Nice bag!

I love ByAnnie patterns and have made several of her bags. I think the labels for the bags are done well. You can mix up an A or a B, but when the pieces are named for what they are ( i.e., “strap interfacing”), it makes everything perfectly clear. And the labels are logically grouped for each part of the construction. Not simple, but neither are her bags, which is why we love them.

Annie Unrein has several classes on Bluprint, for making several of her bags. Perhaps you would do better to sew along with a step-by-step class until you get used to her pattern style.

sewbizgirl - The bag pattern she had trouble with was not a ByAnnie pattern. It was by Nancy Green and distributed by the Annie's catalogue. I used to confuse this all the time, so it's kind of refreshing that I'm not alone in having done that. :-)

I think she just letting people know that byannie.com bag patterns are well written if you want good instructions hers are the best. I don't think she was saying the ladies bag was a by annie pattern. Just giving a resource for those who want well written bag patterns. Annie unrein is also super sweet if you have any questions. I have all her craftsy classes. She is awesome

Thanks for the review. I’ve been thinking if making a cross-body bag, but it wouldn’t be that one! The first bag I made was marked as a beginner pattern. It took me (who’s been sewing for years) and my daughter (an engineer) all afternoon. The pattern was awful. There were no drawings or pictures, only words describing what to do. And after all that, the handles were on wrong.

I have often said that some patterns have to have been developed and/or written by someone who had never sewn a stitch, probably never seen a sewing machine! :-D
But good for you! Bag looks good and you persevered!

I really appreciate your pattern review! It's so nice to know that even experienced sewers can be confused by inadequate instruction (and it's not just me!).

Very nice bag and absolutely love your fabrics you used.

I'm sorry... I assumed this was the bag you were talking about:

https://www.byannie.com/patterns/pur...crossbody-case

I don't know anything about the other designer and her patterns. Sorry you had trouble.

Annie has come out with 2.0 versions of some of her older patterns. They are updated with better instructions and more illustrations. And she offers the many classes on Bluprint for those who still have trouble using just pattern instructions.

I've made two of her cosmetics organizers, one for my daughter and one for my DIL. I want one for me! They are so cool. I also have recently made her "Catch All Caddy", which is my favorite bag ever! I use it for my knitting bag. Tons of great pockets and compartments.

Thanks for giving me an alternative designer. I looked at her website. She has nice patterns. Good to know that they are easier to follow and come out nice.