If only there were time for me to make EVERYONE on my list a Christmas gift (and a Christmas gift they would love), I would be very happy. Alas, that is not the case. The gift for my brother is on its way from Amazon as we speak. Everyone in our families (mine and my husband’s) tend (are usually requested) to provide people with lists of things they would like. This is not mandatory, but highly recommended. If someone does not provide you with a list, then it’s pretty much open season. But if someone gives you a list and you don’t buy something off it, well, it’s like registering when you get married for all the stuff you really need, only to have people get you things you will never use (now, where did I put that glass compote? what the heck is a compote anyhow???).

In this case, my sister-in-law rarely has anything she really wants or needs or asks for, putting her squarely in the open season category. So, not knowing a whole lot about her tastes (having spent very little time together since we have never lived close), I opted to make something I have been wanting to make and that I thought she might possibly be able to find some use for. Enter the Patchwork Handbag with(out) Zipper Charm from Amy Butler’s In Stitches book.



As usual, the Amy Butler pattern produces a high-quality, professional-looking end product. But, oh, the hand-stitching of the lining thing is getting old with her patterns. Also, I found some of the instructions kind of cryptic as far as how to get the bottom assembled. I would have appreciated a little bit of why-we-are-doing-this and I would have probably done it right the first time. Oh well. All’s well that ends well.



The patchwork panels on the sides were assembled primarily out of scraps from my new hoard of stuff my mother sent me. Eagle-eyed readers will notice that the main fabric is leftover Drawing Room fabric from the Weekender Bag I made my sister for Christmas.



Oh. And I did not make the zipper charm. Just didn’t have it in me.

I hope she likes it!!