my purse! 

Ta da! The panels look great! 

Following the great instructions in the pattern, the zippered pockets were created with ease.

The purse came together....

and I think it looks great! 

I love it!

I'm not as reluctant to try another pattern.